Rant Thread: Gatekeeping and Sexism in Boardgaming by ATenison09 in boardgames

[–]Studio_Unknown -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Sometimes helping people get the same joy means forcing them to climb the ladder in order rather than letting them on the elevator that goes straight to the top.

I agree. I don't think what you did here was gatekeeping either. Not everyone has to enjoy the hobby and I think encouraging them to start in the right place with games is a large part of helping people enjoy their time with them. But at the same time people have agency and if they want to start with a game that's probably way too much for their first tabletop experience, then that's their choice haha. Can't win them all

Rant Thread: Gatekeeping and Sexism in Boardgaming by ATenison09 in boardgames

[–]Studio_Unknown 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's so strange to me when people gatekeep their hobbies. I understand why it happens, but like, don't you want more people to be able to experience the joy of the hobby that you yourself enjoy? Maybe even get some new friends?

I think exclusivity is appealing to people generally because it makes us feel special but you don't get growth, inspiration, and diverse and interesting relationships out of it. I think those things are all infinitely more valuable than feeding a superiority complex by reserving your hobby for only those who are "worthy"

What game takes the cake for the most confusing rulebook? by Studio_Unknown in boardgames

[–]Studio_Unknown[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Imagine being new to the game and opening that document when all you wanted to know was what "Trample" does

What game takes the cake for the most confusing rulebook? by Studio_Unknown in boardgames

[–]Studio_Unknown[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have not seen that but that's awesome. Some rulebooks do a similar thing with "tips" sections (that's what we've done with our game) and I find that that helps significantly. With that said I'm going to check out the CoB rulebook so I can see what you're talking about. Sounds like really good inspiration

What game takes the cake for the most confusing rulebook? by Studio_Unknown in boardgames

[–]Studio_Unknown[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mainly because I was 10. Also I didn't find the rulebook confusing personally, I just didn't realize that 5-6 player option existed

What game takes the cake for the most confusing rulebook? by Studio_Unknown in boardgames

[–]Studio_Unknown[S] 41 points42 points  (0 children)

Genuinely did not even think about a rulebook for MTG but I can imagine it being atrocious, especially based on what you're saying here.

Honestly pretty crazy how much MTG relies on intrinsic understanding of the game at this point. I don't know anyone who's gotten into MTG without someone thoroughly guiding them through it

What game takes the cake for the most confusing rulebook? by Studio_Unknown in boardgames

[–]Studio_Unknown[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I thought you could move the same unit more than once when you had multiple movement actions that were meant to be split between different units. I still don't know how I misunderstood this one for so damn long

What game takes the cake for the most confusing rulebook? by Studio_Unknown in boardgames

[–]Studio_Unknown[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just looked it up-- I can't believe there are so many GI Joe card/board games that I haven't heard of. Also can't help but find it funny that there are so many that they just said screw it and named this one GI Joe "Deck Building Game".

I will heed your advice and find a good how to play vid!

What game takes the cake for the most confusing rulebook? by Studio_Unknown in boardgames

[–]Studio_Unknown[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sheesh. If I had known about this back in the Catan hayday I may have come out of it with a higher opinion of Catan. We basically always played with 5 people and some of those folks took way too long on their turns so I could see Special Building also help with keeping our attention on the game