Alex Wolf, an Omaha-based tabletop game developer, has introduced his latest creation, Cretaceous Rails, a game distinguished by its intricate miniature dinosaurs and volcano pieces. While the game's detailed components contribute to its appeal, they also elevate production costs significantly. As the sole proprietor of Spielcraft Games, Wolf navigates the complexities of manufacturing in China while grappling with recent tariff hikes imposed by the U.S. government. These tariffs have added thousands to his expenses, prompting him to join a lawsuit challenging the legality of the administration’s actions.

Wolf’s journey as a game developer began with testing others' creations but evolved into a full-time venture over the past decade. Now, he faces challenges balancing creativity with economic realities. The cost of producing Cretaceous Rails escalates from $20 per unit (excluding artwork and development) to $50 due to various factors. To maintain affordability, Wolf outsources production to China, where smaller batches can be manufactured efficiently compared to U.S. facilities that demand larger quantities for cost-effectiveness.

This year, President Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports surged to 145%, hitting small developers like Wolf hard. In response to these financial burdens, Wolf aligned himself with other game makers pursuing legal action through the Pacific Legal Foundation. Representing businesses across ten states, this lawsuit contends that the president exceeded executive authority by imposing tariffs without congressional approval, as outlined in the Constitution.

Creighton University law professor Michael Kelly supports the lawsuit, arguing that only Congress holds the power to impose tariffs. He views the president’s invocation of national emergencies—citing issues such as opioid crises or illegal immigration—as a stretch. This marks the first instance where The International Emergency Economic Powers Act is utilized for tariffs, making the lawsuit pivotal in potentially reshaping legal precedents.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Wolf continues to absorb additional tariff costs to ensure his games remain available to customers. Each incoming shipment incurs higher fees, emphasizing the need for resistance against unjustified economic pressures. For Wolf, this struggle underscores the importance of standing up for fair trade practices, even if it means enduring short-term losses, ultimately safeguarding both his business and consumer interests.