QotW: I struggle to make friends, and im even worse at keeping them. So, board games have always been a medium for me to "socialize" a bit more as games have the power to break the ice and remove some of the anxiety and tension that comes with meeting new people. Have always loved sitting at a table with phones away and just being present and enjoying the game and the company. The tactile aspect of board game components is something that video games (which i grew up playing A LOT) lack, and i completely enjoy it. And of course, the mental puzzle that games provide is just satisfying to me, keeps me coming back, and buying more 😅
Hello Jeff and Tabletop Toolbox Community I hope all is well. I would like to say thanks for taking the time to answer to my comment and for encouraging me to keep on trying. I appreciate it. Will do. About the question of the week I would say that what makes me come back to games is being able to share new themes and things on different board games and how they adapt to a game. I play as many different games as I can different genres, and i love the fact that there’s just so much to learn and share with others. I love strong themes on board games. It helps me immerse myself more into the game. The only reason that it has made me reconsider gaming has been what I touched upon on my previous post, the fact that people are not as open to other members of our community to try to be more welcoming. That’s all, but I’m still here. I will just continue to try. Take Care guys Jon
I got into board gaming after moving to a new area and I joined a meetup group about board games, this is how I met friends, and even my wife! I stay in the board game hobby for a couple reasons. Community - I have almost completely fallen out of playing video games, because there's no match to sitting at the same table as some people and playing a game, whether they're already your friends, or new people you get to meet, it's always a good time. Brain Plasticity - I fully believe playing games consistently keeps my brain in check for learning new things in life, it keeps the brain pathways open and creating new ones, all while gaining victory points!
What keeps me coming back is the sense of discovery. It starts with discovering new games through social media and content creators. Then, when I buy a game, it's the unboxing and discovering the components and rules. For the actual gameplay, I lean towards games where the sense of discovery continues. Sometimes it's new characters/roles, maybe new scenarios (or beyond that entire campaigns), and often new mechanics... regardless, I really like games that always leave something new to discover with each play. The hobby for me is one big adventure full of mystery and exploration. And because I participate in the discovery, it's become far more interesting and engaging for me than movies, books, or other forms of entertainment.
QotW - I play games to have fun, every once in a great while to kill time. There are some games that I don't come back to that I like but didn't have fun playing. There are some games (ex: Spades, Chess) that people play with intent to win and their winning desire overcomes the fun aspect. One of the reasons i like Ticket to Ride so much is that I can be playing with my own winning conditions in mind and have fun in trying to meet those conditions while still participating in a group competition.
I keep coming back because the different games bring different options, experiences and discoveries. I can choose space as my playground, sometimes discovering or conquering new worlds. I can farm, time travel, survive on a deserted island and so much more! I can just play word games or other minimally-themed strategy game to stretch my brain. I play with friends, my wife or just solo. Gaming just affords a wealth of choices to open up my imagination and my decision-making skills to have a wonderful time.
QotW: There are so many reasons! I love discovering new mechanisms, and exploring different themes. I love unboxing all the components and organizing everything. But most of all, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and engaging our minds… 😊
I've been frustrated with finding players and have at times considered either dropping out of the hobby or resigning myself to playing only light to midweight games that play well at two players. But then I'll have a game night or experience just when I'm ready to be done that brings me back. Sometimes it's a game night where everything finally lined up, a holiday or birthday where we get in a game or two, or a great experience where the game was in question all the way to the end (Heat, Life of the Amazonia). Can't beat the experience of people across the table from each other, off their phones, interacting with each other in an experience that's never the same twice.
What brings me back to board games is the opportunity to have shared experiences with a variety of friends. While the game provides the context (fighting zombies, building a space brigade, toiling in the fields of some European country, etc.), it is the time we spend with others and the stories we tell afterwards is what I thoroughly appreciate about gaming. I do not know of any other medium that allows us to disconnect from the reality of adulting and have such experiences. Given the variety of games, mechanisms and complexity, there is truly something for everyone. And playing games is an excuse to add more games to my collection :-)
HAH - well unfortunately I was recording while you wrote this, but I believe I made the exact same comment about being an adult and getting to escape all that, sometimes! So we're on the same wavelength!!
Hi Jeff. Great video! Thank you. QotW: My two top things that keep me coming back are the memories I’m making with my son (who will be off on his own soon) and the brain Challenge (figuring out rules, solving the puzzle of the game etc.) The only time I (briefly) considered not coming back was when I made a benign comment on BGG about not liking a certain, popular game and got skewered with replies that implied I wasn’t intelligent enough to know whether or not I liked it. I just don’t comment anymore, except on your channel and occasionally The Dice Tower. I don’t have time for that kind of nonsense. Problem solved. New-to-me games played last week: Codenames Duet with my husband. Great fun. He loved this one. And Parks with my son. We both really enjoyed Parks, and the production is beautiful. On the docket for this week: Forest Shuffle and Meadow!
I'm so sorry to hear that, Cay! What was the game, if I may ask? Feel free to email me if you'd rather, but if anyone gives ya crap here I'll show 'em my size 13's!!! :D
I’m incredibly lucky that my spouse shares the same love of gaming that I have- we come to the table because we can share so much more over a game table (conversation, experience, etc) rather than just by watching a tv show or movie together. And just like others have said, sitting at a table with good people playing a good game is an experience that simply brings me joy! I know, it’s cheesy haha. By the way, we really enjoyed gaming with you on Sunday- looking forward to playing again soon! Ben promises to not smack us down quite so badly next time 😂
Forgot to add in my earlier post…I played Harmonies also last week. Azul, Cascadia and Reef had a baby. Loved it. And I picked up a copy of Star Trek Panic, Jeff!
I was travelling for a few weeks and I am getting around to watching your last few videos. Thanks for showing Fast Sloths! It's been sitting on my shelf for a few years because it is not a good two player game (IMHO). Maybe my son can wrap his head around this one and we can play it as a family game :)
Late on the QOTW but been really busy last few weeks and away (including a weekend just now of board gaming with a mate - dozen games played, mostly mid to heavy, so the brain has started to leak I think) but still been watching each episode, this one a little later than normal. I have reconsidered the hobby lots of times, mostly because I have lots of games, spent lots of money and not in a populated area to play with others, having to rely on my partner or the odd person who might chip in for a game. It can be a lonely hobby at times and feel quite depressing seeing the games around the room, not just realising the $$ spent but the fact you may never get to play them all or you just can't enjoy them. There's lots of factors, I keep coming back simply because the experience when playing with others is always fun, laughs with friends, it releases those feel good stuff in your brain, the puzzly buzz you can get from the said feel good stuff released from the brain and the escapism. I love the escapism and the memories it always brings. A simple game of scattegories with my mum, dad and my young son some 15-20 years ago when we had to name something from the Bible that begins with G, and three of us could not think of anything until Dad matter of factly just said 'god', the aching belly laughs that come after that, yea that is what keeps you coming back....
QotW: I struggle to make friends, and im even worse at keeping them. So, board games have always been a medium for me to "socialize" a bit more as games have the power to break the ice and remove some of the anxiety and tension that comes with meeting new people. Have always loved sitting at a table with phones away and just being present and enjoying the game and the company. The tactile aspect of board game components is something that video games (which i grew up playing A LOT) lack, and i completely enjoy it. And of course, the mental puzzle that games provide is just satisfying to me, keeps me coming back, and buying more 😅
I wanted to give a smart complicated answer, but... I love sitting on a table with good people and playing games.
That’s the best answer.
Hello Jeff and Tabletop Toolbox Community I hope all is well. I would like to say thanks for taking the time to answer to my comment and for encouraging me to keep on trying. I appreciate it. Will do. About the question of the week
I would say that what makes me come back to games is being able to share new themes and things on different board games and how they adapt to a game. I play as many different games as I can different genres, and i love the fact that there’s just so much to learn and share with others. I love strong themes on board games. It helps me immerse myself more into the game. The only reason that it has made me reconsider gaming has been what I touched upon on my previous post, the fact that people are not as open to other members of our community to try to be more welcoming. That’s all, but I’m still here. I will just continue to try.
Take Care guys
Jon
I love the process of learning new games. The moment when I "get" a game, especially a heavy one, is a dopamine rush.
I got into board gaming after moving to a new area and I joined a meetup group about board games, this is how I met friends, and even my wife! I stay in the board game hobby for a couple reasons. Community - I have almost completely fallen out of playing video games, because there's no match to sitting at the same table as some people and playing a game, whether they're already your friends, or new people you get to meet, it's always a good time. Brain Plasticity - I fully believe playing games consistently keeps my brain in check for learning new things in life, it keeps the brain pathways open and creating new ones, all while gaining victory points!
What keeps me coming back is the sense of discovery. It starts with discovering new games through social media and content creators. Then, when I buy a game, it's the unboxing and discovering the components and rules. For the actual gameplay, I lean towards games where the sense of discovery continues. Sometimes it's new characters/roles, maybe new scenarios (or beyond that entire campaigns), and often new mechanics... regardless, I really like games that always leave something new to discover with each play. The hobby for me is one big adventure full of mystery and exploration. And because I participate in the discovery, it's become far more interesting and engaging for me than movies, books, or other forms of entertainment.
QotW - I play games to have fun, every once in a great while to kill time. There are some games that I don't come back to that I like but didn't have fun playing. There are some games (ex: Spades, Chess) that people play with intent to win and their winning desire overcomes the fun aspect. One of the reasons i like Ticket to Ride so much is that I can be playing with my own winning conditions in mind and have fun in trying to meet those conditions while still participating in a group competition.
I keep coming back because the different games bring different options, experiences and discoveries. I can choose space as my playground, sometimes discovering or conquering new worlds. I can farm, time travel, survive on a deserted island and so much more! I can just play word games or other minimally-themed strategy game to stretch my brain. I play with friends, my wife or just solo. Gaming just affords a wealth of choices to open up my imagination and my decision-making skills to have a wonderful time.
QotW: There are so many reasons! I love discovering new mechanisms, and exploring different themes. I love unboxing all the components and organizing everything. But most of all, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and engaging our minds… 😊
I've been frustrated with finding players and have at times considered either dropping out of the hobby or resigning myself to playing only light to midweight games that play well at two players. But then I'll have a game night or experience just when I'm ready to be done that brings me back. Sometimes it's a game night where everything finally lined up, a holiday or birthday where we get in a game or two, or a great experience where the game was in question all the way to the end (Heat, Life of the Amazonia). Can't beat the experience of people across the table from each other, off their phones, interacting with each other in an experience that's never the same twice.
What brings me back to board games is the opportunity to have shared experiences with a variety of friends. While the game provides the context (fighting zombies, building a space brigade, toiling in the fields of some European country, etc.), it is the time we spend with others and the stories we tell afterwards is what I thoroughly appreciate about gaming. I do not know of any other medium that allows us to disconnect from the reality of adulting and have such experiences. Given the variety of games, mechanisms and complexity, there is truly something for everyone. And playing games is an excuse to add more games to my collection :-)
HAH - well unfortunately I was recording while you wrote this, but I believe I made the exact same comment about being an adult and getting to escape all that, sometimes! So we're on the same wavelength!!
Hi Jeff. Great video! Thank you.
QotW: My two top things that keep me coming back are the memories I’m making with my son (who will be off on his own soon) and the brain Challenge (figuring out rules, solving the puzzle of the game etc.)
The only time I (briefly) considered not coming back was when I made a benign comment on BGG about not liking a certain, popular game and got skewered with replies that implied I wasn’t intelligent enough to know whether or not I liked it. I just don’t comment anymore, except on your channel and occasionally The Dice Tower. I don’t have time for that kind of nonsense. Problem solved.
New-to-me games played last week: Codenames Duet with my husband. Great fun. He loved this one. And Parks with my son. We both really enjoyed Parks, and the production is beautiful. On the docket for this week: Forest Shuffle and Meadow!
I'm so sorry to hear that, Cay! What was the game, if I may ask? Feel free to email me if you'd rather, but if anyone gives ya crap here I'll show 'em my size 13's!!! :D
I’m incredibly lucky that my spouse shares the same love of gaming that I have- we come to the table because we can share so much more over a game table (conversation, experience, etc) rather than just by watching a tv show or movie together. And just like others have said, sitting at a table with good people playing a good game is an experience that simply brings me joy! I know, it’s cheesy haha. By the way, we really enjoyed gaming with you on Sunday- looking forward to playing again soon! Ben promises to not smack us down quite so badly next time 😂
Haha I was wondering if I had scared you guys off! I definitely hope we can get some more games in, soon!
Forgot to add in my earlier post…I played Harmonies also last week. Azul, Cascadia and Reef had a baby. Loved it.
And I picked up a copy of Star Trek Panic, Jeff!
Whaaaaat?!?! :) You can't play without me!!! (lol - just kiddin'!)
Also, I'll be mentioning a game next week that you might find interesting. It makes Harmonies look "cute"... :D
I was travelling for a few weeks and I am getting around to watching your last few videos. Thanks for showing Fast Sloths! It's been sitting on my shelf for a few years because it is not a good two player game (IMHO). Maybe my son can wrap his head around this one and we can play it as a family game :)
I hope you can get it played again! Mel has really enjoyed it.
Late on the QOTW but been really busy last few weeks and away (including a weekend just now of board gaming with a mate - dozen games played, mostly mid to heavy, so the brain has started to leak I think) but still been watching each episode, this one a little later than normal. I have reconsidered the hobby lots of times, mostly because I have lots of games, spent lots of money and not in a populated area to play with others, having to rely on my partner or the odd person who might chip in for a game. It can be a lonely hobby at times and feel quite depressing seeing the games around the room, not just realising the $$ spent but the fact you may never get to play them all or you just can't enjoy them. There's lots of factors, I keep coming back simply because the experience when playing with others is always fun, laughs with friends, it releases those feel good stuff in your brain, the puzzly buzz you can get from the said feel good stuff released from the brain and the escapism. I love the escapism and the memories it always brings. A simple game of scattegories with my mum, dad and my young son some 15-20 years ago when we had to name something from the Bible that begins with G, and three of us could not think of anything until Dad matter of factly just said 'god', the aching belly laughs that come after that, yea that is what keeps you coming back....
Missed seeing you, Mark! Great to hear from you!