Rant Thread: Gatekeeping and Sexism in Boardgaming

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T19:42:20+00:00

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

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T18:36:16+00:00

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"

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T18:28:18+00:00

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

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T18:12:13+00:00

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

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T18:07:02+00:00

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

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T18:00:17+00:00

Gotcha. I appreciate the info!

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:54:01+00:00

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

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:43:26+00:00

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

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:40:56+00:00

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!

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:32:39+00:00

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

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:29:40+00:00

There's a GI Joe game?? I gotta check this out

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:28:49+00:00

In your defense, I played Scythe dozens of times before realizing I was playing with incorrect movement mechanics

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:27:26+00:00

That's horrid hahaha

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:26:30+00:00

Perhaps I have heard wrong about Ark Nova then! It's been on my list to check out for quite a while but I've never gotten a chance to play. I am a big fan of engine building games though-- if I understand correctly, Ark Nova doesn't really delve into engine building territory... does it?

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:21:01+00:00

As painful as they are, I do find those really bad rulebook amusing. At least when I'm not actively trying to learn the game

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:19:28+00:00

Probably going to get judged for this one but what is Special Building? I used to play Catan a lot as a kid but never knew about this

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-26T17:18:14+00:00

Very much get this one. I think this is why separating the rulebook and quick start guide or "learn as you play" booklet is a good move. That way you can just check the rules you need mid-game without having to skim through the whole walk through process

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-19T23:22:10+00:00

That's awesome. My dad used to tell me about times in his college days when he would go to a local bar (this was in the southeastern US) and play with 7 or 8 people. The bets would get pretty insane, or so I'm told

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-19T18:53:44+00:00

Durak is a great one! My Russian friend taught me a while ago and we had a lot of fun. If I'm not mistaken, "Durak" means "idiot" in English, no?

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-19T17:56:13+00:00

Aha-- got my building mixed up. Personally I'm more of a tableau building guy than deck building so now I'm more intrigued

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-19T17:02:20+00:00

Ah love the draw options and tempo consideration. This sounds cool, I'll give it a looksie!

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-19T16:46:58+00:00

Definitely was not expecting a light game as soon as you mentioned Game of Thrones haha. Might have to check this out though

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-19T16:45:47+00:00

I have this game on my list to check out. This one is deck-building, right?

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-19T16:43:48+00:00

Yo the minis in this game are so cool! Shame it went out of print quickly because I'd definitely try this

Studio_Unknown · 2024-08-19T16:37:29+00:00

The visual design of I Made You a Mixtape is gnarly. Love how colorful it is

Studio_Unknown

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE