Overview

Goninkan is a five-player trick-taking card game rooted in the Tsugaru region of Japan, brought to Steam by developer and publisher ABch. It blends the structure of a traditional card game with team-based tactics: each round, a trump suit called the "yaku" is chosen, and the players are split into two opposing sides. The player holding the Ace of the trump suit and the player holding the Joker become the two Insiders, while the remaining three players form the Outsiders. From there, both teams compete to capture picture cards — Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces.

Highlights

  • A five-player card game with a Tsugaru, Japan setting, played in teams of two Insiders versus three Outsiders.
  • Each round revolves around a chosen trump suit (the yaku), and the team that captures more picture cards wins — the target number shifts from round to round, with a set lasting up to three rounds.
  • Built for group play with Multi-player support, Steam Achievements, and Family Sharing, and it ships with English, Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese language options.

The core tension comes from the shifting roles. Because the Insiders are defined by who holds the trump Ace and the Joker, your allegiance can change as the yaku changes, so reading the table matters as much as the cards in your hand.

The two Insiders also make decisions together, which adds a layer of coordination to the trick-taking formula. With its casual, board-game-like pacing and lore-rich presentation, Goninkan is aimed at players who enjoy compact card battles with a regional Japanese flavor.

Who It's For

This one suits fans of trick-taking and trading card games who want a team element, as well as groups looking for a casual, turn-based board game night on Steam. Players curious about regional Japanese card traditions will find the Tsugaru inspiration a nice hook.

Game Info

  • Developer / Publisher: ABch
  • Release date: November 6, 2026
  • Genres: Casual, Card Game, Turn-Based Tactics, Team-Based, Board Game
  • Modes: Multi-player
  • Languages: English, Spanish - Spain, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Japanese
  • Steam features: Achievements, Family Sharing

Check the latest Steam listing for current pricing and user reception.