Lapeer — Mike Petty is passionate about games. A public school instructional aide by day, Petty is always dreaming up another game in his spare time and putting it together.
And when he’s made one, he’ll often bring it to Axecadia—an arcade and axe-throwing emporium in downtown Lapeer—for friends to try out. His dynamic dice game, O-Zone, was born in a creative burst and then battle-tested on the tables here. It was a hit. Every family should have a copy for the holiday season.
The rules are pretty simple: Throw dice at targets set on a table and whoever is closest wins. There are some other rules that add excitement, but that’s the overview.
The Michigan version is the same, except there are Michigan Weather rules that introduce potholes and a boosted version of the target featuring the woods and deer our great state is known for.
Petty’s family assembles copies of the game when they get together, and Petty doesn’t make much of a profit. For him, it’s not about the money. It’s about getting people together to play.
Despite being hand-designed and largely homemade, the game still costs around $10, a perfect stocking stuffer. The vintage label evokes a simpler time, when games were about being together instead of betting and brawling online.
Unlike most dice games, there is an element of skill. Petty says those who are competitive enough can likely line up a win. At the same time, the scoring is determined by what points come up after a roll.
The miniature-sized bocce is one of Petty’s innumerable ideas. He can’t count how many games he’s come up with at this point. Four of them have been published by game companies, and he hopes someone will do the same with O-Zone.
A larger publisher can take the idea and make it even more affordable for consumers and profitable for creators by bringing down overhead.
In the meantime, you can still find versions of the game online at Petty’s website and at a host of retailers around the state.
If you’re looking for a way to add some spice to the gathering at grandma’s house this holiday season, support a local gamemaker and small businesses, toss the dice toward the target, and see how much fun you can have in the O-Zone.
Brendan Clarey is deputy editor of Michigan Enjoyer.
