Reformed Video Gamer: How Board Games Took Over

I’m 41 years old. I grew up on Atari and Nintendo. I spent countless hours playing those games again and again.

Flash forward to now. I do still play video games, but unless the game is really really good, it doesn’t hold my interest anymore.

Why?

Because I discovered hobby board games.

If you are an “aging” gamer, and are looking for something different, I encourage you to read on…

Also, “hobby board games” are amazing in general, but this article is going to look specifically from a solo-player’s perspective. Because many video games are also primarily a solo experience.

First, a little background about what I love about video games. It breaks down into two categories:

Video games that tell a great story, and I’m in the front seat. Games like Uncharted, Zelda, etc., come to mind.
Games that are highly strategic. Examples would include Final Fantasy Tactics, XCOM, etc.

As far as category #1, that’s something I think I’ll only find in video games, and I’ll continue to play that. But in terms of great strategic games? It feels to me like they are harder and harder to find.

So many video games feel to me, like it is more about having twitchy fingers, and not so much about calculated strategy.

Many years ago, I met someone who was “crazy into board games”. At first I was so puzzled. What was fun about Monopoly? That game usually ends up with at least one person super mad. And it takes FOREVER.

I did have a few pretty cool games growing up. Well I thought they were cool anyway. Like this Jabba the Hutt game. I don’t know that I actually ever played it though, just had epic battles into the sarlac ;)

But something pretty crazy has happened in the world of board games. They’ve become incredible.

Now when I use the term “Hobby Board Games”, I’m not talking about the games you can get at Walmart. 50 different versions of Monopoly, or games where you get shot in the face by a toilet (my kids have that… don’t ask!)

I’m talking about this new and exciting world, where there are these beautiful-looking, incredibly designed worlds of adventure that you can step into.

There are games like the new Sword & Sorcery, where you control a group of mighty heroes that go on quests fighting monsters. You can play it with your friends, or by yourself. And check this out, you play AGAINST the game. I play this myself and have a blast.

Look at this stunning adventure in space. You get to explore new worlds, fight space pirates, and try to be the best pilot.

Some games are just about cutting loose and having a fun time, while others feature deep-level strategy.

Here’s one of my all-time favorites, Mage Knight the Board Game. It’s incredibly designed and it REALLY makes you think.

Some games even feature campaigns, like the recent success Gloomhaven. It takes over 100 hours to “finish” this one! (played over a series of adventures)

Reformed Video Gamer

Once I discovered hobby board gaming, I jumped in head first.

At night, after the wife and kids are asleep, I retreat to my little man cave, and whip one of those out. I wanted to share more about why I love them so much:

• Having something physical in front of you feels GREAT. Seriously, we live in an ever-increasing digital world. It is nice to physically move pieces around on a board. It’s hard to describe until you do it again.

• I am a visual person, and I love seeing everything right in front of me. I enjoy seeing the limits of each game, and trying to push up against it. It’s just easier for me to think about strategy, when its sitting physically in front of me.

• The artwork in many board games is INCREDIBLE. Seriously, you should see some of this stuff!

• I love seeing clever board game design. Especially now, with owning over 100 in my collection, it is so exciting to see something “new” come out. Some of these games get so complex, it just blows my mind.

I’m going to continue this series of articles, and start jumping deeper into some of these amazing games I’ve been experienced.

Stay tuned!

Matt