Whenever I ask someone when the last time they sat down with friends and family to play a board game was, I usually receive the same replies: “Not since I was a kid,” “You mean like Clue or Monopoly?”, or “Who are you and how did you get in my living room?”
Usually, the games that are mentioned are something like Monopoly, Checkers, Clue, or maybe even Risk. Card games like UNO or Spades are often mentioned as well. Sometimes, in the case of the last response, they may even mention calling the police.
I get multiple responses. Some say this. Some say that. My arresting officer even had an opinion.
This is heartbreaking to someone like me.
The Golden Age
You see, we are living in what I would call the golden age of board gaming. The board games being made available over the past several years are more sophisticated, engaging, and most importantly, more fun than ever, and very few are even aware of it.
That’s why I call it the golden age of board gaming. Today, you can find a board game about practically anything. You can play a game that you pull out of your pocket while standing in line somewhere, or a game that covers your dining room table and takes hours to play. Some games, like Twilight Imperium IV, can take up to eight hours to play, depending on the number of players! That’s not a game you just pull off the shelf and decide to play. That’s an event! That’s a game you plan for and schedule. The long playtime may turn you off to it, and that’s understandable. But if people are sitting and playing a game that takes that long, do you think they would do it if it wasn’t fun?
Modern board games are more sophisticated and can be great at telling stories. You can play a game that is silly and just makes you laugh until you cry, or other games that involve deep strategy for those who enjoy more of a challenge.
It used to be hard to find a game to play that everyone would enjoy, but now the problem is picking out a game to play among so many quality choices.
So Many Board Games
One reason board games are so diverse now is that they are being designed by so many people, all with different ideas on what is fun. There are games for competitive players, games where you cooperate with each other, social games designed for interacting with each other, deduction games where a mystery needs to be solved, quick games that slide in your pocket, etc.
Catan is a great board game that introduces new players to some modern game mechanics, like trading and resource management. Pandemic is a cooperative game that will open your mind to a new way board games can be experienced. Lost Cities is a two-player card game with an interesting concept. If you lose a game of Lost Cities, it’s usually because you gave your opponent exactly what they needed to beat you. That idea introduces a whole new level to your strategy!
Some people will say board gaming just isn't for them, or that there simply aren't any games they like. When I hear someone say that, it tells me that they are sadly unaware of what the board gaming hobby has become.
With that much variety, I think there’s a board game out there for almost everyone. Different games are fun for different reasons. There are many styles of games and I feel confident that most people can find a game that they enjoy playing.
Find Your Game
If the last time you remember playing a board game was playing Sorry! when you were twelve years old, don’t make the decision that board games aren’t for you based on that experience. Board games have come a long way while you weren’t paying attention. Do yourself a huge favor and check some of them out. If you don’t know where to start, take a look through my board game reviews page. There, I try to help people find a board game they would enjoy by telling a little about the game, why it’s fun, and maybe even who it’s not for. Hopefully, that can help narrow down the choices a little.
Board games are a source of amazing fun for a lot of people. And hey, maybe they really aren’t for you. As much as I love them, I understand they may not be for everyone. However, I would urge you to look into the modern board game arena. You may decide you’ve been missing out on something that can be very enjoyable. And that’s what board games are: a source of joy.
Everyone in my cell block agrees.
