The Problem With Gloomhaven & Epic Campaign Games

While the title is a bit clickbaity, as my problem isn't specifically with Gloomhaven, what do you do about all the epic campaign games coming out? How do you play them all? Do you play them at all? How do you allocate your gaming time and how do you solve the problem of not enough time to play these epic games?
For great prices on new and used board games, check us out at: boardgameco.co... you have an active BoardGameGeek collection set up, trade with us here: boardgametrade...

[@helxis]

As a community, we need to learn a little control, and we also to be more selective. You are correct that we're in the golden era of board gaming. Here are some tips to keep from being overwhelmed by the inundation of more and more new games: 1) Play your games more than once. Play them more than twice. Play your games 10, 20, or more times. It is a crying shame that our hobby leads people to buying a game and playing it once before moving to the next hype. Many games do not expose their beauty until you get very familiar with them. Additionally, you can play games *so much faster* when you have that familiarity. I hate that so many sessions with my friends are stumbling through new game after new game, taking 2 or 3 times the box's listed time only to never see it again. If you get truly bored with a game after once or twice: sell it. 2) Be picky. We have so many games to choose from, and very short lives with which to play them. Going with the advice from point one, BE PICKY. You're never going to play it all -- especially not to the point of actually appreciating it fully. Themes matter. Beauty matters. It doesn't matter how cool a mechanic is in a game if the game still feels boring to you overall (I'm looking at you, Village). 3) Exercise impulse control. As a community, we need to stop falling for the trap of Kickstarter. Stop letting these companies get you with the fear of missing out. They are getting you to buy games that you'll never play, just so you can be sure that you don't miss out on the chance to. Stop it. Don't feed them. 4) As you have already stated in here, and going along with point 3: be honest with yourself. I don't buy giant epic legacy games because I *know* that I don't have the groups for it and that I prefer other games, anyway. Is Gloomhaven an amazing experience? I'm sure it is. Will I ever experience it? Probably not. But you know what is real fun? Agricola. Everdell. Brass: Birmingham. Those are choices I do not regret. Ask me to play one of those games and I'll drop what I'm doing in order to do so. There's more, of course, but it is important to have that passion. Find what you love, and know what you have the capacity for.

[@BoardGameCo]

Very much with you on 2-4. For point 1 I tend to be very cutthroat about what I keep, and even those I keep will rarely see 10-20 plays. Some will but most won't. I enjoy the variety. I'm a big fan of playing games I like 2-3 times in rapid succession, we do find that helps cement the rules...but after that we just play what we want to play.

[@damonbrearley3202]

Just quickly. Agree with all of that but be assured gloomhaven WASN'T an amazing experience. It was crap. Never felt so shit playing a game. And yes, we finished it. Coz we hate ourselves

[@Christoff070]

Awesome words

[@haxan6663]

Excellent post.

[@nihlify]

There's little chance a group of people will find a game equally appealing. THAT'S the reason why people change games after 2-3 times. You apparently like forcing your friends playing the same game just because you love it because I can guarantee you there're some of them that don't.

[@DF-we4pt]

You are 100% correct. I’m still backing frosthaven😂

[@BoardGameCo]

A valid argument :)

[@ricardp60]

Hi Alex, I just don't get those games. I have barely enough time to play all my favorite games as it is. I even stopped playing games that take us over 3hrs to play. On game night, I would prefer play 2 games lasting 1.5h/2h than one lasting 3-5hrs. Great video though.... and a good question!

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I'm sort of with you in my actions, but my shelves still want some of these :)

[@CaptainMahone07]

Same here, I sold all my games that lasted more than 2 hours a year ago

[@Spudst3r]

Ya I fill my collection with only casual games I know I can get out easily, that are a riot to play with friends. The Resistance, Loveletter, Coup, Spyfall, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Anomia, Shifty Eyed Spies, Cockroach Poker, Hanami, Skulls... To me true gaming beauty are games with extremely paired down, simple mechanics.

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

I hope i still have the time to put 10h on a saturday on single board game with pals when im older. Few hour games are fine but there is nothing like a long deep session of a world i can really sink into. I feel like there are still not heavy enough fantasy board games out there. I want something truly gigantic and massive, an rpg sandbox world with nigh unlimited options

[@usuario8780]

Hey! Very good reflextion! First of all, apologice my English because it's not my first Language. I would like to share my experience with board games, although it could precisely be said that I have none. Board games started to awake my interest during the quarantine and since then I have been learning about this world a bit compulsively, which usually happens to me when I obsess over a new interest, you know. Since then, I have visited numerous channels, watched tons of videos, and read countless reviews about board games that I don't even own. From there, I began to draw up a list of board games that I would like to have, prioritizing those that had solo mode. I realize that it is incredible how my desire to own those games has evolved without ever having played them, without even having them, because I don't have one! But the fantasy I created in my head of getting one and then getting another was purely possessive. It's funny how I feel having gone through that stage that you talk about in the video without having to buy a single game, it has been very revealing. I think I will have to calm my craving and be very selective with the games that I am going to buy to be able to enjoy them because I do not want to give up this new hobby that I am incorporating into my life since modern board games seem highly stimulating and entertaining to me. Again, very good reflexion on the reality of games, very conscious.

[@ryangilmore3678]

Love the channel and just discovered this video. For me, I guess I'm just sick in the head haha. I've been playing Gloomhaven [solo] exclusively for about 2 months. I leave it setup on my game table and play 2-4 scenarios a week. And plan on playing it until I'm through. I come from the video game world where I'd commit and play an RPG for 100 hours. Committing to one massive game like Gloomhaven isn't an issue at all. I'm always excited for the next scenario and where the story will go. Plus it keeps me from buying more and more games. And I also have a long list of games I'm excited to buy and play after Gloomhaven.

[@michaelb8111]

Right there with you! But, I am not backing anymore KS moving forward this year.

[@BoardGameCo]

At all? What was your last one?

[@michaelb8111]

@@BoardGameCo I went all in on the last Arena the Contest, but my main issue is with China and Covid19. Everything is made over there, and there is no way of knowing how long I'll be waiting for all the games I back last year, or if what was promised will even deliver. To much uncertainty in the world right now!

[@PrestonMoncla]

How has this held up so far?

[@michaelb8111]

@@PrestonMoncla Baked 3 instead of 23, this year... Waiting for a few to go retail but that won't be until late next year.

[@angelparedes920]

This is not exclusive to “big campaign” games, but to all of them. Our game group reached the conclusion that there is a “playing games” hobby, and a “buying / collecting games” hobby. And those are two separate things.

[@scolack123]

Yes I have collected when i was younger like 7 different risk varients. Only played 3 of them regularly I have axis and allies 1940 pacific and europe. They just look nice on my shelf. Never once set it up Ive stopped from buying new games and have vowed to play my old ones

[@biznesstime83]

I feel you. Frosthaven coming onto KS got me to finally pull out and play some Gloomhaven. I do wish I was doing this with someone else instead of playing 2-handed solo. Thanlfully the Gloomhaven heper app is helping with efficiency But I have 7th Continent sitting on a shelf (with 2 incomplete plays under my belt), Pandemic Legacy Season 2 unopened, the last scenario for Rise of Fenris unplayed for nearly a year and 2 unstarted campaigns of Arkham Horror LCG organized and ready to go. Also have several Arcadia and Starcadia Quest campaigns that will unlikely see the light of day as well as Mice and Mystics and Stuffed Fables. Story telling in games seemed like such a great idea, but now playing games sometimes feels like homework in which I am trying to read through the literary cannon rather than just play games. Starting to look at games like TV series. Can't watch them all so I let the interests of friends drive which ones I may take up. Even when plaing solo, having someone to discuss the story with is a great experience.

[@BoardGameCo]

Ya, for right now I'm sill in control but barely...it's the ones coming that have me terrified.

[@UKDagnar]

Some great points made. Biggest problem with these epics is the build up and tear down times that drive you towards a dedicated table so you can leave them set up between games but then you can't play anything else right? I started into Gloomhaven and a couple of other epics and stopped (tho some Kickstarter epics have already been backed so...). I'm now focusing on games that we can play as a family instead in an hour or less so the pre-teen kids don't get bored. Plus that way I can keep my family engrossed in board games and we can gradually develop as a family to the more complicated epics as the kids grow up perhaps. In these times of tablets, consoles and on demand TV, board games are one of the few things that make us all sit down and have fun together. They might not be epic sprawling games but there's still a lot of family fun to be had with "gateway" games such as King of Tokyo, Colt Express, Horrified, Forbidden Island, Diamant, Quacks etc.. There's such a massive choice out there. My Kickstarter backed projects are now mainly the sub $60 family / "gateway" games now rather than the epics, the only exceptions are the solo epics that I still manage to play on an evening (Mage Knight, Scythe(epic?) Too Many Bones etc.) or the games that I know my family will love e.g. Marvel United.

[@BoardGameCo]

Completely with you. A dedicated table would definitely help.

[@Spaceroast]

A bit late to the party, but Gloomhaven (being the only one of these giant epic campaign games I've ever purchased) actually gave me a problem that is both similar yet the complete opposite of what you said. I never had the issue of "how will I find the time to play this?" but rather "how will I find the time to play anything else?" From the moment we got Gloomhaven to the table for our first session, my usual gaming group went straight to wanting to play Gloomhaven at the exclusion of every other game for months, and my frustration with this problem only grew over time. Don't get me wrong; some of my best gaming memories are of playing this epic campaign! It was a great experience, and the interactions, camaraderie, and stories we got out of it are like nothing we could get out of a 2 hour game of Scythe. The game is an absolute blast and I'm truly glad I played it. It was just a bit sad to see all these great games on my shelf go unplayed for such an extended period of time because all anyone ever wanted to play was Gloomhaven. Again, really glad I did play it, but since then I've completely stayed away from these types of games. It's a shame Bloodborne turned out to be another epic campaign, as the videogame is one of my favorites of all time, but I decided to skip it just for these reasons.

[@GabeLogan202]

Amazing channel with Amazing content. I’m happy I found you. Keep up the Amazing work. Cheers.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you so much!

[@CB-yh3db]

I have them all and keep lying to myself and telling myself I will play them eventually. I am trying to enter a period of austerity so I decided not to back Frosthaven.

[@BoardGameCo]

I applaud your self control :) I just need to get there myself.

[@craigjones7343]

I backed it knowing that my period of austerity will begin once I get the game. I will spend so much time playing it that I will have no time to play anything else so won’t buy anything big else. It is happening with Gloomhaven right now. I will play all of it and and probably more than once.

[@CheddahSlammer]

@@coolworld8039 I mean that is based off general price hike of board games in general. Like Fantasy Flight games used to be 40$ for core box, and 20$ for each expansion. Now their 80$-100$ core box, 40$ for each expansion. Then they charge 10$ for little mini expansion packs lol. Also all their content has gone down, smaller cards, not great minis, and less content. On the other hand Frosthaven has more content then Gloomhaven. You throw in the building up the city aspect, the weapon crafting aspect, and other things they added, and it should be 100$. Other games add really nice Mini's but that is all they are. Then you have many that don't have any minis at all, but you can play them over and over because their content is really good. Gloomhaven is in the middle for me, and I expect Frosthaven to be better, based on the writers and creators he is getting for it. As for Vat, I know its a problem but it still has to be paid, because of laws, I don't really think its fair to blame the game companies about telling us we have to pay it. I heard other games hide it in the cost of the game, so you think you getting a 160$ game and its really 120$ plus Vat already included in the price, but they don't tell you that. So your thinking your getting more content then you actually are. I like them being up front, then them doing things like that. Then companies can't really do much about Vat. Like I got something else called the Level UP ( its raised up table platform, so you can lay other stuff underneath with the board being raised over that stuff) and VAT is apparently going to be 60-100$ for it. They didn't know because their product has many different sizes, and because their an American company so they asked if they should just have the people that need to pay Vat pay for it, or everyone pay for it, which would just have everyone add it 18$. 18$ wasn't that much for me to help others out so I did that. Many canceled their orders because of that and got a full refund from the company which they allowed.

[@CheddahSlammer]

@@coolworld8039 I mean majority of games consist of mostly paper, so I don't see your point. Your also underestimating the popularity of Standees over mini's. Their are a lot of people that don't like mini's, and would rather have full colored art on a standee. Higher quality components doesn't necessarily make it a better game. For me Gloomhaven is one of the better games I have played. Time isn't really a factor for me, I honestly am playing Gloomhaven right now, and I can't stop playing it with my family. Which means their is something in their that makes the game really good and fun, to keep me coming back to play. I even think their are better games then it, but its still on my table until we are finished with it. Less time for my gaming group means too short lol. I honestly have many short games I should play but I never get the chance, because they want to do long epic games like Gloomhaven. That's the type of game I buy now because of it. Well in one of the early updates they mentioned that VAT might be a thing for European countries, and they would keep everyone updated. The problem is America doesn't have VAT, so like many of us were even confused at what he was talking about. I then looked it up, but I don't think its his fault cause any American products have to deal with VAT. VAT also went ridiculous because of the situation in the world. Previously It was enough that the companies would pay for it themselves. Aons Trespass is the only game I know that actually did that this time.

[@CheddahSlammer]

@@coolworld8039 Ok then.

[@Table.Fables]

You hit the nail on the head Alex :)Typical cycle in my household. Me: “I’ve ordered xxxx game, really excited”. Gf: “why don’t you just play more of the ones you have?”. Me: scratching my head and thinking she’s got a point, I haven’t fully experienced any of my games if I’m truly honest with myself

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol 100%

[@DVCBear]

You are so right and have been thinking about this a lot recently. I did some math, below are a few #'s on what I have arriving over the next 3 years. Backed a ton, when I discovered board gaming kickstarters in January. Forecasted Play Time: 1600 Hours Estimated # of Boxes (Not games): 70 # of Miniatures : 1,500 (Includes Stormsunder) I keep asking myself, what did I do and where am I going to store the games. Haven't even thought about when to play. On top of this, my plan to keep my self busy was to play Gloomhaven and Shadows of Brimstone until the KS's start to arrive. Solo Gloomhaven became too repetitive and has been fully replaced by SoB. Enjoying SoB universe, the whole model building and organization strategy is part of the fun. I am ok with my KS taking their time. No rush have plenty to do.

[@Heidelmann]

I feel you there. I heard Middara was being pushed back due to covid. I'm thankful for the extra time to clear up some back log.

[@BoardGameCo]

Now all you've done is made me interested in looking more into the SOB universe :(

[@haxan6663]

Spot on as usual, Alex. I have said before that as gamers, we delude ourselves into thinking that we want and will play 80 + hour games. And if we all had one game I am sure that this would be true? The reality is we have lots of games and limited time to play them. In my case I have Edge Dawnfall, which really requires hours of play to learn how all the factions work. I have tons of Hate content, which again, has different factions to learn. I have just aquired an as new copy of Mage Wars with 5 expansions. Hours of play needed in order to truly appreciate it. I have probably another 40 or 50 games on top of this, including Black Plague, Invader, Cthulu Death May Die, Reichbusters, Shadowrun Crossfire and lots of others, that I love. And I have pledged on Oathsworn, Storms under, Nemesis, Bardsung and Hel. My fantasy is that I have time for all of these games and I will sell others to make room for them. This is self-deception! I sell about one game to every dozen that I buy. I have started to control my collecting. I withdrew my Zombicide Undead or Alive pledge and after months of anticipation I haven't backed MB Ragnarok. If I keep buying huge game systems, I will just be a collector and not a player.

[@sebastienvivas9319]

Oh boy, do I ever see myself in this video...

[@BoardGameCo]

The problems we have :(

[@duttdits]

Just getting gloomhaven jaws of the lion instead of gloomhaven was a pretty good play for me. 25 scenarios in jaws of the lion is a fine itch scratcher in a much easier to set up package.

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice :)

[@mikevincent564]

This video really sums up a big problem for me that I've come to realize. But I'm aware of it, and I'm acting accordingly. I have two dedicated game groups, Tuesday nights is for campaign/legacy games, and Fridays are for one off euro/standard board games. This ensures that we're always progressing through a campaign. My wife and I also play these games, so for ones that play best with 2, my wife and I will also have one which we will play through, finish it, before starting a new one. This does mean, that some games might be waiting a year or 2 before I get to them, but I have a system in place to actually playing these. For example, our Tuesday group just finished the Betrayal Legacy Campaign, and next we're doing Clank Legacy. My wife and I just finished our play thruogh of Tainted Grail, and now we're doing LOTR Journeys in Middle Earth. I've played through Kingdom Death, and each year I usually choose which epic campaign game I want to back. This also means, though, that I'm NOT backing new games of this ilk, as my backlog is years long at this point. I am NOt backing Frosthaven, and I didn't back Aeon Trespass, as you're right, there simply isn't enough time to play ALL of these, so I've tried to be selective. I'd rather play through Kingdom DEath with expansions again, then back Aen Trespass, which is very similar. So, my tips, 1) stop backing games if you currently have ones that are extermely similar, don't back Frosthaven if you haven't played Gloomhaven 2) at the beginning of the year choose which games you want to prioritize, this usually means the only that has been sitting around the longest and you won't get to play the shiny new game that just arrived last week and 3) make a dedicated night of the week for a game, so Tuesday is Tainted Grail Night, and keep it going until its finished. This has been my way of juggling these epic campaign games. I've backed Kingdom Death, Bloodborne, Zombicides, Tainted Grail, Etherfields, Gloomhaven, Oathsworn, Sleeping Gods, Trudvang, and Edge Dawnfall...so I have a lot, lol, but this system works if you're patient and stick to the plan.

[@BoardGameCo]

That worked for our group for legacy games that are 10-20 plays....I'm not sure it would for games like Gloomhaven. But it's definite;ly a great idea.

[@ThomasHelms]

I have Gloomhaven set up on a folding table, next to my work-from-home desk, because I swore that I would take this time to finish it. I'm 5 scenarios in and I'm kind of regretting it; each scenario is taking at least an hour to complete and it's becoming a bit of a slog. Yeah, I have jubilant clutch moments and times where the draws are loving me and I'm destroying enemies, but normally after a scenario, after doling out the money, xp, unlocking the next locations, cleaning up the pieces, I just want to play something lighter, something that has a clear finish after an hour or so, something that doesn't have me antagonizing over every single choice. But I can't, because Gloomhaven is a bear to pack and unpack. I've essentially made a pact with myself: I can't buy Frosthaven until I've finished Gloomhaven, Forgotten Circles, and possibly Jaws of the Lion. And I know that's going to be a while.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes, a dedicated gaming table helps. I find I go through spurts with some games, in order to avoid having to clean up and setup constantly.

[@synns6898]

I agree that Gloomhaven is a slog, I got board about 15 missions in. The game is very rinse and repeat, I’m not bothering with frosthaven I just feel Gloomhaven is overrated, I sold it on.

[@damonbrearley3202]

Mate! Don't finish it. Just stop. It doesn't get better. It's crap. It feels bad, grindy, sloggy, unrewarding, we finished it but looking back we should of just burnt it out back. We thought there was a good game in there. There isn't.

[@ThomasHelms]

@@damonbrearley3202 Honestly, I was just going to grit down and grind it out. But I recently had to wipe my browser's cache, including my Gloomhaven tracker, and now I just can't bring myself to either fix the tracker or start fresh...

[@damonbrearley3202]

@@ThomasHelms yeah. Sometimes life just solves problems like that. Welcome to gaming post the abusive relationship that is gloomhaven!😉

[@TheF2tehk]

Your are so right. I ended up finding myself backing way too much of these games. I'm actually hoping for oathsworn to do it right with 15 sessions to be done.

[@Heidelmann]

So thankful for the campaign miniature games that have standee options. I *want* the minis, but boy does it save time. I like painting bit it soaks up so much time.

[@BoardGameCo]

Totally with you, I find 15-20 works...it's the "more than that" that's hard.

[@lystic9392]

7th continent and Arkham Horror are nice 'epic' games because they have such nice save features/breaks. I'm currently going through my Arkham Horror cycles (1 scenario per night if I can) and it's been a blast. I had AH for months before I actually started playing it past the first scenario. I think the deckbuilding aspect was too big of a hurdle. Until I found the arkhamdb site. Basically, to make time for this, I stopped doing other things I normally did to relax. I play less videogames. And I watch less news, because it was stressing me out. If you can dedicate some time every day to boardgames it will help a lot.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes, BoardGames are 90% of my relaxing time at this point, I play a ton...I just play a lot of different games :)

[@mohammeda.al-hasani8784]

you are absolutely right, the way i handle such things that i ignore the advertising phase of the game or sometimes i ignore it existence and remind my self of all the games i haven't touched or finished yet, later when the hype fade on something i check reviews then decide.

[@BoardGameCo]

A solid choice :) For me that eliminates some but not all.

[@vagvaf]

This is very true. They need a dedicated gaming group and the amount of admin also makes these games hard to play solo. I have visited my local gaming store many times with the aim to get Gloomhaven (knowing fully that I won't play past the 1st or 2nd scenario), but thankfully I came to my senses before the purchase and picked something else instead. I am now waiting for the video game adaptation :) I think that boardgames with such richness and depth will always sit uncomfortably between pen & paper RPGs and video games. Edit/PS: At least until there is some augmented reality breakthrough :)

[@BoardGameCo]

I know...I keep debating whether to play the video game...but I prefer board games.

[@vagvaf]

@@BoardGameCo play it for "encyclopedic" purposes ;)

[@chase9044]

I agree, it's big issue. I got really into backing games for a few years and now I've got content overload. The thing I've identified, at least for myself, is games that looked good are not always enough to be played much beyond the first few play throughs before going back to the main set of core games. My group is really into dungeon crawlers and Gloomhaven is a staple but there's other great games like Nemesis which will have a few plays a year but the expansions for Nemesis are dust collectors. And I think it's the fundamental problem with backing a game through Kickstarter. You see the shiny new thing that looks fun and then you want the complete experience with all the expansions before the game has ever hit the table. I've got a list of games coming and maybe by the time they arrive my group will be looking for a new main game but that's likely to be Frosthaven so where does that leave Middara that's coming next year too?

[@BoardGameCo]

100% agreed that KS adds to the problem.

[@IsaacSchubert]

I've 'finished' the main campaign of gloomhaven twice, with the same group. We're the kind of group who would be playing DnD if one of us was able to GM. You need a DnD group's commitment, not your normal board game group haha

[@BoardGameCo]

I know...but so far I only get that with my wife :) The rest of our group likes to mix things up and also varies in the group itself :)

[@ManFromTheFizz]

I've had Gloomhaven for almost 2 years now yet can never get a stable campaign going. XD How did you find a group and a setting to complete this in?

[@pecktec]

Doesn’t some of these games feel like they are made for people with only one game?

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol yes :)

[@CheddahSlammer]

The irony is people who get these games probably have multiple of these types of games.

Unfortunately, I only play solo. I prefer these type of games to computer games to reduce screen time plus the satisfaction of holding things in your hands. I also think this kind of games are better solo. I think setup and play time makes a big difference. If it is quite late and I have a session going on games like arkham horror lcg (1h max), 7th continent (30min - 3hours per session) makes a big difference compared to other games. For example I am playing tainted grail nowadays and I know that each session will be around 2 hours in total without knowing when exactly the session will finish. That demotivates me to start a new session if I can only spare one hour to it that day. I completely skipped GH and I will start with Jaws of the lion. I think a dedicated table would help a lot.

[@BoardGameCo]

Agreed with you on preferring solo physical to a computer game (most of the time)

[@do_hickey]

We finished Clank! Legacy over the summer, only playing after the kids were asleep after shabbos dinner (had some fun finding reminders for stickers/writing to be done later). We are 4 games into Pandemic Season 1 and I haven't been able to get the wife to commit to continuing it. Problem is, I have Season 2, Gloomhaven, and JOTL sitting in the closet that I don't want to start until we finish our current campaign. I may be in trouble.

[@BoardGameCo]

We have the reverse issue...we've decided to give up on clank as just not interesting enough for us.

[@Noname6589]

I don't buy a lot of games. Maybe one every 3 years. But i love boardgames and they get better and better. The last one I bought was eldritch horror and we played it many times and now i purchased gloomhaven. My group is hyped up for a new adventure.

[@BoardGameCo]

Excellent! And great self control!

[@craigjones7343]

It is a matter of choice. You can choose to buy and play it or not. If you do choose Gloomhaven you need to understand and want to play all that content and pass on other good games. You can’t play or buy them all. Just pick the ones you want to invest your time into and spend your money on. That’s about it.

[@BoardGameCo]

I do pick only the ones I'm interested in....there are still too many :)

[@adamryder8377]

I love this video. I think the craziness of isolation is starting to set in! I know the feeling. And still you recognise it's a good problem to have. Really value your game commentary, helping to keep me sane through this time.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks! And glad you're enjoying!

[@Ronindennis]

When we were young we had the time but not the money. Now we have the money but not the time...

[@BoardGameCo]

100%. It's another classic example of that quote youth is wasted on the young.

[@Christoff070]

What about me, I don't have money or time..

[@lystic9392]

With video games you can easily run into this problem too. The infamous ever expanding 'backlog'. The trick for me is that I write down the names of any games that interest me. That way I will never have to worry about forgetting what games draw my attention. That works for video games because they won't go out of print. With board games that can be a little trickier. With board games I made myself a rule that I have to finish or sell a game before getting any new ones. That helps.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, video games are different here since they end up being cheaper later to ridiculous degrees. Everything drops in crazy sales on steam, epic games or wherever.

[@RageBadgerGaming]

IT sure has problems but I'm definitely backing Frosthaven still! Good to have a more grounded take though.

[@BoardGameCo]

Enjoy Frosthaven! These games are all great, this wasn't so much genuine complaining as it was being overwhelmed with too many games :)

[@ghyslainabel]

I have the same problem. In the evening after work, it is easier to just sit at the computer and watch short KZbin videos, instead of committing to a 1h to 2h board game experience. I think 20 years ago it was easier to commit to a MMORPG because there was a monthly payment. 7th Continent offers the same ongoing experience but the one-payment is already done when the game comes in. A MMORPG has the advantage that the game manages the rules, while a board game requires the players to learn all the rules and applies them, which divert the mind from the fun. For the moment, I think KZbin trained me to commit only a 10-minutes at the time, which, after jumping from small video to small video, can easily consume 6 or 7 hours of free time. So... yeah... I should close that tab and put Too Many Bones on the table. Starting right now to recondition myself to activities requiring longer attention span. Thanks for the help. I mean it.

[@ThomasHelms]

Same, expect my problem is with video games. I'm trying to make the transition to board games as my primary form of entertainment, trying to enjoy and appreciate the tactile feel, but I keep finding setup and take down to be barriers of entry; why pull a game out and take time to read the rules, punch the pieces, arrange the material, when I could just "Press Start"? I find this especially difficult as a solo gamer.

[@BoardGameCo]

Another option is a dedicated gaming table. That's the one thing that really helps. Doesn't solve the problem but definitely helps with it.

[@shaneannigans]

I have nothing to add. Totally agree and find myself in the same situation. I've decided that long campaigns are an instant-pass for me unless they play and set up very quickly which is why I backed and am keeping Street Masters. But even in the case of Street Masters, I'd rather play it as a one-shot with a tonnes of variety and doubt I'll play many, if any, of the 'stories'. 🙂

[@BoardGameCo]

Ironically I just got rid of Street Masters :)

[@synns6898]

My problem is I keep buying, play for abit and then flip it. I probably just shouldnt have brought them in the first place. Gloomhaven was a prime example, 15 games in and i realised the game is just rinse and repeat (overrated and boring really) so sold it and am now about to play machina arcana so let’s see how that goes or if it will go the same way, then oathsworn will be the next one (though that’s got those lovely minis so the painting side will be worth it with that game)

[@BoardGameCo]

I hear ya, I keep all the ones I love though...at least so far. I do get rid of anything I don't consider amazing though.

[@BillyIndiana]

Great question & very thought provoking. As I reflect, I can see a change in my purchasing as I play more & more games. I used to be drawn to these mega games & want them all. Now I see myself rarely investing in them because I know I prefer playing many games rather than 1 game all the time. I still love me some 7th Continent, but have stayed away from the Gloomhaven group of games & many others like it. The cost barrier is also a factor for some of these big games. I might be missing out, but I'm learning (albeit slowly) to fight thr FOMO. Thanks for the great video as always!

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I tend to be more cutthroat with these games, only keeping mega games I love...my concern is I already love a few and more may come.

[@TheKosic]

I get you. It is hard and it is a problem for me. The way I try to handle this problem is: 1) by not getting extra huge campaign games that are just too big, too envolving or need a dedicated playgroup (like Midarra, GH, KDM, Aeon's Tresspass etc) as I know I will never have an opportunity to complete them; 2) by getting games that are fun & easy to play solo and are easy to jump in & out by other players (7C, Oathsworn); 3) by getting games that apart from campaign have one off scenarios or other playsystems (Trudvang, City of Kings, Arena); 4) if I can't resist I only go with the core box (+SG) no expansions (Trudvang, Grail, Etherfields, Arena The Contest). I know I might not get them later but I will worry after and if I ever complete the core campaign. This way I can try more games rather than more of one game; 5) I "share" a collection with a friend and we try not to double back. For example I have 7C and he will be getting 7th Citadel. I went with Trudvang he took Bloodborne. We almost always play games together and just lend to one another if needed; 6) I try not to have games that are much alike (f.e. 7th Continent - 7th Citadel, Arena - Stormsunder); That said I don't think I'm handling it right. I will be getting 8 campaign games in next two years. To justify myself all without any expansions.

[@BoardGameCo]

Right there with you....I also have many systems and I agree with yours...they do a great job limiting what I get, and yet I still have more than I can play.

[@aonline_abridged]

The promise of an awesome epic campaign with a character I grow attached to and a story I am immersed in, plus gameplay that is strategic and FUN...I will back a thousand campaign games in search of it. I do not feel too bad if I play a game and find out it is not for me and time to resell...I keep my search. Better to have them lined up than to have to hunt them down as I've learned the hard way.

[@BoardGameCo]

#thehuntcontinues

[@inigogonzalez6316]

100% correct. Backed all those games and plan on backing Sankokushin. Hoping they stop coming out, I guess

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol yes, I just try being selective...only half working.

[@therunandgunshooter3129]

I agree, i have Gloomhaven and play solo, it’s just too time consuming and too overwhelming for me. The faster legacy games like Time Stories I find more enjoyable. I heard Haunted Mansions is good too, i’ve yet to play that.

[@ThomasHelms]

I've got Gloomhaven set up on a folding table next to my work desk and yeah, it's definitely a lot to take in. Part of me wishes that I haven't set up it so that I could play other games that are over in an hour or so...Good game, it's just a lot of it...

[@BoardGameCo]

I'm hoping to eventually get a full campaign going but for now it's been too hard.

[@Ronindennis]

I sold about 3/4 of my collection of largely unplayed games and replaced them with just a few games from the top 50 on BGG. The criteria that guide my purchases: 1) If a friend owns it, I don't need to own it. 2) If I can't get it on the table with my family or friends, I don't need to own it. 3) If I can't play it solo, I don't need to own it. (This is conditional, though, and only goes for games that don't have criteria 1 and/or 2. So, now I'm extremely happy with the few games I have. At the top is Scythe, which I have collected everything for. It corresponds to criterium 1, 2, and 3. The same goes for Raiders of the North, Architects and Paladins of the West Kingdom, Orleans. Azul fails at 1) and 3), but gets table time with the family 2). Same goes for Codenames. Anachrony Essential Edition fails at 2), but not 1) and 3). Same goes for Marvel Champions. Santorini fails 3) but not 1) and 2). Same goes for Smash Up. When I REALLY feel the itch to get something new I buy small games in the 10-15 dollar range. There are a lot of fun and good games out there and most of the time easily accessible to new players. When I get bored of them or have too many I give them away to friends or colleagues and hopefully create more people to play bigger games with.

[@BoardGameCo]

Totally makes sense. There are so many different ways to collect board games, I value any single one of them as long as they fit two criteria. One they help add to your happiness, two, they aren't involving self-destructive behaviors such as spending money you don't have.

[@scolack123]

Pandemic legacy took us 18 games to finish. 2 rounds per session Got gradschool buddies in PT school to play. Literally left the game at school in the student lounge up on a shelf 😅 Was a very fun experience.

[@Tombonzo]

Great topic this is. I’ve heard this before stated as “The cult of the New and shiny” And I’m right there, too. It’s hard to let stuff pass us by. Maybe in fear we won’t be able to get it down the road (out of print, sky jacked prices, company closed, etc). So maybe we want the game to be there on our shelves when we actually have time to play it. Or are we “Addicted” .... to the new, fresh and exciting! When I buy a game and really get into it and are excited to play it, I’ll usually buy all the add ons, expansions for that game. Yet the Base game (in some cases) really has enough to keep you busy for months at a time. I still have games I haven’t touched! Part of the problem now too is that there are SO many games, for each type of gamer that it’s hard to be selective. So many look good to us.... and we want that “New Board game” feel. I don’t know, again, maybe it’s an addiction for us?! And again, I’m right there too! Not calling anyone out.

[@BoardGameCo]

100%. I remember when you really could play everything good...those days are long gone.

[@forouza1]

Man you really hit the nail on the head with your post. This is me. COVID made things worse as our game groups can no longer get together. I also made the mistake of taking up miniature painting and board-gaming at the same time which has spread me even thinner. I too also told myself I would get through this playing solo but it’s just not the same. My shelf of shame and unfinished business... Mansion of Madness 2e, unopened Descent 2e w/ large expansion, 4 scenarios in only Imperial Assault, 2 scenarios in Wingspan, opened, unplayed Spirit Island, opened, unplayed Pandemic Legacy Season 1, 3 scenarios in Kings Dilemma, opened, unplayed Chronicles if Crime, 4 scenarios in 7th Continent, 1 quest, about 10% through Castle Panic Big Box, 5 plays of the base game only Zombicide Black Plague, opened, unplayed. Pending... Alter Quest All IN pledge on KS Frosthaven on KS Oathsworn All IN pledge on KS Here to Slay on KS Sheriff of Nottingham 2e preordered

[@BoardGameCo]

Totally with you :) I "paint" but I don't actually finish anything because board games come first.

[@marcread3162]

Coming very late to this video while researching my next big-box purchase; the production/distribution problems of Covid disrupted my gaming plans! I have a solution, but it's very long-term. Make sure that you raise your kids to love boardgames. Then, when they are teens, you can leave an Epic Game set up on a table in the house and play for 30 mins or an hour some days after dinner instead of watching TV, and you'll be surprised how quickly you get through campaigns. (I have a bonus in that they enjoy painting minis, whereas I don't.)

[@marcread3162]

Bonus bonus: some of the more expensive games have been chosen and bought as birthday presents etc. And we have some awesome "gaming moment" memories together as well as the "family vacation" memories from the pre-Covid days.

[@mightyted1]

Easy for me. Started boardgaming during the pandemic so my wife and I could have for FaceTime. After a few learning experiences( Spirit Island) , I get her to watch KZbin play throughs of games before I buy them. We discuss before the money gets spent. Guess what I mean is, make sure you have the time and the right group before making the purchase. It's easy . The voice inside your head is different when someone else can hear you

[@largelysubatomic]

This is just true of everything in life, especially for people with a lot of different interests, so you just have to set priorities. There just is never enough time in a human lifespan to do all the things we want to do. Even if you live forever it still wouldn't be enough time because you will always find more new things you want to do.

[@stevejones9967]

Wow, you have spoken what my inner dialogue has been trying to tell me. I always wondered why my pants kept catching fire. When I see an epic game I always visualize who I want to play it with, the only downside is actually getting said others or sometimes anyone to play it with.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I have a few burnt pairs of pants myself. I'm hoping to excersize more self control but it's hard.

[@andersrehnstrom6918]

Great post. I stay away from this kind of game, not because I think they bad but because I know I will never have the time to play them. Instead they will be standing there on the shelf looking sad. And with my kid I have not the possibility to have them ready to play on a table. Someday when I get more time (and I have convinced my wife of how funny epic fantasy games are) I will start to play this kind of games but until then I stay with shorter games.

[@BoardGameCo]

A totally reasonable decision. I'm slowly trying to minimize the amount of these games I keep.

[@carloscnd1774]

I always buy/back core games only, no expansions, no extras. I know I won't play enough to add expansions or new content to the same game. I bought expansions for some games in the past and I sold them all before playing them, keeping only the core games. Arkham Horror LCG is one exception, and I have only the Dunwich cycle, which I have not played fully.

[@Will-jd2br]

I limit myself to games that can fit on my rack. After two unplayed games on my shelf, I will not buy another (except after a gift giving holiday). Games that haven’t been played in months get a “forced play”. Then we decide if we are keeping or selling a game. Sometimes our interest is increased, but most of the time it gets sold. I currently have 14 games and only one is unplayed. Games were meant to be played and not collected. Also, you won’t really get left out for waiting to buy a game. If it’s good and sells well there will be plenty of publishers to meet that demand.

[@FeliPeltier]

I think the problem also comes from the fact that these epic campaign games will be here year(s) from now and we will have time for them when they get here. Then when they get here, as excited as we get, it is overwhelming to think about completing them.

[@BoardGameCo]

Very much so....I totally will 100% have time to play all of Stormsunder. Until it's on my shelf of course.

[@MySqueezingArm]

Ever play Pathfinder/D&D or another role playing game? I'm curious if you like that type of game. I know you don't have a ton of time for the campaign style board games, but I find RPG campaigns much richer and worth the time investment. It's not for everyone, but curious about your thoughts.

[@Moonlighter_TV]

This gave my the motivation to get back in to Jaws of the Lion. I have JotL and regular Gloomhaven to get through and a whole barrage of late 2021/2022 kickstarter campaign games.

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice!

[@scolack123]

Got JOTL for christmas 2020 Convinced 3 buddies to try it in March 2021. They got so addicted we are 2 sessions away from finishing all 25 scenarios and have already bought big Gloomhaven and we are prepping to delve into a year long weekly game night to finish it (Gonna take a 3 week break to play other games between JOTL and gloom. Game of thrones risk, sheriff of nottingham, betrayel at house on the hill)

[@Desocupad0]

The main problem is that they should have been digital. or a roguelike to be done with one seating.

[@BoardGameCo]

That would be mage knight instead

[@samuellam6483]

Good point stated, so I liked

[@BoardGameCo]

🙏

[@Sichuanbeef]

I can't afford your problem, let alone calculate the ways to save enough time to play the games.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes, it's absolutely my first world

[@Sichuanbeef]

@@BoardGameCo I would like to add, that while I have only just found your content, it seems really great.

[@Yiroep4]

My solution is that I play 80-90% of my board game time with campaign games. I like other games too, but I find I have way more fun playing campaign games than a more traditional board game session.

[@KyawThurein]

You hit the nail on the head. I am facing the same issue. A few months ago, I decided to permanently unplug my Xbox console and did a crossover to the realms of board games. I can say that I also have a soft spot for story-driven and sandbox campaign tabletop games (especially post-apocalyptic genre: for instance, waste knights 2nd edition, the hunters A.D. 2114 etc.) which I am helplessly excited about, but the main issues which I always overlook are 'time commitment' and 'replayability' aspects. Even when I was playing Xbox console RPG campaign games, I never played the same campaign again once I finished the mission, and probably I would be following the same pattern in board games especially for huge campaign games. Therefore 'replayability' of those games are really questionable for me; metaphorically speaking, it is like a long journey and once I reach the final goal, I would never revisit again. Gloomhaven is unfortunately not my type, but I am curious about the upcoming one, 7th Citadel (I think the sequel of 7th Continent). Having said that, I constantly found myself looking for those epic games on Kickstarter which I would probably never be able to play till the end - not even once. It is hard to resist the temptation of those epic games. Late pledge for The Hunters A.D. 2114 will be available from 2nd July, and I am still weighing up pros and cons (my heart says 'that's your game! go for it!', my head says 'are you sure that you will play the game all the way to the end?..'). On al lighter note, my all-time favourite non-epic games are Eldritch Horror (I think I have almost all of the expansions) and Scythe (Because my wife loves Scythe). So you can say I lean more towards Ameritrash. By the way, I found your channel really interesting; it is unique and profound.

[@BoardGameCo]

I still back them because I do play them...just not as much as I'd like. And thank you!

[@pecktec]

Yeah I’m waiting on Solomon Cain and wondering if I’ll play the core box let alone the all in I went for.

[@BoardGameCo]

For some reason that one doesn't grab my interest. Rest assured if the reviews spike then I'll check it out :)

[@pecktec]

BoardGameCo now that RB has come out with all its issues I’m a little scared. It’s them most I’ve ever spent on a game.

[@BoardGameCo]

@@pecktec I hear you. The good news is the resale value on their games tends to be high, so I doubt you'll lose your investment, at the same time whether or not it's a good game is a different question.

[@eugenb.8448]

For many of these massive games, that are just itemized campaigns in my opinion, I’ve decided not to back them anymore simply because they demand too much time and it is impossible that something like Gloomhaven will provide as much enjoyment as a dozen other games will that could fill that same time requirement. For example my groups have played the Pandemic legacy games and were “pandemicked out”. The delay for season 3 is actually a good thing for me and my group mates. Gloomhaven is similar. A few games might be cool but after looking at just the first one and perusing the next few scenarios we realized we have zero interest in committing that much time to a single game. There are just so many other great games and way too little free time.

[@BoardGameCo]

For myself I find solo games work, and certain specific groups works as well. Past that and we get burnt out.

[@eugenb.8448]

BoardGameCo I’ve tried solo gaming and it sadly doesn’t work for me. Wish it did.

[@gothicfoodfactory8493]

I mostly play solo, with 1 or 2 maybe people who, some what, show interest to play with

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, for these kinds of games I find it helps.

[@BigMasterSabre]

Do you have a hut or some place to go to with no access to civilization? What I do is to go to my cabin, near the woods. I have a big garden there and a flat, but I am going there mainly for the garden. Ill pack one game with me and stay there for at least a week. During the day, I work on the garden, do a bit of archery or whatever. But when it is starting to get dark, I lit my candles, oil lamp and dive into my game. There is no electricity in the cabin. That is how I play those epic games :)

[@BoardGameCo]

I have 4 kids. So no :)

[@henriqueribeiro4954]

I don't have This problema at all. Because i sell all my collection and now i own just 4 games that i really really like. Now maybe i buy New gloomhaven and add to collection for a while :) With little games i play then much more i have time to fun with other thinks

[@BoardGameCo]

Wow 4 is incredible :)

[@mattwells2198]

I’m answer to you question is say I’m fairly careful. I’ve been playing board games with my three sons for around 10 years. We started with Hasbro D&D when my eldest was six. We worked though the whole game and both expansions over a period of a couple of years having a dedicated session every Saturday, starting around mid morning. We then moved onto Descent 2nd edition. We also started to tali it on our summer holidays and played every evening while mum took some time out. We sort of maxed it (burnout) out and it’s maybe 75% finished. I have one expansion on the shelf and we may come back to it, as I do like the level design and think at its best it’s tricksy and clever. We then moved onto Gloomhaven last summer 2019. Again we took it on a two holiday and I’d say for those two weeks absolutely loved it. We probably played between 15 & 20 scenarios. We have since struggled though and it has (sadly) become a real grind and I started to dread getting it out. During lockdown we were trying to play a game a day mixing in the odd game of Twilight Imperium and Pandemic. We got Gloomhaven our again on Saturday 04/07/20. Everyone was in good spirits and hopeful. We were now around 25 to 35 scenarios in and got about an hour into the game and all looked at each other and said “do you know what, this is kinda boring” we then packed it away knowing that we were done with it. We actually sat and chatted for an hour about the game and what we liked and didn’t like and if we felt we had had value out of it which we did. That discussion had as much value as the time we spend playing these games because it’s about time with them. Anyway long story short the takeaway from the whole experience and especially lockdown is the two week period back in April where I cracked out an old Cthulhu D20 book and Nocturnum and ran it for them and they had an absolute blast. They couldn’t wait to play it and it struck me that what they’d been craving all along was a straight up paper based RPG which I’d spend years avoiding due to time constraints of reading and a bit of planning and hundreds of pounds trying to recreate with board games to do the same job. I now feel a bit sick about having backed Frosthaven because I don’t think we’re gonna get to play it. So and apologies for late night ramble but I suppose it’s to be very selective and only run one at a time and realise that the time commitment is ludicrous. My group is effectively the people I live with and even we struggle to get value out of more than one game at a time.

[@fooni3606]

I have somewhat of an unpopular opinion but I actually don't like these games at all unless they're in digital form. I learned my lesson with Pandemic Legacy where I enjoyed the game, but had to stop because 6 sessions was all my friends could afford to come in a daily basis (also the group broke up because of personal reasons between two people). So I wasted my money and basically had to throw away the game (I actually think the game is a little bit overrated but that's my opinion). But in a deeper level, from someone who switched their preference from Video Games to Board Games is that if I was going to play solo, I just think that Video Games are a much superior experience overall. The thing I love about Board Games is having the feeling that I played a full game within 2-3 hours and by making it that you extend that feeling as if it was a Video Game is something that just doesn't resonate with me. Even with Mage Knight, which i played recently a few times and really enjoyed as a Solo experience I still would prefer to play it if there was a digital version of it. In addition, I think the bulkiness/bloat of these big epic games for me isn't appealing. For example, I sold my copy of This War of Mine because the setup felt really tedious. To do all this setup, play within an hour or two then put it all back in. This is fine with people around because I can ask them to help me with the pack up but also the connection factor. I guess if I would have an exception is probably card driven solo games. For example, I really enjoyed the solo rules of Paper Tales which I played 6 times back to back because it was so easy to set up and put back altogether (a few minutes). This is just me preference though. As a Board Gamer, I look for that Tetris kind of variety. Where I can just keep playing the same mechanisms over and over again with a ton of RNG factor shoved in.

[@BoardGameCo]

I totally hear where you're coming from, while personally greatly preferring the tactile experience of a board game. I find when I play apps or video game equivalents, it doesn't do it for me as much.

[@fooni3606]

@@BoardGameCo That's fair enough! I guess if you're okay with the setup and in some cases the more slower pace even when playing solo then more power to that. Also to be fair, I only prefer digital usually when it's solo. Overall, I think board games are superior to video games :)

[@Muageto]

I have to admit : Backed Tanares (with Arena since I was not on KS when it came out) and StormSunder, and I was thinking to myself : when will I play those ? Then learned of Gloomhaven (and Frosthaven) and was thinking of backing FH (and get GH with it) but ... I feel like, this would be way too much and not a good way to spend money

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, that's why I back some and pass on others. My irrational side compromises with the rational side.

[@AndreWDYounitedRevolution]

I feel you. Just about to get through with Tainted Grail, Middara is still sealed on my shelf (all in act1) and Cthulhu Death may die I only played 2 episodes with all in stuff waiting. Kickstarted TG all in, Middara all in act 2 / 3, Oathsworn all in, Sleeping gods all in and Etherfields as well as Dark Tower all in. I hate myself for my FOMO sometimes :D

[@BoardGameCo]

Cthulhu Death May Die I almost finished and have played a ton....but there's so many that I don't play as much.

[@HeroOfTheWeb]

have a full game room with 2 massive ikea shelves. 1/4th of the shelving space is dedicated to my roommates Warhammer 40k unpainted armies. He buys new figures when they come out, and it seems he just does it to collect them. So there are 8 cubes full of armies that are assembled and unpainted, likely $5k worth at least. I've got a lot of unplayed games, which is why my backing essentially stopped. I'd strongly suggest gloomhaven on tabletop simulator - its so good that Isaac (creator of gloomhaven) had the mod guy do a version for frosthaven testing. There are many videos on how to play it and its 100x faster than setting it up on a table, and you can save the game and come back to it later without putting everything away. The other thing I do is allow people to pick up coins after the objective as long as they have cards to spend, but they can't rest to get the cards back to go all the way back to the start and pick up coins they missed. Purists for Gloomhaven will (with a straight face) tell you that it ruins the game and blah blah blah rules as intended blah. However, they will also tell you "if you need gold, run several random dungeons." - oh you mean the dungeons that have no place in the story and are generated by a deck of cards? so I'm farming for gold, drawing the game out and burning the players out for a few more coins? House rule some stuff in gloomhaven because otherwise it's a massive chore to get through, and ignore the REEEEEEEEEEEE you get from purists. We all know we will never get through 93 scenarios, so fix the game to your liking.

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol, I'm not a purist. Do what you want to have the most fun in this hobby. Whatever that means for you.

[@johnnovotny5074]

Many board games now seem to straddle the line of being collectibles /art which also play well as games.

[@christophe08111981]

Limited to Imperial Assault even if multiple "better Games" are on the market. It's fun for my group, there is a lot of content left, and it's already exhausting to commit to this one game.

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice :)

[@jbirzer]

The answer: I don't play any of them. Haven't played any legacy games either. These games require a dedicated group to play them, and if you don't have them, there just isn't a point. It is the reason why I didn't back 7th Continent, because I didn't have the players.

[@TechnoGolem]

I have to admit this was a problem for me. My plan was to play these games when I had more free time but I realized I was spending hundreds of dollars on games I normally give away for free without even opening them. Something would come along that I liked more than a previous game I hadn't found time for. The new shiny game would get added and the old would be removed. Covid did nothing to give me free time. I still worked my 10-12 hour days 5 days a week during the pandemic. Over the last few months I've gotten far more selective about what I back but I still have the same problem, just to a lesser extent.

[@CHIPSSALTY]

The way I see it, Gloomhaven scenarios can be played half way, and your group can come back to it next time. You just need a few things to record you process. Use your cellphone to take a few photos of the board to show where everyone is at. Record the characters and monsters' health and conditions experience and gold (many of these just need a photo). Record the elements situation, etc. I also really like Jaws of the Lion. You simply flip open the scenario book and start playing. Set up time is like 5 minutes or less. I hope Frosthaven and Gloomhaven 2nd edition will have this scenario book. Another alternative is to play the digital version of Gloomhaven. Many things are automated for you to save a lot of time.

[@RozanovaHunter]

The way you play these huge games is... by playing them! Basically, if you have a large project, campaign or anything else, the only way to do it is to do it. Commit time or schedules to playing them, and you'd be surprised how quickly you are able to progress. If that doesn't sound appealing to you, or it is too much work to schedule things that far in advance or take up your limited gaming time playing these styles of games? Then you just need to learn to say "no", and stay away from them as anything other than a small investment to flip.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes, my problem is I can only commit to 1 at a time....and that's becoming harder and harder the more of these amazing games show up.

[@GastonJamin]

Same problem here. I simply don’t have the time and I don’t have the group of dedicated players needed (plus they are expensive). My strategy with every game I want to add to my collection is to think about who I am going to play it with. I backed Tainted Grail and play it with my wife. I backed Sleeping Gods and will play it with my family. That’s all I have room for. My friends love our game nights, but getting them together for multiple sessions without weeks of downtime would be impossible. So I withstand the urge to buy more of these campaign games. Instead I back smaller indie games, that I can get to the table more easily. So what it really comes down to is also tuning my collection to the preferences and availability of the people I play with. Building your ultimate collection with only yourself in mind only leads to disappointment. A second reason that I rarely back these massive games is that they are so hyped. Big publishers turn Kickstarter into a pre-order store and throw FOMO at you from every angle. As someone who is familiar with persuasive design I see exactly how we are being manipulated into thinking we need their games. These are cheap tricks, but they work. Once you learn to recognize them, it gets easier to say no.

[@BoardGameCo]

With you on all the counts including the hype...the problem is that some hyped games are a waste and others are pretty awesome.

[@GastonJamin]

So true! You never really know if a game is going to be succesful, but you can always get them later when they turn out to be awesome. (I liked your advice on Frosthaven in that regard.) That’s easier said the done of course, especially if you are a reviewer ;-) in the Netherlands we say: “bij twijfel niet inhalen”. That freely translates into: when in doubt, don’t overrake. Love your channel, keep up the good work!

[@mboyce8853]

Oh man, thank you for posting! Knowing that somebody else is good at lying to himself about board game purchases is great solace. Yes, I definitely buy games that I should really not buy, although I am getting better at being realistic about my purchases. I also do not have advice, but it seems to me that being aware of our tendency to buy when maybe we shouldn't is a huge step in the right direction.

[@Groliva]

FOMO is our biggest problem. I have already more game that I have time to play them, and I am waiting with a lot of excitement all ins of Trudvang and Tainted Grail. That I why I don't have gloom haven and I didn't backed Frosthaven, even if it seems really awesome because I know it is too much. I don't buy anymore games that I know I can pull out, and a one play session is satisfying on its own, it feel "complete". Dead of winter, Batman GCC, fury of Dracula, Nemesis etc. I have one friend that I regularly play with, and I keep big narrative, campaign games for me and him, and that is it. So we did Mice and mystics, we are awaiting Trudvang and Tainted Grail and we ll see after that. (that I why I am going to be very hard to pass on Hel the last saga)

[@BoardGameCo]

That sounds pretty awesome :) I like both...but the campaign games are the ones that seem to get less attention.

[@kingbooty6969]

Personally I don't back games but I do understand the struggle of trying to finish big epic games. Currently my group and I are playing Kingdom death monster but we also wanna finish Gloomhaven. Honestly we have a lifetime of friendship ahead of us, so there is no rush to finish it all now! It probably harder for you since you can't help but back all this awesome games.

[@daodasbrot4817]

You are 100% correct, but Street Masters is Best of the Best...shocked....ah, no I am not. Puuuhhh! Thanks for this video, helping not really, but makes me feel even more bad :-D

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol sorry about that :)

[@CoyMcBob]

Ahalan. I'll admit this is the first video I've watched from this channel so I don't really know anything about you, but you seem like a person who reviews games. my guess is that you don't have time to play a long campaign game, and that you just have a lot of games that you switch between. that might be your problem, I don't think it's feasible to switch between these huge games so rapidly. I think they're meant to be things you invest a lot of time into, and you might just not be able to in your profession I'm currently going through gloomhaven with my 14 year old brother (I'm in college), and we already finished around 30 scenarios this month, averaging around one game a day. with covid, we just find time to play a scenario every day, and switch to other board games like terraforming mars, chess, etc. every once in a while when we want to vary things. that's usually in addition to the gloomhaven scenario though anyway, this is probably just due to Corona that we have so much time. hopefully this helps

[@BoardGameCo]

A fair assumption but I'm not reviewer per se; I'm here for the games and only play games I have an interest in....from those, I'll review them, but all my reviews have the starting point of wanting the game for my own collection.

[@CoyMcBob]

got it. I'd recommend being sure that you have people to play with, and then committing to one at a time

[@howardsherman591]

The only reason why I was able to complete almost all of gloomhaven is because it was my first and only game when I first got it. Now I don't back another one of these large campaign games unless I've finished the campaign of all the ones that I have.

[@BoardGameCo]

Your self control is admirable :)

[@scyldscefing3913]

I don't have any of the huge games you've mentioned with the exception of Gloomhaven. And that does sit unplayed on my shelf. I do have quite a few other games that I haven't played yet, but my wife and I are working through those. I should stop and think if I'm playing them faster than I am buying them. I think I am. And we have committed to playing Gloomhaven in 2021. There's a reason we call the mass of the games we own a "collection." Having them is part of the hobby.

[@BoardGameCo]

Agreed. I don't mind having unplayed games to an extent...I just like to make sure that the number of unplayed games isn't constantly growing.

[@CaptainMahone07]

I kickstarted the 7th continent. I remember how hyped i was back then. By the time it arrived, my wife and i got our little boy, was on a completely different mindset, played the game twice and sold it for half the price I paid. So my answer is :"NEVER KICKSTART ANY GAME". I prefer to buy it with less material when it's out, but at least i'm sure i really want it. BTW you're absolutely right on this video Please excuse my english, kisses from south of france.

[@BoardGameCo]

I totally hear....I still love KS though :)

[@CaptainMahone07]

@@BoardGameCo Yeah it seems so XD

[@CheddahSlammer]

What's funny is I just got Gloomhaven and started it a couple of months back, and I have gotten to scenario 72, which was ridiculous by the way, and learned that their is actually less content then I thought. Many scenario's give you a choice and lock you out of other scenario's. Like today I played through 2 scenario's in 3 hrs or so. They go by really fast once you understand all the rules and the character your playing. Like honestly today we finished a scenario, and our group was like that was it, so we did a secound one. Then the other KZbin channel I watch says he has 3 copies of Gloomhaven and has gone threw the entire game every possible way you can for a toatal of 7 times. I honestly think once is enough, twice maybe, but that much lol. Then again I backed Tanarus, Oathsworm, Aons, Middara, Frosthaven and Etherfields. Many of which are ending up at my house in the same month. I honestly stick to one, finish it, then move onto another game, usually another massive one. The smaller games never really see time though, which is a problem for me.

[@BoardGameCo]

More power to you! My problem is the opposite...I play a ton of other games.

[@CheddahSlammer]

@@BoardGameCo Based on your shelf your into more types of games then me. Like I think I have Scythe as my one Euro placement game. I don't tend to go for those that much.

[@vzuzukin]

I let my gaming friends buy all these deep rabbit holes and make myself available to play their games with them when they want. Mostly to no success, with the exception of Gloomhaven that spanned 9 mo and we covered 75% of the content. I usually find myself pushing to play their epic campaign games even though they own it and bought them.

[@BoardGameCo]

Well that works :)

[@Zwerggoldhamster]

I haven't watched the video yet, but my biggest problem with Gloomhaven were the Personal Quests - though I doubt you'll be talking about them here since that is a very Gloomhaven specific problem. xD

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol you're right :)

[@aonline_abridged]

one HUGE positive of campaign games for me, once I invest in learning the rules I am set up for a batch of gaming sessions without having to worry about first reviewing or learning rules. I find myself having worst rules retention capabilities as my collection grows and my age progresses. Another HUGE positive, my painted heroes get a lot of table-time. However yes, I have more campaign games than I will ever have time to play.

[@BoardGameCo]

Those are great positives...I agree in terms of when I do play them enough, but I often don't play them enough :)

[@aonline_abridged]

@@BoardGameCo We take the marathon approach in this household, we played Gloomhaven 17 times before taking a break. A long break, in which regrettably I started buying Paizo minis to sub in....and now we are ready for another batch of sessions. Mostly we have to stop once my husband's had enough, he is more of a variety gamer while I am ok pursuing a campaign to the finish. We do play other games in between but campaigns we only play one active game at a time and try to get 2 games a week. In between our GH campaign break we did some Hellboy and 7th continent. We also have the benefit of a table we can leave set up so it is another detail that enables this kind of approach.

[@drmadjdsadjadi]

This problem reminds me of my collection of monster SPI wargames although it is not about content but rather the difficulty of playing even one turn properly. I just have to have War in the Pacific, War in Europe, Campaign for North Africa, Objective Moscow, Highway to the Reich, Terrible Swift Sword, etc. Yet I never seem to play them.... The only good thing is that SPI (since it is no longer around) isn't making new monster games, so eventually I can . . . collect them all!

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol yes, those things look like monsters :)

[@johnpanagos5835]

Totally agree with everything you said. They are overwhelming. I have many of them and etherfields allin. Iss vanguard will be another big campaign game. My gamegrp prefers to play different game, so i end up playing them alone, but i cant lie to myself i wanted to play them with my grp. The companies has to change back to good gamenight games. Campaign in these games should be optional mode, but the basic mode should be able to be played in 1 to 3 sessions.

[@BoardGameCo]

I think there's room for these games, we all just have FOMO. When you think about the gaming landscape there's still far far more game night games than campaign games...but we want them all.

[@craigjones7343]

A further comment. You situation is fairly unique. You buy and review board games. To do that you need to buy them all to have new content to attract and keep viewer. The only way I can see you dedicating your time to Gloomhaven or an epic game you need to change your channel and the time you put into it. Something that is unlikely to happen. As a normal gamer I do not have the same problems as you. 👍

[@BoardGameCo]

Actually I'm not a reviewer in the typical sense. Never bought or played a game I wasn't interested in for myself. I just happen to have a KZbin channel now but that's still fairly new :)

[@Zwerggoldhamster]

Ok, after watching this video I feel like you are talking more about a problem you have with epic campaign games than the other way around. When we started Gloomhaven we made a very conscious decision that we - a group of four - would commit to playing this game together. Fixed days of the week help a lot: Other people join a choir ever Thursday evening or have sports practice three times a week, why can't you play Gloomhaven with your group on a regular ( = predictable) rhythm? Secondly, be realistic. That's like saying there are too many sports out there. Well, yes, but most people only practice one or maybe two at the time. If you have played three scenarios of Gloomhaven, you haven't really played it. So instead of jumping from one game to the next, just commit to one. Obviously I would recommend Gloomhaven, because it happens to be the game we picked 1,5 years ago and we are still full of hype, but I am sure you can have an equally good time with any other game. I can tell you from experience that I have gotten way more enjoyment out of this game than I got out of the sum of all games during my board game hopping phase.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes, the video was more a tongue in cheek venting about overbuying and not playing. But a 6 hour movie is a problem because it's harder to consume...regardless of the fact that many might make time for it. Meaning it doesn't make Gloomhaven bad, but it does make it harder to consume.

[@isiadhitumup]

I thinks it more common than we think. The same can be said about a comic book collector. You buy these things because you want them , or you feel there going put of print so we buy an buy. I've bought comics 2 Year ago I haven't read yet. So I massed a large collection an I stopped buying them so I could read them all an catch up. Then I could re sell them or keep them an buy more. Getting the most out of something is important because it helps you decide if it something to hold onto forever. An for me that game is Azul. Because it's an easy teach an brings my family together. I think we all need an Azul so to speak, collection. These games sometimes tailer to our life style. For you being a boardgame KZbinr, it comes with some sacrifice. Now to keep your channel fresh an ahead you need whats hot to show the ppl. An so you have massed a collection that can be more part show an tell than it is you fully experiencing the games to your preferences

[@isiadhitumup]

Now here I am collecting boardgames because of you an some others. Lol I'm six months in an I've already got 47 games lol cherry picked all these games an I love getting them all to the table nomatter what they are

[@rogerklee459]

I have played Gloomhaven like crazy during this time period. I am enjoying it greatly and I will finish all of the content. I need a table to keep the game out on it but its easy to play and stop and start again. Great game!

[@rogerklee459]

I am also only playing Gloomhaven right now. I have played at least 30 scenarios so far.

[@rogerklee459]

I also feel that Gloomhaven really respects your time. For the most part you are always advancing and the scenarios are challenging. 7th Continent I loved initially but it requires so much replay time that it isn't worth it to me. Backed Frosthaven, Arena the Contest, Oathsworn and Aeon Trespass. You play them when you can even if its years from now.

[@rogerklee459]

I am playing Gloomhaven solo with 6 characters (I with some more than others) and play mostly 2 handed although for missions that reward all characters I will play with 4.

[@BoardGameCo]

If I had to keep one of those two it would probably be Gloomhaven. 7th Continent for me is less about the gameplay and more about almost reading a book....just playing a game instead. But that doesn't feel as rewarding.

[@rogerklee459]

@@BoardGameCo no doubt.

[@davidarlington1206]

Alex, I don't think it's so much about lying to myself as is it taking a realistic view of what I am going to get out of these games. Do I realistically think I am ever going to finish the first Gloomhaven? Arena the Contest? The Hunters A.D. 2114? Nope, not kidding myself there. But on the other hand, do I really NEED to finish these games to get my maximum personal value from them? I don't think so. You mention 7th Continent. That's a perfect example. Is it really finishing the Curse that gives you the most satisfaction? Or is it all those times you spot a hidden number on a tile, or look up at the clock and realize you've been playing for 3 hours and have been totally lost in the game? In a way, I find it an attraction and benefit of these games that I KNOW I won't finish them. I have had games where either there is no ongoing storyline (ala Nemesis) or games with a campaign I've finished (Pathfinder Adventure Card Game). The first type I just look at as a game. There's no long term involvement from one session to the next. The second case ruined the game for me. I had no taste for ever playing PACG again even though I had other campaigns, because finishing one I felt like I had done it already. On the other hand, when I pull Gloomhaven or Arena or Sine Tempore off the shelf, there's always the promise that I will have more to do as I plod along in my own slow way. One thing I do is journal my play sessions in these games. When I can't find the time or table space to pull Gloomhaven off the shelf, I can read my adventures in my journal and think about and plan what I want to do or go next. One-off games can't give me that sense of story or continuity. It's like going back to my own private universe of adventures. I know they will always be waiting there for me to continue my story. When I want. Which one I want. Once I complete a campaign it's like I've been kicked out of that universe. Story over. Lastly, if we follow your argument through to other forms of media, no one who had an unread book, unfinished video game or unwatched movie in their homes should ever buy more books, video games or movies. Who doesn't have more shows on their NetFlix binge list than they could ever possibly watch? Plenty of us. If I don't finish The Lord of the Rings trilogy, I can still buy other fantasy books and movies without feeling guilty about it. And games are even better in this respect than books or movies. If I watch an hour of a three hour movie or read 6 chapters of a book with 30 chapters, that's not a very satisfying experience. But if I play two or three sessions of Gloomhaven, they are enjoyable just for the experience they give me while I'm playing them, even if I didn't get very far on the overall story. My viewpoint that I'm trying to get across is that I don't look at it like "OMG, so much content! I'll never see or finish it all!" when I see a new campaign game on offer. I look at it like "Oh! Another new universe for me to go have fun adventures in! I wonder how many I will have? So many choices! I'm so lucky"

[@BoardGameCo]

With you to an extent. I agree they don't need to be finished, but they do deserve to be played. I would disagree with your analogy and say it's more akin to being in the middle of too many TV shows. It's not that you can't have a movie you didn't watch....but are you really actually going to be watching 16 shows simultaneously?

[@bbobjs]

Sounds like you need to actually schedule. If you get a sprawling epic game (like Gloomhaven) that requires the commitment of multiple people, you really do need to find a way to enforce that commitment. Failure to do so is unfair to yourself, the game and the playgroup so if you know this isn't a realistic proposition, just don't. The illusion that these games support drop in drop out play is one of their biggest sins. While I commend the effort to construct rules to mitigate the impact of adding/subtracting players, if the marking/rules were being honest this is variant play and should generally be treated as such. These types of games aren't new (The Campaign for North Africa has existed since the 80s for example) but the culture around board gaming has changed significantly in the past decade. It's a much more inclusive hobby than it used to be but it's important to realize that you can't include people in an epic saga if they're not going to be around for most of it. If you have a beer and pizza group, you've gotta be realistic with yourself and focus on lighter weight games. The other big problem with Gloomhaven is that it's not particularly well optimized. If your group can't commit to playing multiple scenarios per session, it's just not worth it; you'll spend more time on setup/clean up than actually playing. Jaws of the Lion (replacing tiles with a book based play map) demonstrates just how much the flow of the game could be improved but they could do so much more. For example a set of generic standees labeled with letters and numbers would significantly reduce the required components and time searching for them. Unfortunately Frosthaven seems to be a step in the exact opposite direction... which is great if that's what you're looking for, but like, it's the responsibility of the consumer to be discerning. Understand what you're buying and be realistic about what your group will actually play.

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh I agree for sure. I usually aim for these either solo or with my wife for a reason.

[@Exit82guy]

I have basically came to the conclusion that I'm more of a collector than a board game player ... It was far from my intent at 1st. I do play games ,don't get me wrong but the pain is real ! I'm able to set a game up and leave it on the table for weeks, months and play here and there ,meanwhile looking to buy more and more games.. It's a vicious cycle.. It's a huge struggle to just play a game through.. You're not alone , my friend. I can't understand it either . It seems I enjoy looking at my collection more than playing a game here and there . Knowing a major campaign game is going to be released make me compelled to get it. Knowing I have the game and can play it at some point is comforting and satisfying that I didn't miss out on something possibly epic.. At the same time I don't really beat myself up about it and I do not at all feel guilty about it... I just think of it as I'm a collector in a wonderful, fulfilling hobby .. Great video and topic !!

[@peterdickinson4599]

Interesting content. I realise it’s a little old now, but still a relevant question. I think a lot of people in the hobby space (digital and analogue) are neuro-atypical and that a lot of the advertising is very difficult for NA consumers to resist. Almost as if that advertising was designed with them in mind. It’s tough. Hopefully such individuals can afford the purchases they make. But even if they comfortably can; does the clutter and unused content make their lives better? Personally; I know my strengths and weaknesses. And when it comes to Kickstarter and other hype the only solution for me is to avoid it and focus on what I already have. Finish painting that army. Craft that table of terrain. Play that game through to completion. Get my money’s worth. Etc... After backing a kickstarter I don’t go back to that platform until what I’ve ordered has arrived. Have I missed mountains of amazing games in the intervening time? Undoubtably. But I don’t feel loss over things I wasn’t aware of.