diff --git a/assets/images/balatro-planets.png b/assets/images/balatro-planets.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3cbe072
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/images/balatro-planets.png differ
diff --git a/assets/images/balatro-planets.psd b/assets/images/balatro-planets.psd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..816d733
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/images/balatro-planets.psd differ
diff --git a/data/balatro-artwork.json b/data/balatro-artwork.json
index 6b473e6..ecb0b8d 100644
--- a/data/balatro-artwork.json
+++ b/data/balatro-artwork.json
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
   },
   "planetSheet": {
     "key": "balatro-planets",
-    "path": null,
+    "path": "assets/images/balatro-planets.png",
     "frameWidth": 150,
     "frameHeight": 200
   },
diff --git a/src/data/assetManifest.js b/src/data/assetManifest.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d1819d9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/data/assetManifest.js
@@ -0,0 +1,139 @@
+// Per-game asset manifest for lazy loading.
+//
+// Assets listed here are NOT loaded by PreloadScene at startup. Instead,
+// GameRoomScene loads a game's entry (via services/assetLoader.js) the first
+// time the user enters that game; already-loaded keys are skipped, so repeat
+// visits and cross-game shared assets (e.g. the mahjong tiles) are free.
+//
+// Descriptor shape:
+//   { type: 'image'|'spritesheet'|'audio'|'json', key, path, frameWidth?, frameHeight? }
+//
+// A slug's entry is an array of descriptors, a resolver `(scene) => [descriptors]`,
+// or a mixed array of both. Resolvers exist for the drop-in artwork sheets whose
+// paths live in the (always-preloaded) data/*-artwork.json manifests — a null
+// `path` there means "not painted yet" and the game renders procedurally.
+
+// Mahjong tile-label overlays (128×178 transparent PNGs), shared by the
+// traditional Mahjong game and Mahjong Match solitaire. The White Dragon has
+// no art — the scenes draw its traditional empty frame.
+const MAHJONG_TILES = [
+  ...Array.from({ length: 9 },  (_, i) => `bamboo${i + 1}`),
+  ...Array.from({ length: 9 },  (_, i) => `circle${i + 1}`),
+  ...Array.from({ length: 15 }, (_, i) => `pinyin${i + 1}`),
+  'orchid', 'peony', 'chrysanthemum', 'lotus',
+  'spring', 'summer', 'fall', 'winter',
+].map((name) => ({ type: 'image', key: `mahjong-${name}`, path: `assets/images/mahjong/${name}.png` }));
+
+// Drop-in spritesheets declared in a cached artwork JSON. Only entries with a
+// `path` set are returned (until then the game renders procedurally) — the
+// same contract PreloadScene used when it loaded these at startup.
+function sheetsFrom(scene, jsonKey, fields) {
+  const art = scene.cache.json.get(jsonKey);
+  if (!art) return [];
+  const sheets = fields.flatMap((f) => {
+    const v = art[f];
+    return v && typeof v === 'object' && !('key' in v) ? Object.values(v) : [v];
+  });
+  return sheets
+    .filter((s) => s && s.key && s.path)
+    .map((s) => ({ type: 'spritesheet', key: s.key, path: s.path, frameWidth: s.frameWidth, frameHeight: s.frameHeight }));
+}
+
+// Drop-in standalone images declared in a cached artwork JSON's `artwork` array.
+function imagesFrom(scene, jsonKey) {
+  const art = scene.cache.json.get(jsonKey);
+  return (art?.artwork ?? [])
+    .filter((a) => a && a.key && a.path)
+    .map((a) => ({ type: 'image', key: a.key, path: a.path }));
+}
+
+const sheet = (key, path, frameWidth, frameHeight) => ({ type: 'spritesheet', key, path, frameWidth, frameHeight });
+const image = (key, path) => ({ type: 'image', key, path });
+
+export const MANIFEST = {
+  forbiddenisland: [
+    // Tiles: 2 cols (dry, flooded) × 24 rows. Row i → dry frame 2i, flooded
+    // frame 2i+1 (see IslandData.TILE_FRAME_ROW).
+    sheet('forbiddenisland-tiles', 'assets/images/forbiddenisland-tiles.png', 200, 200),
+    // Treasure-deck cards: 4 cols × 2 rows of 320×420 cells. Frame order
+    // documented in IslandData.CARD_FRAME.
+    sheet('forbiddenisland-cards', 'assets/images/forbiddenisland-cards.png', 320, 420),
+  ],
+  catan: [
+    sheet('catan-cards', 'assets/images/catancards.png', 270, 390),
+    sheet('catan-tiles', 'assets/images/catantiles.png', 312, 312),
+    sheet('catan-special-cards', 'assets/images/catan-special-cards.png', 270, 390),
+    image('catan-robber', 'assets/images/catan-robber.png'),
+    image('catan-pirate', 'assets/images/catan-pirate.png'),
+  ],
+  risk: [image('risk-board', 'assets/images/risk-board.png')],
+  jewelquest: [image('bg-jewelquest-battle', 'assets/images/background-jewelquest.png')],
+  dominion: [
+    // Dominion card art. One 270×390 cell per card (art fills the top ~60%;
+    // the title/icon band is drawn at runtime). Optional — the scene falls
+    // back to procedural placeholders when the sheet is absent.
+    sheet('dominion-cards', 'assets/images/dominioncards.png', 270, 390),
+    // Prosperity expansion art (frame order documented in expansions/prosperity.js).
+    // Optional — same procedural fallback applies when the sheet is absent.
+    sheet('dominion-prosperity', 'assets/images/dominion-prosperity.png', 270, 390),
+    // Prosperity token sprites (1 VP, 5 VP, Gold) — 150×150 each.
+    sheet('dominion-tokens', 'assets/images/dominion-tokens.png', 150, 150),
+  ],
+  splendor: [
+    // 28 frames at 270×390. 0-14 = tier×bonus backgrounds, 15-24 = nobles,
+    // 25-27 = deck backs. Frame order documented in SplendorData.js.
+    // Optional — vectors are drawn when absent.
+    sheet('splendor-cards', 'assets/images/splendor-cards.png', 270, 390),
+    // Gems: 6 frames at 64×64. white(0) blue(1) green(2) red(3) black(4) gold(5).
+    sheet('splendor-gems', 'assets/images/splendor-gems.png', 64, 64),
+  ],
+  // Azul tiles: 6 frames at 96×96. blue(0) yellow(1) red(2) black(3) white(4)
+  // first-player(5). Frame order documented in AzulData.js. A placeholder
+  // sheet ships; vectors draw when absent.
+  azul: [sheet('azul-tiles', 'assets/images/azul-tiles.png', 96, 96)],
+  tickettoride: [sheet('ttr-cards', 'assets/images/tickettoride-cards.png', 270, 390)],
+  gofish: [sheet('gofish-cards', 'assets/images/gofish-cards.png', 270, 390)],
+  oldmaid: [sheet('oldmaid-cards', 'assets/images/oldmaid-cards.png', 270, 390)],
+  labyrinth: [
+    // Tile backgrounds: frame 0 = movable, 1 = fixed (corridors are drawn in
+    // code). Treasure overlays & cards share the treasure index as their
+    // frame. All optional — the scene draws vector fallbacks when absent.
+    sheet('labyrinth-tiles', 'assets/images/labyrinth-tiles.png', 200, 200),
+    sheet('labyrinth-treasures', 'assets/images/labyrinth-treasures.png', 100, 100),
+    sheet('labyrinth-cards', 'assets/images/labyrinth-cards.png', 270, 390),
+  ],
+  // Stratego unit art: 12 transparent frames (0=Flag, 1..10=rank, 11=Bomb),
+  // 6 cols × 2 rows. Optional — the scene draws vector glyphs when absent.
+  stratego: [sheet('stratego-pieces', 'assets/images/stratego-pieces.png', 140, 140)],
+  monopoly: [
+    // Pawns: 4 frames (one per seat) at 80×80. Optional — falls back to colored circles.
+    sheet('monopoly-pawns', 'assets/images/monopoly-pawns.png', 80, 80),
+    // Card art: frame 0 = Chance, frame 1 = Community Chest, at 200×300.
+    sheet('monopoly-cards', 'assets/images/monopoly-cards.png', 200, 300),
+  ],
+  puddingmonsters: [sheet('jello-items', 'assets/images/jello-items.png', 132, 132)],
+  mahjong: MAHJONG_TILES,
+  mahjongmatch: MAHJONG_TILES,
+  spireclimb: [
+    image('spireclimb-act1', 'assets/images/spireclimb-act1.png'),
+    image('spireclimb-act2', 'assets/images/spireclimb-act2.png'),
+    image('spireclimb-act3', 'assets/images/spireclimb-act3.png'),
+    (scene) => sheetsFrom(scene, 'spireclimb-artwork', ['cardSheet', 'creatureSheet', 'playerSheets']),
+  ],
+  shift: (scene) => imagesFrom(scene, 'shift-artwork'),
+  slots: (scene) => imagesFrom(scene, 'slots-artwork'),
+  dungeonboss: (scene) => sheetsFrom(scene, 'dungeonboss-artwork',
+    ['roomSheet', 'heroSheet', 'spellSheet', 'bossSheet', 'deckBackSheet', 'iconSheet']),
+  swdbg: (scene) => sheetsFrom(scene, 'swdbg-artwork', ['cardSheet', 'baseSheet']),
+  balatro: (scene) => sheetsFrom(scene, 'balatro-artwork',
+    ['jokerSheet', 'tarotSheet', 'planetSheet', 'spectralSheet', 'voucherSheet', 'packSheet', 'deckBackSheet', 'bossIconSheet']),
+};
+
+// Returns the full (normalized) descriptor list for a slug — including assets
+// that may already be loaded. Callers filter with the loader's cache checks.
+export function resolveGameAssets(scene, slug) {
+  const entry = MANIFEST[slug];
+  if (!entry) return [];
+  const parts = typeof entry === 'function' ? entry(scene) : entry;
+  return parts.flatMap((p) => (typeof p === 'function' ? p(scene) : [p]));
+}
diff --git a/src/games/balatro/BalatroGame.js b/src/games/balatro/BalatroGame.js
index 0e8b0b5..983d39a 100644
--- a/src/games/balatro/BalatroGame.js
+++ b/src/games/balatro/BalatroGame.js
@@ -190,6 +190,12 @@ export default class BalatroGame extends Phaser.Scene {
 
   // ── view plumbing ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
   clearView() {
+    // Some fx (explosion bursts, floaters) can still be mid-tween when a
+    // view swap tears the layers down; destroying their target out from
+    // under a running tween throws, so stop those tweens first.
+    this.tweens.killTweensOf(this.viewLayer.list);
+    this.tweens.killTweensOf(this.handLayer.list);
+    this.tweens.killTweensOf(this.fxLayer.list);
     this.viewLayer.removeAll(true);
     this.handLayer.removeAll(true);
     this.fxLayer.removeAll(true);
@@ -925,7 +931,7 @@ export default class BalatroGame extends Phaser.Scene {
 
   renderDeckThumb() {
     const run = this.run;
-    const x = 1840, y = 150, w = 110, h = 148;
+    const x = 1840, y = 880, w = 110, h = 148;
     const deck = DECK_BY_ID[run.deckId];
     const g = this.add.graphics();
     g.fillStyle(deck.color, 0.9); g.fillRoundedRect(x - w / 2, y - h / 2, w, h, 8);
@@ -1227,6 +1233,22 @@ export default class BalatroGame extends Phaser.Scene {
       this.tweens.add({ targets: sprite, scale: big ? 1.2 : 1.1, duration: 90, yoyo: true });
     };
 
+    // Chips/mult counters grow and shake as they take a hit, settling back
+    // to normal size once the bump passes. Uses angle (not x/y) for the
+    // shake so it doesn't fight the ambient hum-driven position jitter from
+    // update()/_shakeTargets.
+    const bumpStat = (textObj, big = false) => {
+      if (!textObj || !textObj.active) return;
+      this.tweens.killTweensOf(textObj);
+      textObj.angle = 0;
+      textObj.setScale(1);
+      this.tweens.add({ targets: textObj, scale: big ? 2.6 : 2.15, duration: 130, ease: 'Back.easeOut', yoyo: true, hold: 110 });
+      this.tweens.add({
+        targets: textObj, angle: big ? 20 : 15, duration: 35, yoyo: true, repeat: 8, ease: 'Sine.easeInOut',
+        onComplete: () => { if (textObj.active) textObj.angle = 0; },
+      });
+    };
+
     const applyEvent = (ev, silent = false) => {
       if (this._chipsText && this._chipsText.active) this._chipsText.setText(fmtChips(ev.chipsAfter));
       if (this._multText && this._multText.active) this._multText.setText(String(Math.round(ev.multAfter * 100) / 100));
@@ -1236,12 +1258,14 @@ export default class BalatroGame extends Phaser.Scene {
       switch (ev.t) {
         case 'base':
           if (this._handNameText && this._handNameText.active) this._handNameText.setText(`${HAND_BY_ID[ev.handType].name}  lvl.${ev.level}`);
+          bumpStat(this._chipsText); bumpStat(this._multText);
           playSound(this, SFX.CARD_SHOW);
           break;
-        case 'chips': floater(sprite, `+${fmtChips(ev.v)}`, C.chipsHex); pop(sprite); playSound(this, SFX.PIECE_CLICK); break;
-        case 'mult': floater(sprite, `+${ev.v} Mult`, C.multHex); pop(sprite); playSound(this, SFX.PIECE_CLICK); break;
+        case 'chips': floater(sprite, `+${fmtChips(ev.v)}`, C.chipsHex); pop(sprite); bumpStat(this._chipsText); playSound(this, SFX.PIECE_CLICK); break;
+        case 'mult': floater(sprite, `+${ev.v} Mult`, C.multHex); pop(sprite); bumpStat(this._multText); playSound(this, SFX.PIECE_CLICK); break;
         case 'xmult':
           floater(sprite, `×${ev.v}`, '#ffa24f'); pop(sprite, true);
+          bumpStat(this._multText, ev.v >= 2);
           playSound(this, SFX.SCIFI_PLINK);
           if (ev.v >= 2) { this.cameras.main.shake(120, 0.004); this.crt.pulse(0.5); }
           break;
@@ -1270,27 +1294,60 @@ export default class BalatroGame extends Phaser.Scene {
       this.cameras.main.shake(160, score >= this.run.blindChips ? 0.008 : 0.004);
       this.crt.pulse(score >= this.run.blindChips ? 0.8 : 0.4);
       playSound(this, score >= 10000 ? SFX.SCIFI_EXPLODE : SFX.CASINO_BLACKJACK);
-      this._roundScoreOverride = null;
-      if (this._roundScoreText && this._roundScoreText.active) this._roundScoreText.setText(fmtChips(this.run.roundScore));
 
-      this.time.delayedCall(this._skipAnim ? 250 : 900, () => {
-        this._hideUids = null;
-        if (res.destroyedJokers && res.destroyedJokers.length) {
-          this.toast(`${res.destroyedJokers.map((id) => JOKER_BY_ID[id].name).join(', ')} destroyed`);
-        }
-        if (res.outcome === 'blindWon') {
-          this.animating = false;
-          playSound(this, SFX.CASINO_WIN);
-          this.setView('cashout');
-        } else if (res.outcome === 'runLost') {
-          this.animating = false;
-          playSound(this, SFX.CASINO_LOSE);
-          this.onRunOver();
-          this.setView('gameover');
+      const skip = this._skipAnim;
+      // Hold the tally at the played row, then fly it into the round-score
+      // readout on the left bar and detonate on arrival. The new total is
+      // only revealed once the explosion lands.
+      const dwell = skip ? 60 : 550;
+      const flightDur = skip ? 100 : 380;
+      this.time.delayedCall(dwell, () => {
+        const targetX = this._roundScoreText && this._roundScoreText.active ? this._roundScoreText.x : centerX;
+        const targetY = this._roundScoreText && this._roundScoreText.active ? this._roundScoreText.y : py - 170;
+
+        const detonate = () => {
+          this.explodeBurst(targetX, targetY, score >= this.run.blindChips ? 0xffd873 : 0xffe9a8);
+          this.cameras.main.shake(110, 0.006);
+          this.crt.pulse(0.5);
+          playSound(this, SFX.SCIFI_PLONK);
+          this._roundScoreOverride = null;
+          if (this._roundScoreText && this._roundScoreText.active) {
+            this._roundScoreText.setText(fmtChips(this.run.roundScore));
+            this._roundScoreText.setScale(1);
+            this.tweens.add({ targets: this._roundScoreText, scale: 1.5, duration: 140, ease: 'Back.easeOut', yoyo: true, hold: 90 });
+          }
+
+          this.time.delayedCall(skip ? 60 : 250, () => {
+            this._hideUids = null;
+            if (res.destroyedJokers && res.destroyedJokers.length) {
+              this.toast(`${res.destroyedJokers.map((id) => JOKER_BY_ID[id].name).join(', ')} destroyed`);
+            }
+            if (res.outcome === 'blindWon') {
+              this.animating = false;
+              playSound(this, SFX.CASINO_WIN);
+              this.setView('cashout');
+            } else if (res.outcome === 'runLost') {
+              this.animating = false;
+              playSound(this, SFX.CASINO_LOSE);
+              this.onRunOver();
+              this.setView('gameover');
+            } else {
+              // animating stays true; the new deal-in sequence clears it once cards land.
+              this._pendingDeal = new Set(res.drawn);
+              this.setView('play');
+            }
+          });
+        };
+
+        if (slam.active) {
+          this.tweens.killTweensOf(slam);
+          this.tweens.add({
+            targets: slam, x: targetX, y: targetY, scale: 0.3, alpha: 0.7,
+            duration: flightDur, ease: 'Cubic.easeIn',
+            onComplete: () => { slam.destroy(); detonate(); },
+          });
         } else {
-          // animating stays true; the new deal-in sequence clears it once cards land.
-          this._pendingDeal = new Set(res.drawn);
-          this.setView('play');
+          detonate();
         }
       });
     };
@@ -1408,6 +1465,25 @@ export default class BalatroGame extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.tweens.add({ targets: ring, radius: 110, alpha: 0, duration: 380, onComplete: () => ring.destroy() });
   }
 
+  explodeBurst(x, y, color = 0xffe9a8) {
+    const flash = this.add.circle(x, y, 10, 0xffffff, 0.9).setDepth(87);
+    this.fxLayer.add(flash);
+    this.tweens.add({ targets: flash, radius: 70, alpha: 0, duration: 260, ease: 'Cubic.easeOut', onComplete: () => flash.destroy() });
+    const ring = this.add.circle(x, y, 20, 0xffffff, 0).setStrokeStyle(5, color, 0.95).setDepth(86);
+    this.fxLayer.add(ring);
+    this.tweens.add({ targets: ring, radius: 130, alpha: 0, duration: 420, ease: 'Cubic.easeOut', onComplete: () => ring.destroy() });
+    for (let i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
+      const shard = this.add.rectangle(x, y, 12, 18, color, 0.95).setDepth(85).setAngle(Phaser.Math.Between(0, 360));
+      this.fxLayer.add(shard);
+      this.tweens.add({
+        targets: shard,
+        x: x + Phaser.Math.Between(-90, 90), y: y + Phaser.Math.Between(-70, 90),
+        angle: shard.angle + Phaser.Math.Between(-260, 260), alpha: 0,
+        duration: 460, ease: 'Cubic.easeOut', onComplete: () => shard.destroy(),
+      });
+    }
+  }
+
   shatter(sprite) {
     const x = this.fxX(sprite), y = this.fxY(sprite);
     if (sprite.active) sprite.setAlpha(0.25);
diff --git a/src/scenes/GameRoomScene.js b/src/scenes/GameRoomScene.js
index df8c79b..df25d50 100644
--- a/src/scenes/GameRoomScene.js
+++ b/src/scenes/GameRoomScene.js
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import * as Phaser from 'phaser';
 import { GAME_HEIGHT, GAME_WIDTH, COLORS } from '../config.js';
 import { Button } from '../ui/Button.js';
+import { missingGameAssets, ensureGameAssets } from '../services/assetLoader.js';
 
 // Generic room shell. Dispatches to the concrete game scene
 // (Backgammon, Blackjack, etc.) based on `data.game.slug`.
@@ -24,7 +25,8 @@ export default class GameRoomScene extends Phaser.Scene {
   create() {
     const slugDispatch = { backgammon: 'Backgammon', holdem: 'HoldemGame', blackjack: 'BlackjackGame', parchisi: 'ParchisiGame', yatzi: 'YatziGame', skipbo: 'SkipBoGame', phase10: 'Phase10Game', chinesecheckers: 'ChineseCheckersGame', gofish: 'GoFishGame', uno: 'UnoGame', craps: 'CrapsGame', roulette: 'RouletteGame', mexicantrain: 'MexicanTrainGame', hearts: 'HeartsGame', catan: 'CatanGame', tickettoride: 'TicketToRideGame', nerts: 'NertsGame', bingo: 'BingoGame', baccarat: 'BaccaratGame', dominion: 'DominionGame', checkers: 'CheckersGame', chess: 'ChessGame', wordle: 'WordleGame', scrabble: 'ScrabbleGame', ghost: 'GhostGame', wordladder: 'WordLadderGame', wordsearch: 'WordSearchGame', hangman: 'HangmanGame', sudoku: 'SudokuGame', othello: 'OthelloGame', go: 'GoGame', battleship: 'BattleshipGame', mastermind: 'MastermindGame', connect4: 'Connect4Game', boggle: 'BoggleGame', oldmaid: 'OldMaidGame', blokus: 'BlokusGame', spellingbee: 'SpellingBeeGame', minicrossword: 'MiniCrosswordGame', forbiddenisland: 'ForbiddenIslandGame', solitairetour: 'SolitaireTourGame', splendor: 'SplendorGame', tectonic: 'TectonicGame', labyrinth: 'LabyrinthGame', videopoker: 'VideoPokerGame', farkel: 'FarkelGame', stratego: 'StrategoGame', kiitos: 'KiitosGame', monopoly: 'MonopolyGame', triominoes: 'TriominoesGame', freecell: 'FreecellGame', rushhour: 'RushHourGame', hexsweeper: 'HexsweeperGame', puddingmonsters: 'PuddingMonstersGame', shift: 'ShiftGame', blockfighter: 'BlockFighterGame', mahjongmatch: 'MahjongMatchGame', mahjong: 'MahjongGame', jewelquest: 'JewelQuestGame', zuma: 'ZumaGame', bejeweled: 'BejeweledGame', minimotorways: 'MiniMotorwaysGame', slots: 'SlotsGame', cribbage: 'CribbageGame', canasta: 'CanastaGame', dotlink: 'DotLinkGame', '2048': '2048Game', rummikub: 'RummikubGame', ginrummy: 'GinRummyGame', risk: 'RiskGame', geniussquare: 'GeniusSquareGame', katamino: 'KataminoGame', bookwork: 'BookworkGame', paigow: 'PaiGowPokerGame', spireclimb: 'SpireClimbGame', azul: 'AzulGame', jumble: 'JumbleGame', dungeonboss: 'DungeonBossGame', swdbg: 'SWDBGGame', balatro: 'BalatroGame' };
     if (slugDispatch[this.game.slug]) {
-      this.scene.start(slugDispatch[this.game.slug], {
+      const sceneKey = slugDispatch[this.game.slug];
+      const startData = {
         game:          this.game,
         opponents:     this.opponents,
         playfield:     this.playfield,
@@ -36,7 +38,30 @@ export default class GameRoomScene extends Phaser.Scene {
         wordLength:        this.wordLength,
         secretRevealType:  this.secretRevealType,
         difficulty:        this.difficulty,
-      });
+      };
+
+      // Game art is lazy-loaded on first entry (see data/assetManifest.js).
+      // Anything already cached makes this a synchronous fast path.
+      if (missingGameAssets(this, this.game.slug).length === 0) {
+        this.scene.start(sceneKey, startData);
+        return;
+      }
+
+      const barWidth = 600;
+      this.add.rectangle(GAME_WIDTH / 2, GAME_HEIGHT / 2, barWidth + 8, 28, COLORS.panel)
+        .setStrokeStyle(2, COLORS.accent);
+      const bar = this.add.rectangle(GAME_WIDTH / 2 - barWidth / 2, GAME_HEIGHT / 2, 0, 20, COLORS.accent)
+        .setOrigin(0, 0.5);
+      this.add.text(GAME_WIDTH / 2, GAME_HEIGHT / 2 - 60, `Loading ${this.game.name}…`, {
+        fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"',
+        fontSize: '32px',
+        color: COLORS.textHex,
+      }).setOrigin(0.5);
+
+      let gone = false;
+      this.events.once('shutdown', () => { gone = true; });
+      ensureGameAssets(this, this.game.slug, { onProgress: (p) => { bar.width = barWidth * p; } })
+        .then(() => { if (!gone) this.scene.start(sceneKey, startData); });
       return;
     }
     const cx = GAME_WIDTH / 2;
diff --git a/src/scenes/PreloadScene.js b/src/scenes/PreloadScene.js
index 99558c7..8169709 100644
--- a/src/scenes/PreloadScene.js
+++ b/src/scenes/PreloadScene.js
@@ -22,41 +22,20 @@ export default class PreloadScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.load.on('progress', (p) => bar.width = barWidth * p);
     this.load.on('complete', () => { bg.destroy(); bar.destroy(); });
 
+    // NOTE: game-specific art lives in src/data/assetManifest.js and is
+    // lazy-loaded by GameRoomScene the first time a game is entered. Only
+    // shared assets (menus, opponents, card backs, SFX, JSON) load here.
     this.load.spritesheet('opponents', 'assets/images/opponents.png', {
       frameWidth: 300,
       frameHeight: 300,
     });
-    // Forbidden Island tiles: 2 cols (dry, flooded) × 24 rows. Row i → dry frame
-    // 2i, flooded frame 2i+1 (see IslandData.TILE_FRAME_ROW).
-    this.load.spritesheet('forbiddenisland-tiles', 'assets/images/forbiddenisland-tiles.png', {
-      frameWidth: 200,
-      frameHeight: 200,
-    });
-    // Forbidden Island Treasure-deck cards: 4 cols × 2 rows of 320×420 cells.
-    // Frame order documented in IslandData.CARD_FRAME.
-    this.load.spritesheet('forbiddenisland-cards', 'assets/images/forbiddenisland-cards.png', {
-      frameWidth: 320,
-      frameHeight: 420,
-    });
     this.load.spritesheet('cardbacks', 'assets/images/cardbacks.png', {
       frameWidth: 320,
       frameHeight: 420,
     });
-    this.load.spritesheet('catan-cards', 'assets/images/catancards.png', {
-      frameWidth: 270,
-      frameHeight: 390,
-    });
-    this.load.spritesheet('catan-tiles', 'assets/images/catantiles.png', {
-      frameWidth: 312,
-      frameHeight: 312,
-    });
-    this.load.image('risk-board', 'assets/images/risk-board.png');
-    this.load.image('catan-robber', 'assets/images/catan-robber.png');
-    this.load.image('catan-pirate', 'assets/images/catan-pirate.png');
     this.load.image('bg-menu', 'assets/images/background-menu.png');
     this.load.image('bg-room', 'assets/images/background-room.png');
     this.load.image('bg-casino', 'assets/images/background-casino.png');
-    this.load.image('bg-jewelquest-battle', 'assets/images/background-jewelquest.png');
     this.load.image('main-title', 'assets/images/main-title.png');
     this.load.json('playfields', 'data/playfields.json');
     this.load.json('colored-playfields', 'data/colored-playfields.json');
@@ -78,9 +57,6 @@ export default class PreloadScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.load.json('swdbg-artwork', 'data/swdbg-artwork.json');
     this.load.json('jumble', 'data/jumble.json');
     this.load.json('balatro-artwork', 'data/balatro-artwork.json');
-    this.load.image('spireclimb-act1', 'assets/images/spireclimb-act1.png');
-    this.load.image('spireclimb-act2', 'assets/images/spireclimb-act2.png');
-    this.load.image('spireclimb-act3', 'assets/images/spireclimb-act3.png');
 
     this.load.audio('sfx-water-splash', 'assets/fx/water-splash.mp3');
     this.load.audio('sfx-water-sink',   'assets/fx/water-sink.mp3');
@@ -134,7 +110,6 @@ export default class PreloadScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.load.audio('sfx-squish',        'assets/fx/squish.mp3');
     this.load.audio('sfx-squash',        'assets/fx/squash.mp3');
     this.load.audio('sfx-woosh',         'assets/fx/woosh.mp3');
-    this.load.spritesheet('jello-items', 'assets/images/jello-items.png', { frameWidth: 132, frameHeight: 132 });
     this.load.audio('sfx-jello-monsters','assets/fx/jello-monsters.mp3');
     this.load.audio('sfx-countdown-tick', 'assets/fx/countdown-01.mp3');
     this.load.audio('sfx-countdown-go',   'assets/fx/countdown-02.mp3');
@@ -158,57 +133,9 @@ export default class PreloadScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.load.audio('sfx-sw-dark-2',  'assets/fx/sw-dark-2.mp3');
     this.load.audio('sfx-sw-dark-3',  'assets/fx/sw-dark-3.mp3');
 
-    this.load.spritesheet('catan-special-cards', 'assets/images/catan-special-cards.png', { frameWidth: 270, frameHeight: 390 });
-
-    // Dominion card art. One 270×390 cell per card (art fills the top ~60%;
-    // the title/icon band is drawn at runtime). Optional — the scene falls back
-    // to procedural placeholders when the sheet is absent.
-    this.load.spritesheet('dominion-cards', 'assets/images/dominioncards.png', { frameWidth: 270, frameHeight: 390 });
-    // Prosperity expansion art (frame order documented in expansions/prosperity.js).
-    // Optional — same procedural fallback applies when the sheet is absent.
-    this.load.spritesheet('dominion-prosperity', 'assets/images/dominion-prosperity.png', { frameWidth: 270, frameHeight: 390 });
-    // Prosperity token sprites (1 VP, 5 VP, Gold) — 150×150 each.
-    this.load.spritesheet('dominion-tokens', 'assets/images/dominion-tokens.png', { frameWidth: 150, frameHeight: 150 });
-    // Splendor: 28 frames at 270×390. 0-14 = tier×bonus backgrounds, 15-24 = nobles, 25-27 = deck backs.
-    // Frame order documented in SplendorData.js. Optional — vectors are drawn when absent.
-    this.load.spritesheet('splendor-cards', 'assets/images/splendor-cards.png', { frameWidth: 270, frameHeight: 390 });
-    // Splendor gems: 6 frames at 64×64. white(0) blue(1) green(2) red(3) black(4) gold(5).
-    this.load.spritesheet('splendor-gems', 'assets/images/splendor-gems.png', { frameWidth: 64, frameHeight: 64 });
-    // Azul tiles: 6 frames at 96×96. blue(0) yellow(1) red(2) black(3) white(4) first-player(5).
-    // Frame order documented in AzulData.js. A placeholder sheet ships; vectors draw when absent.
-    this.load.spritesheet('azul-tiles', 'assets/images/azul-tiles.png', { frameWidth: 96, frameHeight: 96 });
-    this.load.spritesheet('ttr-cards', 'assets/images/tickettoride-cards.png', { frameWidth: 270, frameHeight: 390 });
-    this.load.spritesheet('gofish-cards', 'assets/images/gofish-cards.png', { frameWidth: 270, frameHeight: 390 });
-    this.load.spritesheet('oldmaid-cards', 'assets/images/oldmaid-cards.png', { frameWidth: 270, frameHeight: 390 });
     this.load.spritesheet('tab-icons', 'assets/images/tab-icons.png', { frameWidth: 128, frameHeight: 128 });
     this.load.spritesheet('game-icons', 'assets/images/game-icons.png', { frameWidth: 44, frameHeight: 44 });
 
-    // Labyrinth. Tile backgrounds: frame 0 = movable, 1 = fixed (corridors are
-    // drawn in code). Treasure overlays & cards share the treasure index as
-    // their frame. All optional — the scene draws vector fallbacks when absent.
-    this.load.spritesheet('labyrinth-tiles', 'assets/images/labyrinth-tiles.png', { frameWidth: 200, frameHeight: 200 });
-    this.load.spritesheet('labyrinth-treasures', 'assets/images/labyrinth-treasures.png', { frameWidth: 100, frameHeight: 100 });
-    this.load.spritesheet('labyrinth-cards', 'assets/images/labyrinth-cards.png', { frameWidth: 270, frameHeight: 390 });
-    // Stratego unit art: 12 transparent frames (0=Flag, 1..10=rank, 11=Bomb),
-    // 6 cols × 2 rows. Optional — the scene draws vector glyphs when absent.
-    this.load.spritesheet('stratego-pieces', 'assets/images/stratego-pieces.png', { frameWidth: 140, frameHeight: 140 });
-    // Monopoly pawns: 4 frames (one per seat) at 80×80. Optional — falls back to colored circles.
-    this.load.spritesheet('monopoly-pawns', 'assets/images/monopoly-pawns.png', { frameWidth: 80, frameHeight: 80 });
-    // Monopoly card art: frame 0 = Chance, frame 1 = Community Chest, at 200×300.
-    this.load.spritesheet('monopoly-cards', 'assets/images/monopoly-cards.png', { frameWidth: 200, frameHeight: 300 });
-    // Mahjong Match tile-label overlays (128×178 transparent PNGs). The White
-    // Dragon has no art — the scene draws its traditional empty frame.
-    const mahjongLabels = [
-      ...Array.from({ length: 9 },  (_, i) => `bamboo${i + 1}`),
-      ...Array.from({ length: 9 },  (_, i) => `circle${i + 1}`),
-      ...Array.from({ length: 15 }, (_, i) => `pinyin${i + 1}`),
-      'orchid', 'peony', 'chrysanthemum', 'lotus',
-      'spring', 'summer', 'fall', 'winter',
-    ];
-    for (const name of mahjongLabels) {
-      this.load.image(`mahjong-${name}`, `assets/images/mahjong/${name}.png`);
-    }
-
     this.load.audio('sfx-monopoly-purchase', 'assets/fx/monopoly-purchase.mp3');
     this.load.audio('sfx-monopoly-expense',  'assets/fx/monopoly-expense.mp3');
     this.load.audio('sfx-monopoly-pay',      'assets/fx/monopoly-pay.mp3');
@@ -216,45 +143,19 @@ export default class PreloadScene extends Phaser.Scene {
   }
 
   async create() {
-    // Collect all image assets that need loading from JSON configs
+    // Playfields and card backs are shared across games and shown as
+    // thumbnails in OpponentSelect, so they load at startup. Per-game drop-in
+    // artwork (shift/slots/spireclimb/dungeonboss/swdbg/balatro) is handled by
+    // data/assetManifest.js and lazy-loaded on game entry instead.
     const pfd = this.cache.json.get('playfields');
     const cbd = this.cache.json.get('card-backs');
-
-    const shiftArt = this.cache.json.get('shift-artwork');
-    const slotsArt = this.cache.json.get('slots-artwork');
     const toLoad = [
       ...(pfd?.playfields ?? []).filter((pf) => pf.path && !this.textures.exists(pf.key)),
       ...(cbd?.cardBacks ?? []).filter((cb) => cb.path && !this.textures.exists(cb.key)),
-      ...(shiftArt?.artwork ?? []).filter((a) => a.path && a.key && !this.textures.exists(a.key)),
-      ...(slotsArt?.artwork ?? []).filter((a) => a.path && a.key && !this.textures.exists(a.key)),
     ];
 
-    // Spire Climb drop-in spritesheets (card art + creature art). Only loaded
-    // once the artist sets a `path` in /data/spireclimb-artwork.json; until then
-    // the game renders cards/creatures procedurally.
-    const scArt = this.cache.json.get('spireclimb-artwork');
-    const scSheets = [scArt?.cardSheet, scArt?.creatureSheet, ...Object.values(scArt?.playerSheets || {})]
-      .filter((s) => s && s.path && s.key && !this.textures.exists(s.key));
-
-    // Dungeon Boss drop-in spritesheets, same contract as Spire Climb's.
-    const dbArt = this.cache.json.get('dungeonboss-artwork');
-    const dbSheets = [dbArt?.roomSheet, dbArt?.heroSheet, dbArt?.spellSheet, dbArt?.bossSheet, dbArt?.deckBackSheet, dbArt?.iconSheet]
-      .filter((s) => s && s.path && s.key && !this.textures.exists(s.key));
-
-    // Star Wars Deckbuilder drop-in spritesheets, same contract.
-    const swArt = this.cache.json.get('swdbg-artwork');
-    const swSheets = [swArt?.cardSheet, swArt?.baseSheet]
-      .filter((s) => s && s.path && s.key && !this.textures.exists(s.key));
-
-    // Balatro drop-in spritesheets, same contract.
-    const balArt = this.cache.json.get('balatro-artwork');
-    const balSheets = [balArt?.jokerSheet, balArt?.tarotSheet, balArt?.planetSheet, balArt?.spectralSheet,
-      balArt?.voucherSheet, balArt?.packSheet, balArt?.deckBackSheet, balArt?.bossIconSheet]
-      .filter((s) => s && s.path && s.key && !this.textures.exists(s.key));
-
-    if (toLoad.length > 0 || scSheets.length > 0 || dbSheets.length > 0 || swSheets.length > 0 || balSheets.length > 0) {
+    if (toLoad.length > 0) {
       for (const asset of toLoad) this.load.image(asset.key, asset.path);
-      for (const s of [...scSheets, ...dbSheets, ...swSheets, ...balSheets]) this.load.spritesheet(s.key, s.path, { frameWidth: s.frameWidth, frameHeight: s.frameHeight });
       await new Promise((resolve) => {
         this.load.once('complete', resolve);
         this.load.start();
diff --git a/src/services/assetLoader.js b/src/services/assetLoader.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..263a978
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/services/assetLoader.js
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+import { resolveGameAssets } from '../data/assetManifest.js';
+
+// Lazy per-game asset loading. PreloadScene only loads shared assets at
+// startup; each game's own art (see data/assetManifest.js) is loaded here,
+// from GameRoomScene, the first time the user enters that game.
+
+function isLoaded(scene, d) {
+  if (d.type === 'audio') return scene.cache.audio.exists(d.key);
+  if (d.type === 'json') return scene.cache.json.exists(d.key);
+  return scene.textures.exists(d.key);
+}
+
+export function missingGameAssets(scene, slug) {
+  return resolveGameAssets(scene, slug).filter((d) => !isLoaded(scene, d));
+}
+
+// Queue and load every missing asset for `slug` on the scene's loader. Call
+// from create() only (the loader is idle there). Resolves once the load pass
+// completes; a failed file logs a warning and the game's usual
+// textures.exists fallback applies.
+export function ensureGameAssets(scene, slug, { onProgress } = {}) {
+  const missing = missingGameAssets(scene, slug);
+  if (missing.length === 0) return Promise.resolve(false);
+
+  for (const d of missing) {
+    if (d.type === 'spritesheet') {
+      scene.load.spritesheet(d.key, d.path, { frameWidth: d.frameWidth, frameHeight: d.frameHeight });
+    } else if (d.type === 'audio') {
+      scene.load.audio(d.key, d.path);
+    } else if (d.type === 'json') {
+      scene.load.json(d.key, d.path);
+    } else {
+      scene.load.image(d.key, d.path);
+    }
+  }
+
+  return new Promise((resolve) => {
+    const onError = (file) => console.warn(`[assets] failed to load ${file.key} (${file.src})`);
+    if (onProgress) scene.load.on('progress', onProgress);
+    scene.load.on('loaderror', onError);
+    scene.load.once('complete', () => {
+      if (onProgress) scene.load.off('progress', onProgress);
+      scene.load.off('loaderror', onError);
+      resolve(true);
+    });
+    scene.load.start();
+  });
+}