VINALHAVEN — Corker, a new board game inspired by Maine’s lobster fishing industry and coastal communities, held its first public playtest this weekend in Vinalhaven.

Hosted at the Vinalhaven Community Brewery, the event brought together island residents, visitors, and local supporters for an early look at the Maine-made strategy game. Corker puts players in the role of lobstermen placing and hauling traps across Maine waters, with gameplay shaped by harbor locations, shifting lobster prices, and the rhythms of a fishing season.

For the game’s creators, holding the first public playtest on Vinalhaven was especially meaningful because the game itself draws heavily from the culture and working life of Penobscot Bay, according to Cindy Wren, of Anchor Point Games, in a news release.

“The whole idea for the game comes from Maine’s working waterfront and the communities connected to it,” said Greg Birgfeld, co-developer of Corker. “To see people here sit down, play it, and respond to it was incredibly meaningful for us.”

The event was hosted by Vinalhaven Community Brewery, a gathering place that has become a hub for island events, celebrations, and community connection, according to Wren. The brewery, now in its fourth year, was founded by Brendan and Bryan, along with their wives Emily and Mae, as a place to share locally brewed beer, food, and time together. Local retailer Go Fish also expressed early enthusiasm for the game.

“When I first saw the message about Corker, my first response was, ‘I have to have that for Go Fish,’” said owner Rachel. “The concept was irresistible. It felt like a perfect fit for my store, my community, and all who visit.”

The public playtest marks an important step in Corker’s development as the creators continue refining the game and planning future events. Feedback from players at the Vinalhaven event will help shape the next phase of design.

People interested in following Corker’s progress, signing up for updates, or learning about future local playtests can visit CorkerTheGame.com.