Board-game cafés

[jeromie]

A general interest in boardgames is how I discovered go, so in that sense it's good to see them getting mainstream press as a way to spend time with family and friends. The author takes a weird tone throughout her article, though, as if she had fun but felt slightly guilty about it. She also seemed keen to reinforce a number of the stereotypes about gamers while making an effort to separate herself from them. Her article may have been shaped by the content of her interviews, though. I found the comment about games providing a safe social structure for those who were immersed in an online world particularly odd. I suppose there are some for whom that is true, but I don't play games because I'm socially incompetent or need a stepping stone to more "adult" activities. I play games because they're fun, engage my mind, and are NOT socially isolating.

Of course, I have to remember that I'm looking at this topic from the perspective of someone who has been playing modern boardgames for a number of years. Perhaps acknowledging existing stereotypes and providing a contrasting image of a new gamer is an approach that will help some people overcome hurdle that is keeping them from trying board games. I hope a few people have their interest piqued enough to seek out a board game cafe and find they enjoy it. Gaming is not for everyone, but it can be a rewarding hobby.

[skydyr]

FYI, http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainmen ... _page=true

Attacking chess for its black and white pieces and on the grounds of not being an appropriate model of modern warfare is the dumbest thing I read today. Quite sure, Mary Flanagan doesn't like Go, either.

I wonder what she'll think (or what she actually thinks) of Diplomacy. Never had a chance to play in real life, but it's "quite tough" on the nerves. And makes you see people... differently.

Playing Diplomacy is a great way to tell if you have a group that gets together to play games, or a group that gets together to socialize over games. The latter will likely not survive with all social relationships intact.