Top 10 Board Games Gaining Popularity | January 2020

Counting down the Top 10 tabletop, card, and board games that are gaining popularity this month, to help you find the best new games that people are playing, backing on Kickstarter, and talking about!
January 2020's list of the top 10 board games that are gaining popularity is designed to help you find the best new board games that you may not have known about!
How does this list compare to yours? Which games are on YOUR list of top 10 favorites for January 2020? Let me know in the comments!
#TopBoardGames #Top10GamesJanuary #BestGamesJanuary
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Games discussed this month include:
STAR WARS: OUTER RIM
Star Wars: Outer Rim, which shuttles up 104 spots, to warp from spot 171 up to 67. In Outer Rim, one to four players take on the role of an underworld denizen, setting out to make their mark on the galaxy. Along the way, they’ll travel the outer rim, hire legendary Star Wars characters to join their crew, and try to become the most famous (or infamous) outlaw in the galaxy! But it won't be easy since the warring factions of the galaxy also roam the outer rim, hunting down the scum that have proven to be a thorn in their side, (that’s YOU!) Each scoundrel may follow a different path to victory in the Outer Rim, depending on the ship, characters, gear, reputation, modifications, jobs, and bounties that they invest in along the way. Do you have what it takes to survive in the outer rim and become a living legend? Or, will you end up being a dead legend? In some games, that outcome barely takes any effort at all.
VITICULTURE: ESSENTIAL EDITION
Viticulture Essential Edition, which gained 110 spots, going from number 172 up to 62 this month. In Viticulture, players have inherited meager vineyards. They start the game with a few plots of land, an old crushpad, a tiny cellar, and three workers. But they each also have a dream. The same dream of being the first to call their winery a true success. And so, they fight. Metaphorically, in a competitive, wine-making sense. Using their workers and attracting visitors, players expand their vineyards by building structures, planting vines, and filling wine orders. And the player that does it best will become the owner of the most successful, haunted winery in Tuscany. So, what makes Viticulture - Essential Edition, essential? This version of the game includes all the components for Viticulture, but adds some of the expansions from Tuscany, including 36 Mama & Papa cards, Field cards (previously known as "Properties"), expanded and revised Visitors, and 24 Automa cards (for a solo variant), along with a couple of minor rule changes.
ON MARS
And the game that caught the most players’ attention and climbed the highest on this month’s list is On Mars, from Eagle-Gryphon Games, which rose 139 spots, going from number 162 to 23 overall. In On Mars, each player’s goal is to develop a self-sustaining Martian colony independent of any terrestrial organization. As the colony expands, players will shift their focus to constructing mines, power generators, water extractors, greenhouses, oxygen factories, and shelters. This will require understanding the importance of water, air, power, and food - the necessities for survival. This survival is accomplished over several rounds, each consisting of two phases - the Shuttle Phase and the Colonization Phase. In the Shuttle Phase, players may travel between the colony and the Space Station in orbit around the planet. During the Colonization Phase, players have different actions available to them, depending on their current location. If in orbit, they can take blueprints, buy and develop technologies, and take supplies from the Warehouse. If on the surface of the planet, they can construct or upgrade buildings, gain scientists and new contracts, welcome new ships, or explore the planet’s surface. During the game, players are also trying to complete missions. Once a total of three missions have been completed, the game ends, and the player with the most victory points (called Opportunity Points) is declared the winner.

[@pwnership1337]

Brilliant segment idea, will be looking out for each one.

[@GameNightPicks]

Thank you! It was a lot of fun to produce, and I hope to have more episodes to come.

[@jsmit6868]

Really cool segment idea. You mentioned 2 games I never heard of that look really cool. Looking forward to the next one.

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks for the comment! I'm very glad this video helped you find a couple of games that you didn't know about. That's exactly what it's here for. Cheers!

[@MaadScientist]

How about "Top 10 trending games." This is the kind of video I've been looking for. Brilliant

[@GameNightPicks]

I'm glad to hear this video had the kind of information that you've been looking for. I'm hoping this series helps people find out about some games they may have otherwise overlooked. Thanks for the feedback!

[@CorporateCheese]

This is a great addition to your statistics-based reviews and has the potential to generate buzz and mix up the top ten. All good things!

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks so much for the feedback, Michael. I'll try to keep things buzzin'!

[@lowify1]

This new series has more potential than Monthly Hottest list.

[@GameNightPicks]

I hope so! But, is this a bad time to confess I was just looking for an excuse for yet ANOTHER video to eventually mention Gloomhaven in each month? 🤪

[@m4doxx369]

8:06 I lost it :D Great Segment! Looking forward to more :)

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks for the comment. I hope you enjoy future episodes as well. 😀

[@melibabe]

It would be interesting to note what drove the jump. Just released? Expansion announced? Upcoming Kickstarter? Also - perhaps include the highest game that appeared on the list for the first time (unless that stays in the other countdown)

[@GameNightPicks]

I like it! I'd be curious to know what causes certain games to jump up the list, too. If I can find that information, I will try to include it in future episodes. Thanks!

[@MasterJediDude]

Great review! This is quickly becoming my favorite game channel. Your sense of humor and presentation style work really well. One note about Outer Rim: The images you showed had spaceships and miniatures that are not included in the game. Just pointing that out for anyone who sets out to buy it. The game includes cardboard stand-ups of characters, but no minis.

[@dustbustus27]

Thanks man for the great content. It's been inspiring to see you establish yourself as a confident and original creator year after year.

[@dustbustus27]

"Demons with benefits" has to be my favorite line.

[@GameNightPicks]

Wow, and thank YOU, Dusty. Your words are inspiring on this side of the camera as well. 😎

[@andrewmoulton8019]

Love the idea and video series!

[@GameNightPicks]

Thank you, Andrew!

[@lunchtakenearly]

Really like this format, more of this please!

[@GameNightPicks]

You got it, Michael! I'll do what I can to keep content like this coming. 🙂

[@TheJaBuLs]

Was not even aware of a couple of these. You just made my list longer...lol

[@GameNightPicks]

Either you're welcome or I'm sorry. Whichever is appropriate.

[@scyldscefing3913]

Great idea for a list, and as always, enjoyably executed.

[@GameNightPicks]

Thank you, Tim. I'm glad you enjoyed the presentation. I hope to have more posted videos posted soon.

[@mavweirdo]

Let's hope this list is more "dynamic" month to month, than another list based video which we will not name.

[@GameNightPicks]

I swear if Gloomhaven lands on this list, I will cry real tears.

[@TrueRueTube]

Pair Of Dice Paradise there is a new Gloomhaven game that might lol

[@gabbymuller]

Sanctum could be such a great game if wasn't the uneventful midgame. It's just missing something for me. I need something in between the start of the game and end. Great segment. Amazing job as always.

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks so much for the feedback on the segment, and your experience with Sanctum. It's always appreciated. 🙂👍

[@bertyking71]

Thank you, great idea, and you are so entertaining.

[@GameNightPicks]

Thank you. I appreciate that. I hope you continue to enjoy future videos. Take care!

[@tonybowers9490]

Up and Comers? Voted Most Popular? - Rocketing to the Moon (or Mars)? Out of the Blue? Climbing to the Top? Yeah, coming up with a catchy, appropriate title is tricky!

[@marcusmaxon4033]

Glad you’re doing this, tired of hearing how popular terraforming mars is

[@GameNightPicks]

Terraforming Mars? OH! YES! Terraforming Mars! Sorry, I had forgotten about that game because I haven't had to mention it in a video in nearly fourteen minutes. 🤪

[@TheShapingSickness]

Awesome video!

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks, Isaac! 😀

[@sophside9931]

I liked. I stayed. I subscribed.

[@GameNightPicks]

Thank you. Hello. And I appreciate it! 🙂👍

[@jamesbrazeal3847]

Top 10 BGG Risers. Moving on Up BGG. Good luck with naming show.

[@JackieFox1976]

They're growers, not... I dunno. But I really like this list!

[@GameNightPicks]

"Growers"? Hmmm... how about "Expanders"? Nope. Worse. Realized it before I'd even finished typing the word. Not sure why I finished typing it, actually. And continued writing two more sentences.

[@hoser40k86]

Chaz, you are the unsung hero of...um...alliteration? Yeah, lets go with that for now.

[@GameNightPicks]

Kudos for the kind critique comment. 😁

[@hoser40k86]

@@GameNightPicks Well-wishing is wonderful and welcoming. :)

[@argel1200]

With the top 10 having so little change at times, I think this is a nice addition. Wonder if it might be useful to combine the two? Go over the top 10 climbers, then 10 hottest right afterwards.

[@apsaify]

ooh you're on fire! :)

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks! ...unless you meant I'm LITERALLY on fire and I just haven't noticed yet. Oh, look. Yup. Totally up in flames. Thanks! You've saved me a TON of embarrassment.

[@ZBach841]

Dig this series idea.

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks, Zach! I appreciate that.

[@FMD-FullMetalDragon]

Another name could be the Top 10 most surprising climbers of the month list.

[@rawkyle9385]

Great segment! I’m curious why Viticulture rose so high this month? Any ideas?

[@mikolajwitkowski8093]

Loved the video, very interesting look. I'd only prefer to not get so many images showing demo or modifying versions of the games.

[@kathysav3219]

Great idea

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks! :D

[@richardsaunders9214]

Wait wait wait ... did you say “Demons with Benefits”? ... I don’t think I want to know what that means...

[@GameNightPicks]

😮

[@oodamnagain]

Aftermath is a great game. Note, make sure to open it early and look at the miniatures. Broken miniatures is a problem.

[@CarlToonist]

If I may suggest a title, I would say "Mercury Rising", or "Board Games Rising". I know you are a host who prefers to use alliterations when you can, so you could use the title as "Ratings Rising" - hope that gives you some ideas.

[@GameNightPicks]

Those are good ideas, Daniel. I'm adding them to the brainstorming list. All of them are better than my current contender, "Here's Another Video I Made Good Luck At Harpsichord Camp".

[@CarlToonist]

@@GameNightPicks Really? I have always wanted to play "Harpsichord Camp" the board game ;)

[@JFin-gx7nc]

Top 10 BGG Climbers

[@TheDavidPhillips]

Demons always get such a bad rap - finally somebody is reminding the world that there are altruistic ones out there, passing out gifts to the first person that finds them. Don't worry about trying to tell them apart from the flesh-rendering kind, just remember Chaz Marler will gladly substitute his soul for your own to clear up any misunderstandings.

[@GameNightPicks]

I was able to get a replacement soul at the flea market. The only downside is that now I hear everything in Dutch.

[@TheDavidPhillips]

@@GameNightPicks not sure which is more offensive - the idea that you can buy Dutch Souls at a flea market, or the insinuation that the Dutch have souls. Either way, best of luck- it starts with speaking in tongues, and eventually devolves into convulsions, night terrors, and a diminished credit score (apparently they report to Experian).

[@Zelph81]

0:58 "Tenth highest climber, which gained 49 spots on the hotness list overall, to rise from number 114 to 165" Slip of the tongue or a mistake? I'm pretty sure going from number 114 to 165 would be considered falling, not rising. Also, wouldn't that be 51 spots, which, if so, should place it above "The Crew" as a higher riser? ;-) Great list and idea for a "Top 10 Trending Games" (?) list - and yay for some variation! :-D

[@andrewhazlewood4569]

Check the numbers. He meant 65 not 165

[@billwhitteaker2722]

Nice addition

[@GameNightPicks]

Thank you, Bill. I appreciate the comment! :)

[@Stoicgame]

Ten Up-and-coming games you should know for January 2020? Lol, that is hard.

[@GameNightPicks]

...I'm going to need a larger title screen.

[@otterbot]

The Hot Hotness. Brilliant idea for a segment.

[@GameNightPicks]

Thank you, Chris. I hope to have some fun and highlight some different games with it. :)

[@nathanpredmore7577]

1.25 is pretty great

[@AndICanTalk2]

Love it

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks so much!

[@arekkrolak6320]

Cant wait for COPPA to remove those bell requests altogether

[@ianfrias]

Lol did he say "haunted" winery?

[@GameNightPicks]

Mmmmmmaybe he did. 😏

[@uplift-yourdailypickup6424]

The Crew won’t be out till Spring, is that right?

[@GameNightPicks]

Yes. I believe it is currently scheduled for March.

[@g8kpr3000]

Weird, i played this at a mini con this past weekend. I hated the game. But i hate trick taking games, and i hated the mind, so this was never going to be the game for me.

[@johnrochester1419]

I think you should call this list top 10 Hype Train Games. :)

[@khristienpennanen1810]

If gloomhaven isnt in the top 5 I will riot :P lol

[@GameNightPicks]

Well played. 👏

[@justinrrizzo]

Don't buy viticulture unless you also buy Tuscany. Then bury the base game board under the insert and never look at it again. Tuscany is a top 10 game for me. Viticulture is a 5.

[@sarahmtrager]

May I put forth: Momenten

[@GameNightPicks]

Oh, my. That's... that's a thing of beauty. 😍

[@sarahmtrager]

@@GameNightPicks it's yours if you want it

[@j-rod4600]

I wouldn't have thought of that, but now it seems so obvious that's what it should be called.

[@69robtaylor]

I like how you re invent your shows. Can’t wait to get my copy of On Mars.

[@GameNightPicks]

Thanks, Rob! And I hope you enjoy On Mars once you get to play it. :)

[@69robtaylor]

Pair Of Dice Paradise should arrive any day, or week, erm or month.

[@Peteypuckettband]

the human ATM