How Do You Keep Up With All The Board Games?

[@aliplaysalotro]

Great episode, Alex! 1. The hunt for a new game is addictive and I oftentimes realize that the process of acquiring a title made me happier than the game itself. 2. Setting a budget is difficult because I work at a board game store, lol. The struggle is real. 3. Now this is something I do. Most of the times I ask myself if I really need another deck-builder / cooperative game etc. or try to forecast when the game will get played. 4. I tried setting a 30 day window between being able to buy a game and buying it... but I gave up on it. There are titles that are too hard to get hold of (Beyond the Sun slipped through my fingers because I waited too much) and that I don't want to lose. 5. It's getting harder to stay away from Kickstarter because we often make retail pledges. Ah, this is a wonderful hobby.

[@hobgoblin9378]

I love that you talk about those things. Most of content creators dont (and we all know why), but thats why you are successfull and the only foreign content creator i regulary watch. Best regards from germany and keep up the great work!

[@BoardGameCo]

Much appreciated :) It's a balance...I definitely get pulled in by the cult of the new.

[@callum5257]

Mate, you are on point with your content creation. Well done one becoming such a prominent influence in this community in such a small about of time. Lots to learn from you.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you Callum, much appreciated :)

[@TheBigCrab89]

It is SO refreshing to hear someone recognise that there is joy to be gained in this hobby as a collector not just as a player. This video just massively resonated with me - I am a self confessed collector and know that for me personally curating a collection (from research, to shopping around, to purchase, to organising) is as enjoyable as sitting down to play. Finishing a set of games (like the west kingdom series or Lacerda games) just really pushes my buttons in the right way. Just a fantastic video - thank you :)

[@daleprather3026]

Fantastic candid video! I love these discussions. I'm starting to gravitate more towards this content with the hobby than reviews. I love the candor and honesty because Alex benefits from us buying too many games.

[@BillyIndiana]

Great video with terrific suggestions. I love these "discussions" about the hobby in general. That is actually one of the things that got me hooked on your channel back in the beginning! Not that I don't like your other content, but I love that you keep these coming too. Happy gaming!

[@BoardGameCo]

I enjoy them as well :) I try for these once a week but then other games get in the way.

[@obsidiansiriusblackheart]

You are my favourite boardgame reviewer. I only have two out of dozens that I hit the bell icon for so I get notifications, and you're one of those two

[@joshuag7027]

This is such a valuable video, I recently went through my games and unplayed games and culled some and I'm trying to play others, I think the 1 year window on retail games is a very good plan. Kickstarter is harder to do. but limiting Kickstarter is important as well. I just started backing on Kickstarter in November, and I feel like unless a game truly stands out, its overwhelming to see your kickstarter roundup videos (in a good way) because it helps me see wow there's a lot coming all the time, there always will be, and I don't need to be on board for everything. so that when something truly special comes along, I have the ability to back it i.e. Primal. But I also really like supporting indie developers, Kickstarter is great for that. even if the game is good not great, if its reasonable, and fun, I'm happy to be a part of that.

[@HungryGamerReviews]

I'm still in the intro of this video but to me I have realized I just have to be ok w not having all the new exciting stuff. I have to be more discerning with what truly excites me

[@BoardGameCo]

Absolutely. Now let me go watch the video again :)

[@carla8478]

Love, love, love this video! It never ceases to amaze me the witty and intelligent dialogue that comes out of the content from you and Rina. I was just thinking about this the other day, and I think one of the reasons a lot of people keep buying more and more games is because they want to interact with the board game community. I could say to myself that my shelves are full, I have unplayed games, I need to stay away from board game content so I don't get tempted to buy more. But, the problem is through so many videos over the years you feel like you almost get to know some of the content creators in a certain way and you would miss them. So, I was pondering over what are other ways to interact with the board game hobby without constant sales pitches or FOMO or cult of the new. (Now, I understand a certain amount of that is perfectly fine to keep the industry going) But alternate content for those looking to take a spending break would be cool and it still gives content creators views, etc. I thought about alternate ways to enjoy a little of the dopamine zing. Like what about trivia where you get a zing when you name the right game, or pick 3 games from your collection that best fit a photo challenge. Would love to see you do a video with your own thoughts and ideas with the resultant ideas from the comments section as well. Lastly, one trick I have found to help get to some of my unplayed games is to go back and rewatch content. Those preview videos from the Kickstarter hype or whatever are still out there. When you know that some of your excitement is fueled by a dopamine reaction you can use that in your favor. I find that if I go back and watch old preview or learn to play videos that my brain doesn't know the difference between current hype and past hype. They can still stir some of that excitement and then I am to rekindle interest in cracking open a game I already have. Psychologically, I think some of the unplayed games thing, stems from some of our survival reflexes. If you go to a place and encounter a dangerous snake, your brain solidifies the memory of that place in your mind so you don't forget and stay safe, our brains tend to be problem prejudiced I think. So, when that Kickstarter is resolved, has arrived, and sits on your shelf, it's like your brain goes, oop that situation is resolved, box checked, no need to think about it anymore. Sorry for the long comment, but this video just fueled all kinds of interesting thinking for me. Thanks if you read this far. :)

[@cfosburg]

10:08 - Yes! I just watched ‘ popular board games of all time 2014 to 2020. It was almost comical to watch how fickle ‘the new hottness’ lasted. Hype, hype, hype! If it’s a good board game, you will be able to buy in in a year or so. One of my favorite segments to watch from board game reviewer’s podcast/KZbin channels are their ‘look back’ or ‘one year ago’ review. It’s very possible to have an amazing experience with a new game, if multiple ones, but when the lights go dark, the music stops, and the party has ended...what is the staying power of that game? I miss the days when I bought 1 or 2 board games a year and played the crap out of them! I love the variety and themes games have to offer today, but there was something very satisfying with playing the same game over and over.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I appreciate the journey for sure but there are a lot of mediocre games in that journey.

[@eliasar2924]

I have money problems due to my addiction to board games and FOMO, it is pleasant and reassuring to find videos like this in which a conversation is established about the conscious purchase of board games, thanks for your tips.

[@jonbeckettschreiber52]

"There are so many good games and I'd rather only play the great games." Such a true statement. So much is good that the bar to clear to "great" is a challenge. Thanks for fantastic content that really hits the mark.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks :) Glad it resonated.

[@khpa3665]

Love this video. I've pared back my KS pledging recently and I'm not unhappier for it, tbh. Have I missed out on games that looked cool? Yes. But I'll live. There are plenty of other cool things in the world.

[@shinjial]

The point about giving it time and letting tha initial excitement and the effect of heavy publicity around games is pretty solid, specially after the segway into the idea of sacrificing your time playing games that are average and fine when you could otherwise be playing great games.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep...KS makes that harder for sure.

[@uplift-yourdailypickup6424]

The one year window rule is a great one. I’ve heard it used when talking about which books are worth your time except the window is much larger- like 10 years. And when it comes to Kickstarter I tend to back the reprints because these are time-tested!

[@grassnibbler2026]

For me, whether I get them played isn't too much of an issue (though I would like to eventually) but I like knowing that they're there on the shelf when I want them.

[@BoardGameCo]

Cheaper than Therapy....

[@petergross7235]

Alex, just wanted to say thanks. You've made plenty of these types of videos. I've watched them all, and learned a lot. I set a financial budget and a space constraint on myself to keep things in check, and because of it, I'm really enjoying the hobby guilt free. Though it was tough to skip the Marvel Zombies campaign. I'll have to live vicariously through you with that game. Live play maybe?

[@cyder534]

Fantastic self awareness and a lesson to us all. Got more discerning when someone I know started losing track of their KSes!

[@fmoros]

Alex is the boardgamer whisperer. I feel much more calm now....

[@BoardGameCo]

Shhh...it's ok....

[@gabiebi7288]

Great theme, good thoughts. I am spending too much time watching videos about new games, always hoping that this doesn't result in wishing to buy this new games. I should spend more time to engage myself with the great games already in my collection. I will try to change my behavior, get more games to the table instead of looking after new stuff.

[@fmoros]

same.

[@northlakeghost]

Love the One Year Window idea!!

[@carla8478]

For me, I'm doing good if can make myself breathe and take a two-week step back, lol. And surprisingly I've saved myself several purchases that cooled quickly that way.

[@successfulgeek]

I enjoy the deal finding and collecting and of course playing them. Often I enjoy the learning process of learning new games, but I also like playing games I enjoy over and over too, but often my game group doesn't enjoy the games I like going deeper on as much.

[@BoardGameCo]

For me I enjoy all of it....but it is all focused around the playing first and foremost.

[@rogar3171]

It’s not a sudden realization, but I’d like to point out the delivery of your information in segments like these. As a person who observes a specific belief, or religion, I appreciate how you present facts and your opinions in a calm, almost melodic way. At times, it feels as if I were listening to a pastor delivering the Word to the congregation. I’m not familiar at all with beliefs and practices of Judaism and I don’t mean to make comparisons between different faiths, but I feel there’s a “Grace” that you project. Simply calling it a gaming passion diminishes that truth. Whether I’m right or wrong, I truly appreciate you and I love these insightful videos. Thanks for being you, Alex.

[@NorthOf60Gaming]

Thanks Alex, insightful as always, the "Why" factor is important, I love the thrill of the find, my collection has a lot of "sleeper" games, small publisher games that are great, but are niche. Its fun watching designers start off small and then bang, 3 Kickstarter later seeing huge successes. Don't get me wrong I buy popular games too, it is easy to buy into hype, but finding a gem is always a wonderful feeling.

[@aSyphodias]

There are a lot of games out there for sure but not that many that I feel the need to own. Mostly because time is a premium and I have other hobbies (video games, reading, movies/tv shows). Started board gaming to have an extra common hobby with my wife so if does not fit us, it's an easy skip. KS FOMO is still hard to avoid sometimes but I really try to be picky! I went in for $1 for quite a few games (Nemesis lockdown, Endless winter, freedom five, Robinson Crusoe) and in all cases ended up not backing. I find waiting for the pledge manager outside of the hype window makes it easier to make a good decision. I only pledge the full amount if I know for sure I want it (Set a Watch, Canvas, Agropolis, Darwin's journey, Kingdom rush EU) and my biggest gamble so far: Primal all-in. Also after catching up with the 'best' games that stood the test of time I find it easier to skip new releases until they really prove themselves. Only 'old' game I still want to pick up is Spirit Island as we now have enough experience to tackle it I hope.

[@Mepper.]

I've been on Kickstarter since 2011. Things have changed a lot since then. I think the number of good campaigns (and ratio of good to bad) has increased hugely. At the same time the number of games I am backing per year (or month) has dropped by more than 50% and I see it dropping more in the future. My peak was 3-4 years ago. Part of it is that I know my tastes much better now. A second change is that now I look for any reason to NOT back a campaign where before I was looking for reasons TO back.

[@BoardGameCo]

Absolutely. We have to find reasons to walk away.

[@Luke_L]

I've definitely been struggling with this question too. I got into kickstarter about the same time you did, and I was not too picky about what I backed. I also purchased a lot of games at retail that, in hindsight, I shouldn't have. Now my shelves are overflowing, and I've had to cull games that never hit the table. So I am doing some of the things you mentioned - setting both a budget and trying to get to that "one in, one out" level assuming I cull enough games. I haven't gotten off kickstarter, but I am trying to be waaaaaay more picky about what I'm backing these days. Ideally, I'd like to lose my superbacker status. But in practical terms, I'm trying to only back games that fall into one of two categories (or both): (1) games that I believe will be truly special; that I'll be super excited to have show up at my door (2) small/indie games/campaigns that actually need support; that I believe deserve support based on my own "values". I'm still struggling with (1) because there can be multiple games that fall into that bucket. So I also have to consider what games will actually get to the table. Even though I might truly enjoy both Primal and Monster Hunter World, I really doubt I have time for both. Anyway, I really appreciate the work that you (and other creators who cover kickstarter projects) do because I can make informed decisions based on your videos. Thanks!

[@AdamJorgensen]

Goal: Wall of shame Budget: More than I should be spending Will I play it: Sure....sometime before 2050...I think One Year Window: FOMO says no Get Off KS: In Progress!

[@dodong_daniel]

Will I play it: Sure, after I get kids and trick them into playing all the games on my wall of shame with me.

[@obsidiansiriusblackheart]

@@dodong_daniel not a joke that is exactly how I think 😅

[@obsidiansiriusblackheart]

15:20 get off Kickstarter? Okay, time to get on the Gamefound train :D

[@opheliac0]

Thanks for this video. We just startet this new hobby and it sometimes feels like an expensive minefield 😅 a specialy on kickstarter. we will definitly use this video to make some rules for ourselves 👍

[@BoardGameCo]

It can be expensive...but also a ton of fun :)

[@yogibbear]

My system is buy games until Kallax is filled up, buy more Kallax's, then fill up the empty spots with more games. I think I am doing it wrong.

[@BoardGameCo]

Ah yes, I'm familiar with that system.

[@rb3152]

No, everything is correct, keep it up! And don't forget to set up a budget. For a bigger home 😆

[@yogibbear]

@@rb3152 Have you seen the property market! I've been looking the last 12 months. :(

[@ScytheNoire]

Some great tips and ideas. A lot of these also apply to other things in life. I think this is something that new people to the hobby suffer from more, since there is so much already existing, and new always coming. I think KS is the biggest one, and I find myself moving towards only backing games that are proven and in a reprint or new edition - Terraforming Big Box, Machina Arcana, Dinosaur World, Sleeve Kings, Rurik, Vindication, Zombicide: Undead or Alive, Everdell Complete Collection, The 7th Citadel. I also keep a spreadsheet wishlist and compare the game I could get on KS to a retail game, or often multiple games, I could buy for the same cost.

[@mros9254]

i actually did a topic on BGG CALLED "not a collector? getting rid of FOMO and saving money" i explain there what my goals and my limits were on this hobby, that i realized that i needed to value more the games i already had and getting out of the constant looking for games-buying-liking othergame cycle, i had to do a system of how much i spend and playing the games i had to actually use the money i spend, its interesting how many people says that giving a monetary value to the time spend with loved ones is not such a good idea but, i really think that at least for me i have enough good games 30+ with expansions some not even played, and for the moment i am more excited for the gamenight to come not because of the boardgame itself but for the moments that ill create with my loved ones. This hobby can become an addiction and an obsession, a way of calming anxiety at the expense of money and time, are we playing games just because its the novelty ore are we enjoying the moment with the games we already have?

[@WernerFernandoOroxonRamirez]

As always interesting discussion and interestingnto see how there are few game like tm that are talked abiut years after their release in a consistent basis overall food for thought

[@caseypeterson5827]

Great insights as always.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks Casey :)

[@steveg9939]

Wise words and great video as always! If I wait 6-12 months, the some excitement will undoubtedly go away, but if it doesn't, then I'm stuck waiting for a second reprint of the game 😭 Maybe I will get out of kickstarter instead. I have enough games...right?! So many decisions 😂

[@thebrewgeek]

I've had to start with the one-in = one-out approach, as I'm out of shelf and closet space in my game room.

[@BoardGameCo]

Necessity is the mother of invention

[@ricardp60]

Great video Alex.... lots of food for thoughts! Thanks

[@RiHa_Games]

First ;-) Always wanted to do that, only once:) Kickstarter for me is a way to post order a lot of games I missed previously when they reappear like Everdell. Which is usually (online group pledges) cheaper than buying in retail.

[@robertthurman9866]

youtube videos of game reviews, favorite game companies, types of games, forums and FB groups. A variety of methods.

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice :)

[@buddhawasright]

18:45 BUT, do you still miss your Tainted Grail not being sundropped?

[@BoardGameCo]

A little yes :)

[@dougcerulli8826]

I can say for the Kickstarters I have backed, that I have been honest about the expansions and add-ons I'm likely to play. I'll never have enough time to play all the content of most games these days. There are just too many games to play, and I like to cycle through different games often. So I can, without regret, not back every single add-on, expansion, etc when I back a Kickstarter. I only have to look at my game shelves to see all the expansions that have never been played and will likely never be played. It is enough to get the base game to the table and relearn the rules, without having to worry about additional rules or other barriers of getting a game to the table.

[@AnkitGarg]

Very good points. I also feel overwhelmed sometimes. My goal with collecting board games is whenever my friends and family meet, we play some awesome game and have a memorable experience. In the process I get the feeling that I was the one who discovered the game which led to the awesome time we had (childish sentiment I guess). The only problem is I live in India, these games are not easily available here (and almost impossible to resell). So either I import which makes the games cost double, or get whatever is available in India. I generally can't wait 1 year, as sometimes a game which is available may never become available again. I backed a couple of KS games, but now I focus on classics and games in top 200 on BGG (in various categories or overall).

[@mkietzmann]

I haven't backed a single game on Kickstarter so far, as shipping to Mexico is usually prohibitive. Furthermore, I have given myself a monthly budget for board games, which translates to getting 1-2 games per month. I'm fine with that, because (a) I have to be a lot pickier and (b) I actually get my games to the table. Great video, btw.

[@jonnyw2887]

The system that helped me to stop buying games constantly was that money to buy new games had to come from selling other games in my collection. So then I had to ask myself was would I rather have the new game or the ones I already owned?

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice, a solid version of the one in one out....making your collection stabilize.

[@dodong_daniel]

My limiting factor is that every "new" game I get has to fill a gap in my collection. Do something significantly different that the games I already have. The last game for example is John Company and before that Shasn. That is also why I'm still waiting for blood on the Clocktower. Even though I'll probably never het a large enough group together to play that, I don't have anything else like it my collection.

[@munchinkin]

i have a 4x4 kallax and the rule is if i want a game, i got to make place for it in the kallax, so i have to sell on if i want a new one ... this way i actually play and finish games so i can cycle them

[@afrank525]

I wish more reviewers would cover games over 1 year old and then explain their replayability (or lack thereof).

[@arixnewromanauxiliary5336]

As I was typing, you said it. Board games are like movies. A lot of game reviews will talk about one game that gets alot of hype all at the same time. Like movies there are alot of foreign films that have captions that are awesome like Pans Labyrinth from 2006 it got 8.2 / 10. I've never herd anyone personally talk about this film. This movie like board games will make a resurgence on top 10 lists.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, lots of similarities.

[@Sonus2011]

I can't overcome fomo. All it took was owning 1 amazing game that I own that my friends can't get cause its no longer in print for me to never want to miss out on one.

[@pauljones2261]

The gallerist. So wanted to help you out. Lol

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol I know. I love watching other reviewers and filling in the blanks when they can't think of something :)

[@lucasdieguez1244]

Such a great video. In my case, I just don't care (or forced myself not to care) about a game being old or new. I just purchased Perdition's Mouth revised edition. It's new for me. And I'm enjoying it plenty.

[@Biodroid85]

Thanks for the tips

[@kumanight]

Personally I set a limit of backing 4 games a month on KS. I ended up breaking that rule last month but it's been working aside from that 😅. I also get as much if not more enjoyment from researching and shopping for games as I do playing them.

[@NorthOf60Gaming]

@Sweekun I try to limit myself to 2 games, depending on the cost. Today I broke that rule, as I backed Tristen Hall's new game, and of course I went all in for his other two in the series. 1815 Scum of the Earth. Why did I back, aside from having tried the other two, the damn Kilforth Promo card. That is one of my favorite games.

[@jaydenklein1654]

I've been very fortunate with getting kickstarter games that my group always loves, the most recent being sea of legends and CoH the board game. I was actually worried about sea of legends because of the whole app thing but now seeing that it just replaces a big book of "if this happens go to this page" I'm happy with it and my game group is too. That was the closest kickstarter game to be right there of "should I have backed this? Will it be fun?" But I'm sure my luck will run out eventually!

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh nice, I'm glad Sea of Legends is working for you :)

[@CheddahSlammer]

The problem I am having now is that everyone is so busy, that I am playing no games. I haven't played any board games in 2 months. So because of that I haven't bought much, compared to when we were playing games. I think I am going to focus on buying some shelves to hold my board games. Cause right now I got games on this old shelf and on the floor lol.

[@inezkestens5561]

Thanks for talking about this! I have a collection of 100 games and I try to keep it around that, anymore than that without a game group where you supply a high number of games to is just a bit of insanity. For me the realisation came when I wanted to buy Spirit Island ... I really want it. I don't like most co-ops because I find them boring. I like crunch, my friend however loves co-op's and this seems like the best combination for us. However when will I actually play? What game will give up it's place for it? Will we find the time to play it a few times after each other to give it the attention it needs? In the end I decided to first play what I have and when some room opens up we wil find a way but it doesn't need to be now ;) (Yes, I know a 100 games is small in this hobby but it's what I'm comfortable with ;) )

[@SteveOw0]

Hey Alex, great advice. I like the idea of setting a 1 year window, but this doesn't really work for me with Kickstarters. When a game has Kickstarter exclusive content that I want, I have to choose between backing the game right now, or missing out on something that I want. But for things that are available in retail, I agree that waiting is a good idea.

[@caseys.7804]

I can't wait to get home and watch this. I have a problem with buying games. There are too many great games and I feel like I'm missing out if I don't buy it. In fact, I have 5 games waiting to be picked up from a local game store today. I'm the only one who is really into games within my friends and family. Basically if I don't buy it, I'll never get to play it. Edit: However, I usually do wait about a year or more after the game comes out to buy an expensive game. I do a lot of research of games after the "new game hype" has faded and hear what people say about it year(s) after.

[@greygamervideo]

My "current" system is one rental and one purchase/trade, in addition it must be playable at 2 players with a playing time no longer than 90 minutes and a difficulty/weight factor that we are comfortable with. Including the rental cost this works at around £40 per month, in the UK a suitable new game currently averages

[@DVCBear]

Yes, may see odd. Yes, I value the experience of board gaming. From the early preview's to the Kickstarter, the Kickstarter Updates, the occasional KS drama, and finally the game itself and sometime even the process of selling. Playing the game is the cake, but there is a ton of frosting. Learning the game, unboxing the game, organizing the game, storing the game, in some cases building the game (SoB, KDM) and finally playing the game. About 15 Months into the hobby. Currently own 14 games, sold 11 games, and have about 20 games arriving within the next 24 months.

[@Axel_Vrarimor]

I like this "Alex Kondo" hug your games and if you love them, keep them in your collection, video :-)

[@yogibbear]

Ok so I am un-backing Mythic Battles.... is the next video the opposite of this topic so I'm back all-in?

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol maybe :)

[@Renegade_KT]

To add up on what you already said: - Ask yourself whose the target group that you're going to play this with? Projecting on others is often a recipe for disappointment. - If there is a Tabletop simulator version of the game (or other platform), have you tried it before buying? - Have you take the time to research the game, read the rulebook before buying the game? Asking these questions and doing your research can save you some money along the way and keep your collection more manageable. It's not always easy to do tho XD. There is so many good games out there. Sometimes it's better being picky and getting a game over another. We can't play them all (unless you're good at reselling game and not loosing too much in the process).

[@kumanight]

Comparing the game you're buying vs what it would be replacing is also a good rule. That's what got me to hold off on Primal (and the price lol), I just didn't see myself ever pulling it out when I have marvel champions & other boss battlers.

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

Trickerion is so good. So. Good. (And start with the full game. The short game is....not as good.) But I definitely understand having other things that take precedence. The "wait a year" idea is generally my take (barring limited availability games). you can end up spending a bit more in the aftermarket, but you probably end up saving money by not buying so many games. I did that with Trickerion collector's edition and Anachrony Infinity Box. I spent ~20-30% more, but I knew I wanted them and didn't buy other games that I might have otherwise.

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

Also, yes to getting off Kickstarter. I will do Kickstarter, but only for games that I find elsewhere that happen to be on Kickstarter. (Most recently 1860 and John Company 2e). And I'm still looking forward to the few delivering soon (Petrichor and the Awaken Realms Aliens game. I can never remember the actual name...)

[@krazikrucial707]

Heya, Alex. Great video as many of your videos tend to be. I agree that it's very important to be conscious of our motivations, but there is one issue that propels buyers and modifies the market: other buyers. There are so many that buy to have and/or to resell, which creates a limited quantity and a heightened demand while urging other buyers to hurry. For example, a game like One Deck Dungeon for the second time in several months is selling for $85 dollars when MSRP is $25 and it's not out of print. Or games like Nemesis that are hidden behind contracts and select retail. Any thoughts on this factor and circumventing it though it may mean higher prices or no inventory if conscious buyers wait?

[@BoardGameCo]

I completely agree with what you're saying, I'm not sure what you mean by thoughts to circumvent it? Ultimately the market is the market... As long as companies keep making new games and as long as games are constantly in flux... Then it's just supply and demand.

[@krazikrucial707]

@@BoardGameCo I meant did you have any tips to circumvent or navigate the market fluctuations and still have access to stock at reasonable prices, while being a conscious buyer. But, you're right, it does boil down to supply and demand and a rolling of the dice, so to speak. Have a great weekend and congrats on the channel's growth over the last several months.

[@diamondmeeple]

Luckily, my taste for games is limited in several ways. I do not need to do a full 360 scan. The BGG gives me a tool not all know about. I go my favourite designers and click their linked games. Then I sort based on the year published. This also reveals upcoming, yet unreleased, games and often which companies publish them. I can often read a little about these games and when they will be published. KZbin providers and Facebook groups also give info about interesting upcoming releases. I finally also do a scan of upcoming games in some of the largest online shops. In search of hidden treasures.

[@timothyorgan5846]

I believe you are leaving out a major category, perhaps intentionally, the you tube influencers. This probably has a greater effect than kickstarter itself. For me, when I peruse Kickstarter I often ignore many games that don't fit my playstyle but watching you tube board game personalities will pull me to games I normally wouldn't back. If I stopped you tube but kept looking through Kickstarter I would probably, at least, half my buying. For example, I have learned not to watch Rhado as every game to him is awesome (unless it lacks 2 player modes). He is a clearly a salesman in reviewers clothing. Many channels will not give negative reviews and it is clear why, even for channels that are not sponserd by the industry. Negative reviews mean being left out of the review copies which means less viewers. Every game is at least good and many are something "I will add to my collection". Something to consider when discussing how to mitigate board game spending.

[@buddhawasright]

"clearly a salesman in reviewers clothing." Nailed It.

[@dannyp4174]

I am very happy that our gaming group experienced the amazing production leaps the boardgame industry has made in the last several years. It's more of an immersive experience. Yes, I can enjoy a pocket game on a picnic table, but now the dining room has become like paramount studios where we produce our own happy endings...or tragedies from literally any setting of any world imaginable. I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the movie. In a boardgame, I can be Gandalf and choose his path. Why not do it on a game topper with a neoprene mat holding a perfectly sculpted miniature all the while knowing that blood rage is coming up next game. The hair is standing on the back of my neck. So I cant afford groceries, Ah heck, who needs to eat anyways.

[@onemikeonegame]

So much truth in this video.

[@BoardGameCo]

:)

[@morgaknightgames]

I'm too new to the board game scene to see how my collecting will pan out (my first kickstarter is currently hanging out in customs), but I've already reached my own compromise with my books and videogame collecting. I used to review books, so my rule now is I have to get rid of more than I bring in (huge backlog) and for videogames I only allow myself one new release a year given how quickly they go on sale and again, backlog.

[@scrubkid6602]

I'm going to write things down/answer questions as I watch the video as a way to, hopefully, create some kind of comprehensive text for myself. Feel free to read but this is a long comment: What is my goal? - My goal is to have a library/collection of games that have different theme, size, mechanics and style so that there's always one game for me to play and enough variation to host board game sessions. - I also enjoy watching videos or listening to podcasts or reading stuff about board games. Either reviews, 2 friends talking about what they have played or more general topics like this. - My goal is NOT to have the best, most amazing games ever. My thought process is: people already have the amazing games so if I want to play it chances are that someone I know and play with owns it. Also what might be considered amazing in the community might seem boring to me. Instead I focus more on games I find interesting or looks neat and fun for me. This probably will make my library mediocre in the eyes' of the community but it will be great in my eyes. This doesn't mean I stay away from great games. Set a budget My budget is my total library of board game systems can't be more than 100. (Some let you combine 2 stand alone games to 1 big game. I count that as 1 big game). Right now my library is at 15ish games so my wishlist on BGG is my "virtual potential future library" which I tweek if I find other games or buy something etc. When will you be playing? Well I don't rush to buy a new game generally speaking. Well maybe backing a lot Kickstaters doesn't count. I try to think if I already have a similar game either bought or in my wishlist. If yes then I force myself to pick 1. Same goes to mechanics. I like worker placements so I have quite a few on my wishlist. To not overflow my library with worker placements I need to give a reason to why have that game over any other. For example I have Architects of the West Kingdom because of the unique way of having 20 workers from turn 1 and also the prison system. I have Lowlands on my wishlist because of the dynamic of the dike. Even if the games have the same mechanic I try to get games that feel or play different. Set a 1 year window I kind of do that? I buy 1 game at a time so some games have been in my wishlist for 1 year. I don't tend to follow the hyped games, I go for what I find cool, but that also mean I don't care if a game is not talked about anymore if I still find it neat. Due to how often I find new (to me) games and look and reevaluate my wishlist I think naturally there will be a window from when I hear about a game and then acquire it. Well except Kickstarters. Get off Kickstarter Yeah I should do this... What I try to do is when a Kickstarter is up I again reevaluate if it should be in my library. Now, that doesn't always happen... Sometimes I instaback something. Or back something that wasn't that fun in the end. But I also then try to learn what my tastes are for future games. Games I don't like or probably won't play for whatever reason I try to sell first to get some of the money back. In the end I always try to limit the amount of games I back. I only back games I think would be a fine addition to my library. Yes I have backed all in only to never open the boxes. This was before I had this system and it was thanks to my mistakes that I now have this system. But I will still back games and not wanting to keep them and that will allow me to realize that I might not like something I thought I liked. I will always try to play the games I get from Kickstarters. If I don't for whatever reason I might consider selling it because at that point it's just taking space. Conclusion: I don't really keep up with new games. But do have to keep up with new to me games.

[@BoardGameCo]

I like the idea of relegating the standard hotness to your friends while seeking out diamonds in the rough yourself.

[@TableTopWolf1984]

As a former wargamer I've found that getting games in isn't enough for the effort and money required to jump in. I'm getting more into board games, solo ones mainly due to now being able to play 5-6 of them a week, so the cost to play ratio great. I'm limiting myself to one great board game I enjoy though in one genre, blitz bowl is my sports game, street fighter is my combat game, super fantasy brawl is my arena game, zombicide is my zombie game, massive darkness is my dungeon crawler, so I can only get interested in different types of games now.

[@familymeeple]

"... set a1 year window" - or let kickstarter do this for you! 😆❤

[@familymeeple]

Agree re: "feed-fluff". Have bought a couple of games in basis of stuff suddenly appearing in troves, then suddenly... its gone. Additionally, I've found when this has happened, I've generally not actually been that impressed with the games hence now wait.

[@scrubkid6602]

@@JJ_TheGreat you spend money on a game then have to wait at least a year for it to get manufactured and delivered.

[@patriziopastore9895]

After watching this video i feel somehow guilty... Joking I get your point I was totally in about Dice Throne Adventure that i back super enthusiastic... More than one year pass to get the game and after X month i still didn't open it. Life

[@Buako111]

I collect both Warhammer and board games, however, boardgames are more a side hobby to play with my kids. Warhammer is a main hobby that I play with my friends. I like to play and collect and watch both. I also enjoy reviews. However, what i miss in board games is scope of fluff that Warhammer offers. What I miss in Warhammer are party board games, open and play. Nice step GW is making lately is Warhammer quest games series.

[@Paper-dust]

This can also apply to video games as well.

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh absolutely

[@codym6376]

Yes, I have a huge backlog of video games. It started backing up when I got married and really piled up when I had a child. Now I just ask for a few most wanted video games as Christmas gifts so people know what I want and I don’t feel like I wasted my money if I never get to them. May do the same with some tabletop games.

[@Deadpool_collector247]

I dont keep up lol. I'm about 18 months to 5 years behind Wait a while and you can usually pick up games for a fraction of the RRP. Im not into the Kickstarter hype train either. A good example (not a great game though), Journey: Wrath of demons was £100 in the UK (even more on KS), I waited about a year and scooped it for £35.

[@darinherrick9224]

I started thinking I like this video...then realized I don't. I see a lot of thinking here I don't agree with. 1. What if you got into board games to GET AWAY FROM GOALS? 2. What if you got into board games to GET AWAY FROM BUDGET STRESS? 3. What if you like a lot of similar games and enjoy owning many that are similar? 4. What if you are rich and have lots of money and leisure time? 5. What if you give away the games you don't like to the public library as I do? And more glaring, you are talking about value, but compared to what? Let's be realistic. The competition to board game money is: Sports Events, Concerts, Eating Out, Books, Movies, Comics, Video Games, Music. Now, if you want to make that kind of comparison, board games are an OUSTANDING value. For a movie, you get 2 hours or less of entertainment for $10 in a theater. Board games are not linear generally-speaking, so you need multiple plays to get everything out of it. Even if you only play a $60 game once, you are paying for a premium experience, akin to a concert or sports game or a play. A lot of work went into crafting the experience for you. But even so, there are plenty of 10, 20, 30 dollar games that provide hundreds of hours of entertainment. If you are concerned about value, perhaps the best question would be why not play what you have more to increase it's value rather than buying more, but this does not mean buying more is necessarily a waste of time. In this case you are paying a premium for CONVENIENCE and ACCESSIBILITY. You can check out movies at the public library, watch sports games on broadcast TV for free (relatively), listen to music on the radio for free. But you pay for CDs to listen to what you want, when you want. You pay for vinyl for the premium experience. You buy ultra HD movies for the experience and accessibility. I have a store of board games at home with 80 unplayed on my shelf. When I want to play something new, I simply go shopping on my own shelves. I will say this in closing: Board games, Books, and video games with RPG elements are the best value I know of. You can get many hundreds of hours of use out of all three of these. But stop thinking of it as money "lost". Living costs money. Exercise, eating, sleeping, everything we do costs money. That is not lost money. It's living.

[@davidsherrard2353]

Facts have been spat, pills have been swallowed with difficulty. Really interesting video with great advice

[@vojkobaumanspoon]

I have a list for the whole year what to buy every month at around 60€ per month, the only problem are the games I buy in beetween and on KS 😩 Looking at Tainted Grail right now on gamefound.... ups

[@Soccer67]

I've seen Guild Master displayed on your shelf or among a stack of games in a number of your videos. What's your take on Guild Master? Have you played it? Do you like it?

[@derraldlosey1118]

I don’t think there are any ks I have backed I was particularly disappointed in. Maybe a few that were delayed extra long. Couple that the components could have been better. Last year I backed 12 games. This year I said 12 or less. 34 I know of so far I was interested in. Of those 24 I have made decisions on. 4 backed. Tamashii, Feralis, 51st State, and Nightmare cathedral. Relatively cheaper smaller games than I used to back. The other ten I will need more info than I currently have to make a call. 5 are likely, with 3 being expansions on games I already have. I am definitely getting pickier as I get more games.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, getting pickier just makes sense

[@cymraegddraig]

It's good to be honest. I've been in the hobby for only just over a year and clearly have a ks problem. However...I like to think they are an investment and for now....they can be played in the future ...when they start arriving :) Speaking of which I hope you could look at darkpass a gamd currently on ks. I think it needs some advice :) Cheers Alex !

[@drummerdanny1269]

I only collect Warhammer Underworld. Those are small boxes and have very few miniatures to paint. In regards KS, I just stopped being pulled of FOMO. The amount of games coming out are just excessive. On top of that,the all in pledges are usually $200+. The hobby is great, but you have to be able manage it correctly.

[@npckse8508]

I am a major offender of trying to keep up. It is not only a losing game, but then I end up with shelves full of games that have yet to be played (Zombicide Invader, Project Elite). Even with my current game group that gets a ton of plays in each month and is always up for something new, there is just too much to keep up with. We have finally started a list to ensure we don't all back the same KS campaigns. Right now 3 of us have everything for Anachrony, including the Infinity Box. Just far too much to keep up with.

[@enricomartinelli3376]

More than anything ... where do you keep all them?

[@BoardGameCo]

For me my basement....but yes, that too :)

[@looquanjun450]

Only 20% of the KS board games that I backed actually turned out to be "great" games. One good thing that came out from it is that I became better at backing KS boardgames, as I now only back new KS games after watching the playthroughs and reading the rulebook extensively, and I can kind of predict whether or not the game will hit my table often enough to be worth its price. Alot of these "great" games aren't available widely in retail as well, especially if they add KS-exclusives FOMO into the campaign.

[@os7272]

There is too much in every area of comercial life to keep up, at least for "us" (first world problems): too many board games, too many video games, movies, books, tv series, miniatures, lego, electronics and so on and so on. What I considered a "good" thing has slowly but steadily turned into a serious burden (for me). If one would just have the self control ... I feel that the enjoyment to get something new and experience it has gone because the next good stuff will arrive the next day and has to be experienced as well. And it is not only the number of games but also the size of them. Look at "Lasting Tales" and the amount of minis, or Gloomhaven ... way to big.

[@Wealtharch]

I'd love to be part of a board game anonymous group to help me find support in buying less board games

[@BoardGameCo]

Sign me up.

[@justacynic]

“I usually go with 5, 7, or 10...”*** And then use two or three honorable mentions and double up on some spots. Numbers are just abstract concepts anyway... 😂

[@Michael.Virtus]

I have very strict requirements to like a game, hence I am dismissing 99% of the games. So the more games there are the better chance to finally have something that I like. People who have problems with "too much new games on the market" just have lack of temperance.

[@sknoppsi4413]

If the hobby is only about the aquisition, ist a really bad one. This means you are wasting money. The buying process in this case is often the addiction to the enjoyment you think you will get. When the game arrives at your doorstep the enjoyment is there for the amount of time you need for the unboxing (5 Minutes). End then you start seeking for the next game. Spending 100 bucks for 5 minutes enjoyment is not a goot deal. If it is about painting the miniatures, collecting a boardgame could be a good thing. if you bought lets say Massive Darkness 1 at kickstarter, you got a lot of minis to paint, and the anjoyment of painting them last for day or even weeks. This makes your money bringing you a lot more enjoyment then only unboxing the game. I guess the best deal is if you enjoy the painting as well as the playing of the games, but in this case you don't need a lot of games. Kickstarter is its own thing. If you need the minis for painting, I guess kickstarter is ok. If it's only about playing, you should be aware that the good deals are often bad deals. For example. I backed Calico. It was a really good deal. I played it more then 20 times, I got it for 30 bucks and I am still playing it. A few more strechgoals like additional cats or patern (goal) tokens would be an asset. But I don'T need 20 additional cats 20 20 additional goal tokens. On the other hand I backes Massive Darkness 1 a few years ago. I got a lot of additional minis, I played the game 4 times and I guess I use 1 or 2 of the additional minis. So most of the minies did never hit the table. And even if I didn't get a single of the additional minis, there are enough minis in the core box. So it didn't change my playing experience if I got a mini from the core box on to the table instead of the strechgoal minis (at this 2 times when I got a minis from the stretch goals hit the table). So for me most projects with a lot of stretchgoals are not worth their mones, therefore I Massive Darknes 1 was the last game with a lot of minis I baked. On the other hand, cascadia was a instand buy for me.

[@olanmills64]

There a simultaneously too many games, and there's not. It does seem sustainable because people like me keep buying them in even if I have many unplayed. This isn't an issue only in the board game fandom. Since it happens in other hobbies too, it leads be to believe that the "too many" problem will not be ending any time soon. As long as there is a a good variety and some level of novelty with decent quality, I think it's totally sustainable.

[@kenrickcarlsonkeh191]

1 year window with Marvel United. 😅

[@BoardGameCo]

:)

[@wirormiror]

I refunded and got close to refunding a lot of my ks. Most board games do not trigger any fomo in me, but sometimes when it does its because of the pretties. I enjoy board games, but I hate the set ups. I enjoy most the adaptation on steam. Root is one of the best games out there, but setup is daunting as is learning it. So, I guess that if games are getting too costly consider going digital? A lot of great games are making the jump like sagrada, root, sentinels of the multiverse, wingspan, and many others get a less scripted version on table top simulator, like zombicide. We cant have em all, but if theyre any good some one will mod it for tts. Any ways, its not a solution to fomo, but it saves shelf space at least (for often much lower prices, often less than 40 $ for base game)

[@pauljones2261]

This applies to many hobbies. Great advice. Gonna ignore you though.

[@BoardGameCo]

Fair. To an extent so will I :)

[@TheSplinket]

wow you cutting deep now ouch, lol yikes, to all you suggestions on should you still be on kickstarter, id say i probably should'ent, so im most likely a fool to stay on KS even though i really should'ent, but i like seeing new cool games to much to stop cold turky, and seeing new cool inventive stuff beyond games witch is even more money but i guess im just glutton for punishment right? so thanks for sqeezing lemon juice in my open wounds Alex lol jk we all at least can always count on you to give good sensible, rational, & responsible advice even if thats advice we really need to, but dont want to hear as it feels like gut punch, or like saying if you want to get FIT or back into shape THEN STOP EATING SO MUCH PIZZA ya dinggit lol and its really funny seeing your wife not helping you save money by tell you too buying more games lol (what you DIDENT BACK THAT ONE we need to back that one lol) this also why i'll never stop watching your videos keep it up