# Shooter-Inspired Strategy Games The Team Fortress 2 Chess is Perfect for Valve Superfans By Michael Hines | Published 2013-12-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/team-fortress-2-chess-set References: [laughingsquid](http://laughingsquid.com/team-fortess-2-chess-set-features-swappable-hats/) & [thinkgeek](https://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1286/?pfm=Search&t=team) The Team Fortress 2 Chess Set is easily one of the [geekiest gifts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hallmark-1) you can pick up this holiday season. The game features pieces based off of the cult classic shooting game created by [Valve](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dbrand-companion-cube). Although the game has been out quite some time, it still has a loyal following, as evidenced by the creation of the Team Fortress 2 Chess Set. Just like in the game, this chess set pits red versus blue in a fierce battle. Unlike the game, there are no guns, but there are hats that can be taken off and put onto different pieces. Unlike many [custom chess sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mohmaya) recently created, the Team Fortress 2 Chess Set has niche appeal to fans of the series. That being said, this is a niche item done right and one that should please both casual and hardcore fans. The chess set will be available early December and will sell for $119.99. Along with the game board and pieces, those who purchase the chess set will also be given access to in-game downloadable content. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Geek-inspired Chess Sets:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating custom chess sets inspired by popular geek culture. - **In-game Merchandise:** Opportunity for game developers to create unique merchandise that provides access to in-game content. - **Niche Gaming Collectibles:** Opportunity for companies to create collectibles for niche fanbases such as cult classic video games. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming:** Gaming companies can create unique merchandise for their popular games to increase customer engagement and loyalty. - **Collectibles:** Opportunity for collectible companies to appeal to niche fanbases by creating unique and highly detailed items based on popular geek culture. - **Gifts and Novelties:** Companies can create and market unique gifts and novelties that are inspired by popular video games and other entertainment media. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chess-Themed Art Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/checkmate-collection.md) - [Celestial Anti-Conflict Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/another-kingdom-light-stage-chess-set.md) - [Ceramic Chess Seating Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chair-chess.md) - [Luxury Game Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-board-game.md) - [NYC-Inspired Structural Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chess-nyc.md) - [Magical Robotic Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gochess-wizard.md) - [Republic-Honoring Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chess-set-concept.md) - [Building Block Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-tower-chess-set.md) - [Series-Inspired Chess Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-queens-gambit-chess.md)