Not the "Video" That Makes the Game

Video games may have killed the motion picture, but they haven't killed the board game.

In a Wall Street Journal review of new book Fun Inc., by Tom Chatfield, which highlights the progress of the video game industry, reviewer Robert Ferrigno critiques the arguments presented in the book.

Not surprisingly, what I find most interesting about the article are two quotes buried deep within the publication that seem to undermine both authors' glorification of the video game as entertainment medium.

Ferrigno adapts Chatfield: "'Videogames, he says, uplift the spirit, satisfy the neurological need to solve problems and possess the power to bring people closer together.'"

Interesting.

Say the same thing about board games and I'll give you an eager nod of agreement.

Later, in the same article Ferrigno revises Chatfield's hypothesis, expressing that the mark of a good game--one that gamers embrace--is not a result of some vague moral precedent, but whether or not the game is "compelling."

Board games rock (too) if they are compelling.

Board games rock (too) if they satisfy certain psychological needs.

A man walks into a store and asks for a good game, something that involves problem solving, something that will help him to develop better relationships with his friends or family. "It has got to be compelling!" He adds.

Would you not just as quickly offer one of the awesome new titles of board games than a video game? Would you not more readily offer a board game?

It's amazing how much technology has advanced and yet still, the standard for a good game remains the same. Perhaps this is why board games remain one of the most popular activities.

Give the consoles a rest.

Unpack a new board game this holiday season.

Board Games for Couples

While this post has nothing to do with applying board game mechanics, it does have a lot to do with real life, and real life is often a lot more interesting than theory.

I googled "Board games for couples" just to see what I could find, but I was very disappointed by the results. Of the top ten results five were geared toward "adult" board games, ie, games to spice up your love life. Sex games seem a bit silly to me. Instead of trying to make things happen with cheap ploy's and other's opinions of what makes good romance, why not improve your relationship?

My wife and I enjoy playing board games together as a fun way to spend quality time together. We are both very competitive game players, so sometimes we get upset when we don't win, but overall, playing games together has been a very positive experience, and something that we can have in common. Here then, is a list of top five games that we prefer to play together:

1. Carcassone (Rio Grande Games): Tile laying game. The hardest thing to learn is the scoring. We love it because every game is different, its simple to set-up, and the strategy is not too heavy.
2. Small World (Days of Wonder): Beautiful game with a fanciful theme. Easy to learn and play. Hardest thing is the set-up.
3. St. Petersburg (Hans Im Gluck): Germany's version of Monopoly, only six-times shorter and a whole lot friendlier. Great to play over a mug of hot cocoa and a TV movie.
4. Thurn and Taxis (Rio Grande Games): Non-aggressive game about the first international postal service. A bit counterintuitive to learn, but very easy and fun once you get going.
5. Ticket to Ride (Days of Wonder): Simple game with light strategy. Not a lot of down-time between turns. We like it because you have to plan ahead!

Thats our list for now. Hope you look one of these up and give them a try someday with your significant other, and may your relationships be blessed.