About a month ago I started writing about this subject and about half way into it and I found myself stuck. The subject became too complicated for me to write about. What I really wanted was to just talk about it. In pouring over my dilemma with friends someone suggested that I simply record a podcast. So here we are with my first podcast. I hope you enjoy it. [I may not have this set up right so if you come here and you can't access the podcast try back a little later.]
http://www.yourgameguru.com/podcasts/Jul-11-11.mp3
Bear with me. Unfortunately you will need to listen to it via an RSS reader like Google Reader or just click the link above. Can someone tell me how to embed it in the Blog itself, Brian?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Opinions
Type in "opinions are like..." in a search engine an you will get many different hits. All of them basically about how everyone has one, yours is the best, and/or they all stink. The first two statements are very true: we all have opinions and obviously you prefer your own. That is why it is your opinion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a preference and even expressing that preference to other people. There is also nothing wrong with liking something that someone else completely hates and vice-versa.
A problem arises when opinions are pushed in someone's face (like certain body parts mentioned in the phrase above). Especially in a way that demeans the receiver's own opinion. I am also referring to things that are a matter of taste and not anything philosophical, religious, or political (I wouldn't dare write about any of those things). So I'm referring to things like food, music, movies, art, and obviously for this blog, games.
When someone expresses a dislike of something with great force or disgust it can seem that they are also saying that anyone feels the opposite is stupid. When it is reversed and the forceful one has the positive view of something there can be the same result: anyone who disagrees is obviously an idiot. As far as games are concerned I think there are times when someone can have a bad opinion of a game because of their first experiences with a game (more on that in a later post). In this case a better experience with it could change their opinion. But if they hold on to their first opinion without compromise they will never know.
My overall point is that you shouldn't present your opinion of something in a way that can cause conflict with someone else's opinion. If you don't like something, simply say I don't like it, but be open to looking at it from another perspective. If you find someone who doesn't like something you love politely ask what about it they don't like. You might be able point out something they missed that could help them enjoy it.
Just be open to new possibilities and accept other peoples' opinions and I can guarantee you'll have a lot more fun. And remember that's what it's all about.
A problem arises when opinions are pushed in someone's face (like certain body parts mentioned in the phrase above). Especially in a way that demeans the receiver's own opinion. I am also referring to things that are a matter of taste and not anything philosophical, religious, or political (I wouldn't dare write about any of those things). So I'm referring to things like food, music, movies, art, and obviously for this blog, games.
When someone expresses a dislike of something with great force or disgust it can seem that they are also saying that anyone feels the opposite is stupid. When it is reversed and the forceful one has the positive view of something there can be the same result: anyone who disagrees is obviously an idiot. As far as games are concerned I think there are times when someone can have a bad opinion of a game because of their first experiences with a game (more on that in a later post). In this case a better experience with it could change their opinion. But if they hold on to their first opinion without compromise they will never know.
My overall point is that you shouldn't present your opinion of something in a way that can cause conflict with someone else's opinion. If you don't like something, simply say I don't like it, but be open to looking at it from another perspective. If you find someone who doesn't like something you love politely ask what about it they don't like. You might be able point out something they missed that could help them enjoy it.
Just be open to new possibilities and accept other peoples' opinions and I can guarantee you'll have a lot more fun. And remember that's what it's all about.
Monday, June 6, 2011
What's in a name?
Every time I mention that I play/sell/love games almost invariably the first question people ask is "You mean, like, video games?" Then I have to clarify that I mean board games. But of course it's not just board games it's also card games, party games, and any other non-electronic, multi-player, tactile, game-like experience. And then the common reaction is a quizzical one. "You mean like Monopoly and Risk?" they often say. From there I can explain the huge category of entertainment that is board games, card games, party games, and any other non-electronic... Well, you can see where I have a problem.
The word games is too broad now and most people think of video games. Board games is too narrow in not only the general type but also people's minds. And as you can see above, it takes far too much time to really explain what I'm talking about when I say that I am passionate about games. I have occasionally used the phrase "non-electronic games", which most people can quickly understand but it just sounds too technical. I've considered using analog games, tactile games, social games, and table games. I even just thought of "non-video games" but all of those just don't get the point fully across.
Think about it. When someone says "video game", everyone knows what is being talked about. Even though even the video game world has many different types and styles of games, the same basic concept is pictured: a game that is played with a computer, console, phone, or other digital device. Of course we are so constantly surrounded by them that it would be hard not know about them.
The same can't be said for [insert proper descriptor here] games. With the rise of video games board games were pushed to the back of the closet only to be brought out on holidays when Auntie Gertrude visits. They aren't a part of our culture any more. Therefore a perfect name wouldn't make a difference to someone who has never been exposed to what these games really are. The goal then should be to increase the exposure to where people know exactly what you mean when you say "board game".
What IS in a name? Nothing or everything. It all depends on what you've been exposed to.
Have fun.
The word games is too broad now and most people think of video games. Board games is too narrow in not only the general type but also people's minds. And as you can see above, it takes far too much time to really explain what I'm talking about when I say that I am passionate about games. I have occasionally used the phrase "non-electronic games", which most people can quickly understand but it just sounds too technical. I've considered using analog games, tactile games, social games, and table games. I even just thought of "non-video games" but all of those just don't get the point fully across.
Think about it. When someone says "video game", everyone knows what is being talked about. Even though even the video game world has many different types and styles of games, the same basic concept is pictured: a game that is played with a computer, console, phone, or other digital device. Of course we are so constantly surrounded by them that it would be hard not know about them.
The same can't be said for [insert proper descriptor here] games. With the rise of video games board games were pushed to the back of the closet only to be brought out on holidays when Auntie Gertrude visits. They aren't a part of our culture any more. Therefore a perfect name wouldn't make a difference to someone who has never been exposed to what these games really are. The goal then should be to increase the exposure to where people know exactly what you mean when you say "board game".
What IS in a name? Nothing or everything. It all depends on what you've been exposed to.
Have fun.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Jerk
We all know them. Perhaps we are one, have been one, are married to one, friends with one or just try to avoid them. Someone who takes games far too seriously and generally just ruins the fun of playing a game. Every rule has to be followed to the letter, he (or she) takes every opportunity to challenge any creative "bending" of the rules, and only his interpretation of the rules was correct; basically everything is black and white. The interesting thing is that this could be someone who is normally very easy going and fun. But they see any game as a big competition and all of their focus goes into winning the game at all costs. Even to the point of cheating themselves (but that is another post entirely).
I myself am an admitted jerk. Just ask my wife. Though, I can happily say that I am a reformed jerk. When I was young (and not so young) I distinctly remember a number of occasions where a game would degenerate into a full on shouting match. These were almost all times with my family and even now when I am with my family I have to restrain myself. Some of this can stem from the natural tendency for families to fight but I've seen and heard of it outside of families as well.
One of the biggest things that contributed to my change of heart was when I started going to people's homes to share games with them as a business. You don't make a good impression with a potential customer by arguing over a minor point in the rules and doing everything possible to make a game fun increases the chance that someone would want to play it again and therefore want to make a purchase.
My change may have begun with my own self interest but it brought me to a point where I truly believe that it is far more important to simply enjoy a game than it is to win. That way even if I don't win I still had fun and helped make sure everyone else was comfortable as well. Because nothing kills the fun faster then when there is a "Jerk" around.
Have fun.
I myself am an admitted jerk. Just ask my wife. Though, I can happily say that I am a reformed jerk. When I was young (and not so young) I distinctly remember a number of occasions where a game would degenerate into a full on shouting match. These were almost all times with my family and even now when I am with my family I have to restrain myself. Some of this can stem from the natural tendency for families to fight but I've seen and heard of it outside of families as well.
One of the biggest things that contributed to my change of heart was when I started going to people's homes to share games with them as a business. You don't make a good impression with a potential customer by arguing over a minor point in the rules and doing everything possible to make a game fun increases the chance that someone would want to play it again and therefore want to make a purchase.
My change may have begun with my own self interest but it brought me to a point where I truly believe that it is far more important to simply enjoy a game than it is to win. That way even if I don't win I still had fun and helped make sure everyone else was comfortable as well. Because nothing kills the fun faster then when there is a "Jerk" around.
Have fun.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Here goes nothing...
I can’t believe I’m actually going to try this. When I told my wife she actually said, “You want to write?” People who really know me know that I do not like to write; I much prefer to talk; I could talk all day. I just don’t feel very confident writing. I am definitely getting better but I generally like to avoid it. Regardless, here goes nothing…
I have a large collection of games (several hundred, I think) and I’ve wanted to at least take an inventory and really find out what is there as many have been in boxes for several years. One day while musing about games and gaming, I thought of the movie Julie and Julia (where a woman spends a year making every recipe in Julia Child’s cookbook). I thought that I could make my cataloging of games more interesting by playing all of them at least one more time (for a few it would be the first time) and then write about my experiences. So I'll be using my blog to talk about games in a social sense: covering topics like etiquette, hosting, playing fair, how to really have fun, and just socializing in general. There won't be any extended reviews of games or big discussions of strategy as many sites cover that.
I would like to give recognition to my good friend Brian Tanner and his blog opticwalrus.blogspot.com. Brian is one of the most talented and intelligent person people I know. His great blog has also been a big inspiration for me. Go check it out now.
Last Friday, May 27th, was my birthday and I had a Game Night at my house. I figured I could use the date as a start for a yearlong cataloging of my games and other games I play. That night I played a new game for me called Merkatur. It is an economic game but is the first time I've encountered a mechanic where "time" is used as a resource. It was quite fun. 3 of the 4 of us were new but because we all had extensive experience with games it went easily. I did not win but I still enjoyed it and would play again. In fact I would actively seek to play it again.
This brings me to my first thought on gaming. This is also, in my opinion, the most critical thing when it comes to playing a game: you are supposed to just have fun whether you win or lose. Make no mistake, I like to win and I try my best to win. But to me I've already won because I've enjoyed some time interacting with and getting to know some people better. Over the weekend I played 10 games (not a lot for me, but unthinkable to some) and I think I only won one, but it was a great weekend. Famed designer Reiner Knizia said it very well: "The goal is to win, but it is the goal that is important - not the winning". So you should try to win but not make it everything.
Just go out there and:
Have fun.
I have a large collection of games (several hundred, I think) and I’ve wanted to at least take an inventory and really find out what is there as many have been in boxes for several years. One day while musing about games and gaming, I thought of the movie Julie and Julia (where a woman spends a year making every recipe in Julia Child’s cookbook). I thought that I could make my cataloging of games more interesting by playing all of them at least one more time (for a few it would be the first time) and then write about my experiences. So I'll be using my blog to talk about games in a social sense: covering topics like etiquette, hosting, playing fair, how to really have fun, and just socializing in general. There won't be any extended reviews of games or big discussions of strategy as many sites cover that.
I would like to give recognition to my good friend Brian Tanner and his blog opticwalrus.blogspot.com. Brian is one of the most talented and intelligent person people I know. His great blog has also been a big inspiration for me. Go check it out now.
Last Friday, May 27th, was my birthday and I had a Game Night at my house. I figured I could use the date as a start for a yearlong cataloging of my games and other games I play. That night I played a new game for me called Merkatur. It is an economic game but is the first time I've encountered a mechanic where "time" is used as a resource. It was quite fun. 3 of the 4 of us were new but because we all had extensive experience with games it went easily. I did not win but I still enjoyed it and would play again. In fact I would actively seek to play it again.
This brings me to my first thought on gaming. This is also, in my opinion, the most critical thing when it comes to playing a game: you are supposed to just have fun whether you win or lose. Make no mistake, I like to win and I try my best to win. But to me I've already won because I've enjoyed some time interacting with and getting to know some people better. Over the weekend I played 10 games (not a lot for me, but unthinkable to some) and I think I only won one, but it was a great weekend. Famed designer Reiner Knizia said it very well: "The goal is to win, but it is the goal that is important - not the winning". So you should try to win but not make it everything.
Just go out there and:
Have fun.
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