What is "Dining Deck" - PAX East 2025

What is “Dining Deck” – PAX East 2025

As part of our PAX East 2025 coverage, All Ages of Geek had the chance to sit down with the creative minds at GM-Saloon, the indie studio behind Dining Deck a delightful co-op deckbuilding adventure that mixes the culinary chaos of Overcooked with the heartfelt inspiration of films like Ratatouille.

In this interview, we explored how Dining Deck brings families, friends, and players of all ages together, offering a refreshing twist on the idea that games can and should be shared across generations.

Our Interview with GM-Saloon About Dining Deck

What is Dining Deck?

Dining Deck game banner showing two chefs clasping hands over a covered dish, surrounded by flames, cards, and joyful characters, symbolizing teamwork and cooperative gameplay.

Dining Deck is a turn-based cooperative deckbuilder where teamwork is the secret ingredient to success. Instead of relying on fast-twitch reflexes or split-second reactions, the game focuses on coordination, communication, and strategy perfect for players young and old.

In Dining Deck, you and your partner manage a bustling restaurant, balancing the kitchen’s chaos with the demands of picky customers. Every decision counts, from selecting cards to managing appliances and adapting to unpredictable service encounters.

GM-Saloon describes it as “a game for everyone who’s ever wanted to run a restaurant without the mess,” where you build a deck not just to win, but to work in harmony with your co-op partner.

A Game for Kids and Adults Alike

One of the most inspiring parts of our chat with GM-Saloon was their commitment to accessibility and shared play. Dining Deck is designed with intergenerational fun in mind a rare find in today’s gaming landscape.

With its turn-based approach and deckbuilding mechanics, Dining Deck gives players the time to think, plan, and communicate making it approachable for younger gamers while still offering deep strategy for adults and seasoned players.

Inspired by Overcooked and Ratatouille

GM-Saloon credits games like Overcooked and films like Ratatouille for sparking the vision behind Dining Deck. The fast-paced teamwork of Overcooked showed how fun kitchen chaos could be, while Ratatouille inspired the game’s heart, its message that anyone can cook, create, and collaborate.

What to Expect in the Dining Deck Full Release

Dining Deck gameplay screen showing players choosing cards for their decks, featuring colorful ability cards like Fry, Munch Steak, and Drinks On The House, highlighting the cooperative deckbuilding system.

Dining Deck gameplay screen set in an American Diner, showing players managing customer orders, recipe cards, and kitchen tasks in a cooperative turn-based setup.

The full release of Dining Deck promises a feast of features that enhance replayability and creativity:

Real-Time Co-op Deckbuilding – Synchronize your decks and adapt to shifting challenges as you manage both the kitchen and front of house.
300+ Unique Cards – Craft powerful combos, unlock team-based cards, and refine your strategy to perfection.
50+ Appliances – Choose from an array of tools to make your restaurant more efficient, from magical dishwashers to high-speed grills.
Three Distinct Restaurants – Explore American Diners, Asian Cuisine, and Turkish Doner settings, each with its own mechanics.
Dynamic Encounters – Face off against food critics, VIPs, and chaotic dinner rushes where adaptability is key.
Sprinkles & Upgrades – Enhance your deck with custom modifiers, adding a dash of creativity to every card.

Why Dining Deck Stands Out

At its core, Dining Deck is a shared experience. By focusing on collaboration, strategy, and fun, GM-Saloon has created a space where families and friends can reconnect through play.

Dining Deck card selection screen with three cards—Clean Mind, Huddle, and Catharsis—each offering cooperative effects for players to manage energy and teamwork during restaurant service.

From casual gamers to seasoned strategists, Dining Deck encourages players to slow down, think together, and savor the journey. It’s proof that games can be both approachable and deeply engaging a recipe for connection in a fast-paced world.

About GM-Saloon

Founded by a passionate team of developers who believe in the power of play, GM-Saloon is dedicated to crafting games that bring people together. With Dining Deck, they’ve mixed storytelling, strategy, and cooperation into a perfect blend that’s as fun to play as it is heartwarming to share.

Watch our full interview with GM-Saloon to hear how this game came to life, their inspirations behind its charming design, and what’s next for their growing indie studio. Check out Dining Deck on Steam and support them and their amazing vision of togetherness. Discover more All Ages of Geek Event Coverage on our Events page!