It wasn’t often, but once in a while, my family would play some board games together. It was always the classics: Trouble, Pictionary, Sorry, Cadoo, Crazy 8’s. That’s what all the kids were playing. And then it seemed like board games fell out of style to some extent. Or maybe it was just in my circles. Either way, when they came back into style, they came back hard. Board games today are insane.
My boyfriend and I went into one of those game shops because we were looking for a birthday gift. We didn’t really know what we were looking for, but we stood there facing shelves and shelves of games we’d never heard of. The employees know a lot though, and several would talk to us and try and help point us in the right direction.
I like board games and I like trying new games that friends are excited about, but I find that games today are wildly complicated. No more is it simply moving your little marker along a path for a tight 15. It’s so much more. I never feel dumber than when I’m an hour into playing a game with friends who seem to grasp things more than me.
In the midst of writing this post, I came across this video, which fits well with the theme:
That being said, there is this interesting flip side. As much as there are complicated games you can find at the niche game stores, there’s also a huge rise in very basic party games available anywhere. The kind where you just pass out cards based on superlatives or memes or something. And don’t get me wrong, they’re fun, but they don’t have much replayability unless your social circle constantly changes. I’m kind of fascinated by the popularity of these games and how/if they evolve over time.
There’s no denying that the board/card game industry is popping off from both big companies as well as indie labels. And that’s really great because as far as hobbies and social activities go, it’s a pretty harmless, fun thing. But I do wonder if this is just a phase. The board game genre really seems to target young adults, and I have to wonder how sustainable that is.
Especially when the games are pretty expensive. All the games the employee showed us in the game store that one day were around if not above $50, which is a lot in my opinion. I can’t justify that for one game, nevermind the fact that I’ve never played it and may not like it. I’m glad that there are places like board game cafes and libraries where you can just try out games before you commit to owning them.
I know I seem negative here, but I do like board games and I’m glad I have some friends who are down to clown with them. I’d love to know which games have delighted you, so let me know your faves or recommendations.
And since we’re kind of on the topic, I want to reshare a blog post I wrote last year about these cool board game escape rooms that my friends and I adore. Read about the Unlock games here!
That’s all for now, gamers!
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