Unpopular Board Game Opinions

[@jeffarthur1772]

Jeff just made the Board game quote of the year…”we are adults playing with toys. None of this matters.” I want that on a t-shirt!!!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hahaha we will see what we can do

[@vloche11]

Where are we at on shirts? 😊

[@emilyhart3076]

Yaaaaas!

[@manuelkooijman5757]

I also liked “Don’t be a yum yucker!”.

[@sinnysinabuns]

Jeff was full of the best quotes of the year in this one! Love it, and agree 100%

[@paulinatolak5128]

I agree with Jeff 100% about getting into other people’s business. I am fairly new to the hobby (almost 2 years) and getting into it brought me so much joy so I grew my collection fairly quickly. Every time a friend or family comes to my house they comment about the amount of games I have. It got so bad I started to feel ashamed. Then I realized it is my collection and my own money I spend and I will not be ashamed of my hobby 😊

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hold no shame. Find your joy.

[@Sarah-wn8kz]

I realized lately that is probably because they take a lot of place. I talked about my games to my boyfriend recently and asked him do we have too much? Do we play enough? Etc. And then he said to me « how many unplayed video games or unread books you have? Do they bother you? No just enjoy your fun and your game » and I was like : man he is so right. I don’t justifie my video games collection, my movies collection, etc. Why do we need to justifie our board games? Yes they take place, but it’s my home let me be! So enjoy your games Paulina played or unplayed just be happy about it ☺️🥰

[@Tristavillus]

@@Sarah-wn8kzSteam library. I have lots of people in my life that have commented on my board game collection and every time I will say: “oh? I have too many board games? How many games are in your steam library? How many unplayed?

[@Roxas77]

I've been there, whatever makes you happy is all that matters....you gotta live your best life no matter what

[@juvigoat2168]

Never accept judgement. Especially over a hobby!

[@BlueHighway]

We need Foster The Meeple merch that says "We're adults playing with toys" on the front, and "None of this matters" on the back!

[@ErikSmith57]

Fun video! I would like to say, as the owner of thousands of books, people are constantly telling me that I should get rid of them, because I will never have time to read all of them. So, it's not just games. (Although, people say the same thing about my games, so...)

[@HerVoiceRemains]

I love the “Do your own thing” rant. Know what you love and play it. If other people enjoy other stuff that you don’t, that’s cool too. We’re all gamers. “Fun around the table” says it all.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Exactly. Games are meant to be enjoyed. Just let it be enjoyed however people want to.

[@Mentat1231]

Love love LOVE what you said about each person having their own experience and minding their own business. Preach! 100% agree.

[@jgutkind]

Love this topic and you both nailed it. One of the main reasons I really enjoy your channel is you tell it like it is. I always enjoy your down to earth relaxed view of the hobby. You never seem fake or rehearsed. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@FostertheMeeple]

We try to for sure! Who we are on camera is who we are in person. That won’t ever change

[@glitterxgore6943]

I think the people who are pissy about collections comes down to jealousy. But people can spend their money how they want.

[@JoshuaSutphin-c1d]

I really appreciate your perspective on following the rules. I'm all about following the rules, but I know I've made mistakes with rules, and it's not a big deal. If we realize partway through a game that we've been playing wrong, we just decide in the moment if we keep playing the wrong way or if we start playing the proper rule.

[@efout89]

Loved this! I have to answer the question "Do you even play all of those games?" all the time and the short answer is "not very often" but they make me happy. I think that is why I was so drawn to your content from the start because you are both so open about just loving the hobby how you want to and being genuine to who you both are. I loved Jeff saying "thats about as spicy as you will get from us" lol it was a very Canadian level of spice and it was wonderful! Thank you for all the amazing content! You guys were the reason I started in this hobby and I've never looked back!

[@Ella-Bee96]

Jeff's rant made my whole week. I feel like this about so many things- this gatekeeping around hobbies just isn't okay. Let people enjoy what they enjoy, and you enjoy what you enjoy- and as long as they aren't hurting anyone, let people do the stuff they like, in the way they want to! I have a huge collection of books, which my family especially are always criticizing me over- but each of those stories mean an awful lot to me, and shaped who I am in their own way, and looking at the shelves makes me immensely happy. On the flip side, I only have a small collection of board games (mostly due to space) and the amount of board gamers who will say 'Ergh, you don't have 'X' game, clearly you aren't a 'true' gamer' is so frustrating. Basically, what I'm saying is you can never win- so just do you, and be kind.

[@FostertheMeeple]

PREEEAACCCH

[@AH12866]

Thank you so much for your comments about collecting and culling! I have a lot of games, they bring me joy. I don't feel bad about that! You nailed it, thank you.❤

[@FostertheMeeple]

Do what makes you happy. Nobody else gets to take that joy away from you. Ignore them.

[@TexasTeen42]

This video felt very therapeutic for Jeff and I’m here for it. Totally agree, so many people in the hobby want to yuck your yums. Have fun. Enjoy what you enjoy. Awesome stuff

[@FostertheMeeple]

It very much was, can confirm haha

[@donberdeen6518]

3:01 - I would 100% recommend giving Spirit Island another shot. I am still relatively new to the hobby, I had to watch a few play throughs after I was like “this Isn’t any fun… how can anyone enjoy this…?” I like that it’s difficult to win. I enjoy the fact that there’s a decent chance I don’t win, it makes when you DO win all that much more satisfying. However… that all being said, it’s probably not for everyone, it’s not a casual 45 minute game. All of your decisions matter. I also like that the solo experience doesn’t deviate largely from the co-op experience.

[@Sreehammer]

I think the more board games I've played, the less I care about winning as well. Play enough games and you're going to lose and you realize the fun is gathering around the table with your friends and family - not about winning.

[@FostertheMeeple]

I would agree with this wholeheartedly

[@joshuawestlund]

I think because y’all come across as so relatable and chill it’s sometimes easy to forget how smart you are. So many game KZbinrs wank so freaking hard to show how smart they are and y’all hold it down low key. Respect.

[@kennwilson3691]

One of the things I like about those who are willing to make these videos, not just yourselves, is that I get used to their individual preferences and, even when they are not keen on a game, I can still decide if that game is for me. I also love the games I own that I have not played yet. Opening them, the smell of them, popping out the cardboard pieces, enjoying the artwork, looking forward to the day I bring them to the table, not fully understanding all the rules yet but gaining those moments of understanding that come with actual game play. They also look great on my shelves along with my unread books. Love your work.

[@freegameskidsteens]

"we as a species need to get better at staying out of each other's business" 🖊🔥

[@MrJehoe]

On the subject of too many games having minis. I agree that they're pretty awesome when painted, but actually a little dull if they're just that flat gray. I'm with you on the acrylic standees, but something I've been loving even more lately is a nice chunky screen printed or painted (or anything that adds details on top of the flat color) meeple. Those look so classy and have a nice tactile feeling when moving them around a board. Minis vs. standees vs. meeples will never really sway my opinion when determining if I like a game or not but I will say seeing non-minis with a premium treatment (whether that's standee or meeple) is a thing that I'm getting excited to see more often.

[@nates9029]

As someone that has hundreds of books, people do ask why I have so many books that I have not read. I get the same thing with board games although I don't own nearly as many board games. I totally agree with you on this, Jeff. We as a species need to stop getting involved in other people's business.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Absolutely 100%! Just let people live.

[@CheeseDud]

1) Popular game you didn't like 2) Game you like other people don't 3) Popular theme you hardly reach for 4) Popular game you have no interest in playing 5) Card games vs. Board games 6) How do you feel about expansions? 7) Games that need house rules 8) How do you feel about the cult of the new? 9) Is there an overemphasis on complexity in games? 10) Any beloved components that are overrated or unnecessary? 11) Any themes you want to see more of? 12) Is there an overemphasis on winning?

[@CheeseDud]

My answers! 1) Popular game you didn't like Terraforming Mars. Tried this for the first time after already playing Ares Expedition and it feels so bloated. Also don't really care for the area control in the OG Also sorry to Jeff, but I don't care for Dune Imperium 🫣 2) Game you like other people don't According to J&J, Spirit Island hahaha. Love finding interactions between different spirits and having a beefy co-op. I'm in the Discord so lmk when you're ready to try it again and I can give tips! 3) Popular theme you hardly reach for Space, Fantasy, Zombies, War 4) Popular game you have no interest in playing Half the BGG top 100 lol. Twilight Imperium especially stands out. I respect it, but it's not for me. Honorable mentions for Brass, Twilight Struggle, Food Chain Magnate, Power Grid 5) Card games vs. Board games Board. Never grew up playing card games so I don't have the nostalgia a lot of people do. 6) How do you feel about expansions? I only get expansions for games I love, think I only have ~5. Base game is sufficient when I only play each game once or twice a year 7) Games that need house rules Most games where you only draw 1 card (ie Viticulture), I'll draw 2/3 pick 1. 8) How do you feel about the cult of the new? From my collection of 75 games, only 4 of them are 2023 games and 0 are from 2023. I love playing new games but don't feel the need to buy them all. Don't care what others do with their wallet 9) Is there an overemphasis on complexity in games? Only when the complexity feels pasted-on, like Kickstarter bloat etc. If a game is properly-developed and playtested, I love games from super light to super heavy. 10) Any beloved components that are overrated or unnecessary? Absolutely with you guys on minis. I prefer standees or tokens almost 100% of the time. Smaller boxes are a huge plus 11) Any themes you want to see more of? I'll defer to my wife - anything cute/pretty enough for her to want to play with me :) 12) Is there an overemphasis on winning? 100% agree with your rants here too. I'm much less competitive now than when I started this hobby a decade+ ago and care way more about the experience rather than win/loss

[@unclezorbak]

Loved this video! One thing to add on overcompetitiveness: it also detracts from the fun of some games when you're trying to do the absolute most efficient, optimized way, which may not be the most fun and doesn't let you try new and different things

[@FostertheMeeple]

1000% agreed

[@tylerwarner3677]

Y'all are like the most normal people making board game videos and that's why I watch lol

[@joa7302]

14:49 Now that, imo, shouldn’t just apply to board games but to a lot of everything in general. Loved that rant.. reminded me why I’ve removed myself from most social media platforms.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Agreeeed

[@AllYouCanBoard]

Great video, I really enjoyed this. Even though it pains me slightly every time Jamie says she dislikes Agricola, or that you two don't like The Crew, I totally get why these games are divisive. I'd never hold it against either of you, let it influence my opinion of you, or make me want to meet you or play games with you any less. Especially after hearing Jeff's little rant about letting people enjoy what they want (which was my favourite part of the video), I just wanted to say I agree 100% with everything you said there. I think a lot of people who criticize or gatekeep others for this kind of stuff are either A) unable to put themselves in other people's shoes, or B) insecure about something in their lives that potentially relates to what someone else is doing, and they call people out to try to feel better about something they don't like about themselves or their own life. I know it's easier said than done, but when people give you a hard time about owning too many games or not playing a specific popular game on the BGG list or whatever, try not to let it bother you or let any doubt creep in about who you both are what you bring to this hobby, not just as content creators but also as gamers and as people in general. You don't owe anyone an explanation/justification for why you do what you do, and nothing anyone says should discredit you for one second. Keep doing your thing! P.S. Loved the Friedemann Friese & Cosmic Frog shoutouts. I'd play those with you ANY time. Also, if you ever decide to part with Fast Sloths or see another copy for sale at a reasonable price somewhere please let me know! I've been trying to get my hands on that for a few years. - Carlo

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate you Carlo!

[@scatter_brain]

Didn’t think I’d sit and watch your whole video but it was too good. I think the comment that stands out the most is: it’s about the experience. If you’re not having fun then for me I don’t understand why do it at all? Just one example that you mentioned is the need to win; you won’t win 100% of the time and if everything needs to end on your terms then that is a pretty toxic way to live. And if those people complaining on your channel need their voices to be heard so badly they create negative vibes then they can just create their own channel. But for me I’ve seen my fill of channels that breed negativity. You can share your opinion without resentment. I love board games but it’s your character that keeps me coming back to your channel - and I think everyone who subscribed would the say the same thing. Love this video. Love your content. Love your personalities. And love your distaste for Spirit Island ;)

[@RebeccaAlis]

🙌🏻Such a great discussion!! Yes to all ranty points holy crap agreed!! None of this matters and people are ridiculous sometimes 😂 you guys are amazing, much love

[@hooshyarkarimi9524]

"don't get into other people's business", "please leave your unpopular opinions in the comments". 😅

[@jenng669]

Haha to be fair, there's a difference between making comments where they are invited, and barging in with hate when someone is just trying to have a good time. For example, I think some games are way overproduced in a way that is unnecessary - I'll share that opinion if asked, but I won't seek out a video of someone unboxing a game they are super excited about where they are just trying to share their joy and make a comment about it there, because that would make me - in Jeff's words - a dink.

[@tannershort]

"let people do their thing, be kind" Love it

[@messymari]

I'm with the Brothers Murph -- I think we need more music/theater themed games. Considering how math-y music can be, I think there's SO much potential there.

[@Ribby00]

I'm with you on Spirit Island. We sat down with it for about 45 minutes after the setup and we immediately weren't having any fun.

[@aepears]

I need a “don’t be a yum yucker” FTM shirt. Also, how dare you have opinions.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hahah we will see what we can do

[@FostertheMeeple]

We really should make one haha

[@aepears]

@@FostertheMeeple please do

[@JoachimErdtman]

Lovely video, and I agree with most things. Let me note though, that the optimizing of turns thing could also be linked to other things than trying to win. I am disabled by chronic pain. I have a hard time staying focused, which triggers anxiety. My frontal lobe shows signs of early onset dementia due to my pain levels. I've considered playing with a notepad, to better remember what I was setting up to do a few turns back. Being the teacher of new games has become quite stressful to me, and I much prefer playing games that we are equally experienced playing.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate you sharing that distinction!

[@JoachimErdtman]

@@FostertheMeeple I think your board gaming content is some of the nicest, and most uplifting on KZbin at the moment. Thanks for being so dedicated to your craft.

[@kevinkirkhoff1008]

Great video! I like hearing negative things about games. Not that the game sucks, but it can get tiring to always hear creators love everything. Watching you guys vent lets us get to know you guys better. It's a glimpse into your personalities. Also, in defense of keeping games, I can see treating a game like an old photo. I may not play it anymore, but when I see it, I'm reminded of what was going on in life, who I was playing with, or my experience when I played the game. So it's a matter of memories, as opposed to "I have 100s of games cause I can".

[@JulesSavesOnGroceries2848]

It drives me crazy when I’m playing games with my kids and another adult and that adult either cheats so my kid/teen will win or threatens to quit the game because my 8 year old is “attacking” them when they are completely winning the game. That doesn’t make game night fun.

[@allison2525]

I loved this. Someone said this was therapeutic. Agreed! Plus it’s a great conversation piece. I’m going to bring these questions up with my husband. It’s like 20 Questions. Love it; keep this topic/content in your schedule/calendar for the future, Jamie. Thanks for the video.

[@FostertheMeeple]

You’re most welcome!

[@nfischer091]

I love The Crew, so dont yuck my yum, Jeff! In all seriousness, I totally agree with you about collector shaming. People collect books they only read once, keep action figures in packaging, and things like coins and stamps that they dont use for its intended purpose. So I think its just fine to enjoy just having a game that you may only rarely play. Loved the video, keep up the good work!

[@nihlify]

I know people that collect books because the look good on the book shelf, they don't actually read many of them.

[@tara.did.]

Great discussion! Thank you for your willingness to put yourselves out there. Really appreciate the opportunity to understand where you are both coming from in regards to this hobby and the experiences that you have had within it.

[@PastorDanplaysboardgames]

Thanks once again for the video! I didn’t know there was these issues in the hobby. I have really lucked out with the groups I’m gaming in or hosting. Gate keeping nope. Cult of the new /old . Didn’t even know about that concept till 2 weeks ago. 90 percent of our gammers watch KZbin and dig deep into presenters archives to look for some hidden gems. We also watch many many videos on the new stuff and get those too. I have not even hear some one mention culling till this month. I was in response to my budding addiction to learning new games. The shop I purchase from asked how I was doing for space . I said I’m ok I’m putting the ones no one wants to play in storage bins in a spare room. We enjoyed a good laugh, as he is a collector and I had a huge list of game s to get by the end of the year and just finished it. We support each other’s ambitious collecting and I have a bad habit of wanting new games to punch out all the things in the box. Nerds supporting nerds and their games. Zelda - hell ya open world quests and exploring and killing, I’m in. No app please and bring it to retail. Thanks for the balanced few points.

[@Mogurt1986]

I can't express how much I enjoyed watching this video. I'm so glad you guys make genuine, authentic content! 😊

[@foolishgoat]

Jeff spoke to my soul. I agree with every portion of Jeff's "playing with toys" rant 🤣

[@FostertheMeeple]

Glad it resonated with you!

[@alisonwentland3765]

Thanks for the video! I have a growing collection. I have new and classics. I really want to experience so many different things. This is a fascinating hobby! I don’t understand people who expect to win the first time they play a game. I’ve had people be upset because they said I hadn’t explained a rule (I am new to teaching, too, so it’s possible but I wouldn’t do that on purpose). For me, it’s all about the fun. I’ll look at my collection with pride from now on. Woot woot!

[@paburrows]

Have you done a video on Best Party games? If not, what are some recommendations?

[@FostertheMeeple]

We have!

[@jimmlynch9697]

This video was great! Really thoughtful. I totally agree about gatekeeping, let people enjoy games how they want to enjoy games. Also I really thought it was interesting what you said about overcompetitive people. I recently came to the realization that I really don’t care if I win, I am more interested in the experience of the game and the moments when something truly memorable happens. We were playing So Clover recently, everyone had absolutely awful combinations and yet somehow we ended with a perfect score. Great job guys!

[@jamessmith1274]

I totally get what you are saying about the winning aspect. People need to chill. But I also do like playing against people who are better at the game than I am to challenge myself. Then when/if I win it does feel good that I have learned it well and can be good at the game. But not from a cocky standpoint just to know I can be challenged and play against people who are better than me at so many. Which is quite often. I rarely win and I still love the hobby. I also love co-op games like priorities, just one, and green team wins type games where the points really don't matter. It is just about the experience

[@scatter_brain]

Do you guys have any uniquely themed/offbeat games you’d recommend? I am always looking for more of these kinds of games!

[@JJ_TheGreat]

10:47 So how do you feel about Catan: Cities & Knights? It adds a lot - and makes it more strategic, while at the same time, makes it longer too.

[@dougwarr9459]

This is one of the best videos I have ever seen in a long time in this hobby! Thanks for doing it!! Jeff’s rant was right on the mark about letting people enjoy the hobby on THEiR own terms! The games I don’t like that most others like are Blood Rage and Dune Imperium. I wish there would be more sports based games. Particularly baseball and hockey. I like to win but don’t particularly care about it. I like to try new strategies and just have fun regardless.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Have you tried Trick shot? I’m a big hockey guy and had lots of fun playing that one. Thanks for watching!

[@dougwarr9459]

Have not but I definitely will give it a try. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@Wonderflonium]

That was a cathartic video, A+! I'm with you on acrylic standees over minis

[@FostertheMeeple]

So glad you enjoyed!!

[@nihlify]

I HATE removing the protecting layers of acrylic standees, but otherwise I'm inclinded to agree ;)

[@JonTripp115]

_"Argh, the 'optimized turn'!"_ 😅Good point, Jeff, about how over-competitiveness may be the root of all evil in boardgames, from AP even to having the "right" kind of collection. In the immortal words of our saviors Wyld Stallyns, "Be excellent to each other."

[@FostertheMeeple]

That’s the goal my guy

[@nihlify]

As someone with a large collection I usually end up teaching the game. That has effectively ended my "competitive side" that I had before I started buying and teaching the games myself. Like I'm not going to sit there and teach everyone the game, only to pick what I know is an optimal strategy and crush everyone else. I play in a way where I feel everyone has the best oppportunity to have fun, be it that I play the hardest race/character, pick a strategy I'm not familiar with myself or play (just a tiny amount) kingmaker where you try to keep the game even to a point. The whole purpose is to have fun, not to win at all cost.

[@fsu120]

When you mentioned "Cute Horror" my mind wondered what would a game of South Park's Woodland Critters be like.

[@FostertheMeeple]

LOL

[@Shorty140291]

They should make a game about the happy tree house friends... If you know you know. It would fit the theme.

[@Ella-Bee96]

Oh my goodness. I now NEED this to be made in to a game!

[@cafe_et_cie]

14:44 feel the same about the book community 😂 if I don’t want to read classics and only read romance, I’m still a reader … Why are people so judgmental on things like that !! Loooooove this tag !!

[@michaelehrhardt9221]

I'm of a similar mindset about winning. I try to win but I'm just trying to have a good time. With that said do you think the reason you feel the way you do about winning is because you play board games very regularly? I wonder if the people who play less often get more competitive because that may be the only time they play a game in a significant amount of time. Curious what you think!

[@TheDukeOfFall]

I love the position you took on collecting and culling and I resonate with you 100%

[@TheDukeOfFall]

Great video!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thank you!!

[@LisaSueMarieHuffman]

17:10 Amen! 100% agree with y’all. Love your channel! Y’all are the best!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thank you so much!

[@reksilog]

I'm into minis because they weigh a bit more and they don't fall over as easily as standees. But that's about it. The art on the standees of Wonderland's War is definitely great. Lol.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Totally valid!

[@emtking3385]

That’s right mind your business and let me enjoy my stuff. I have a lot more games with minis than I need and more on the way than I can paint. But when I finish them damn they look good. Keep up the great videos. Final girl is one of my faves excited for season 3!

[@FostertheMeeple]

It’s coming soon!

[@MarinaS341]

Love this video! It’s a great way to showcase that every gamer has their own tastes and know what works for them ❤ and that’s great! So many options out there for every type of gamer. I’ve learned I’m not a campaign game person 🤷‍♀️ To each their own!

[@dizzyduck1725]

This is the board game video I didn’t know I needed! Jamie, I am in the same boat with expansions. I almost never use them, but I feel like I need them. 😅 Also, please consider putting “None of this matters, we are adults playing with toys “ on a shirt. 😁

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hahah we will see what we can do!

[@erickavarney3957]

I remember when I found Final Girl and started watching videos including your play throughs of it and I came across a comment on some video that said they didn’t like FG because “it’s a cash grab to pay for all the different expansions because once you beat a game once there’s no reason to replay it” and all I could think was, with that kind of mentality, maybe board gaming isn’t the hobby for you. Some of us like to have collections and play games more than once. What’s your deal? 😂

[@steveg9939]

I agree with your take on competition in games. I hate it when I teach a game and I win because I feel that other players won’t enjoy the games as much. But then, my buddies told me, don’t worry, I expect losing my first game. It is a reason I will want to play again if we had fun. So I guess it is also a group thing.

[@emilyhart3076]

Thank you for saying I can have joy with the hundreds of games on my shelves!! I’ve received sooo much shade and judgement from gamers and non gamers alike. I needed Jeff’s rant today! 🥹❤️thank you

[@larrye]

I agree with the miniature bloat. I imagine you could fit the all-in Marvel United pledge in one box if they just switched to acrylic standees.

[@FostertheMeeple]

You're probably not wrong there!

[@djnmeg1]

This is probably my favorite video of yours ever! This needed to be said.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thank you!

[@gozzywozzy485]

this was the best video ever! I was cheering and fist pumpming and "yeah!'ing" right along with you Love you guys xx

[@samuelshafritz8572]

The rules checking and competitive gaming was totally me and my brother 😂. Now though we have matured and moved past that phase. I play to win, but I find losing to often be more substantive than winning. Mostly I enjoy talking about the game with my brother after the fact and we discuss strategies and mistakes and all of that stuff. Thats the best part now in my opinion; not gatekeeping strategy and tips but giving eachother tips.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Agreed!! Well said!

[@unoriginalname6354]

“So many people love The Crew. And you know who doesn’t love The Crew? This crew right here.” That line was smooth.

[@FostertheMeeple]

We out here ya know

[@JeffAllenHammer]

I agree... ironically Spirit Island is also my worst experience ever with a board game.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

@@JeffAllenHammerDune: Imperium was part of my worst board gaming experience - but I view it as less due to the game itself and more due to the group dynamics within the group I was playing it in - and the things that happened that day.

[@BrettMByers]

Don’t let the trolls get you down!! They don’t have to watch, most likely don’t have their own channel and are obviously too hung up to play anyway. You’ll never make everyone happy. Keep on keeping’ on! Thanks for all the help and reviews !

[@lmpreston1]

I rarely get expansions unless: I don't own the base game and the expansion is a complete game. I will also get one if the expansion is for a game I love to play and only enhances the main game. Dice Throne got me to buy all of the expansions because of the additional games that allow me to switch out characters and play that they offer.

[@adamgardner2244]

I only play miniature driven coop dungeon crawlers. That's what I love. The painting of the minis and diving into the world of wherever the game setting may be is just fantastic to me. Some people probably think that's weird that I don't like roll and writes or euros or anything else but I don't care. It's what I love!

[@BatisteBieler]

You guys might have liked DeckHand: a deck building game with short rules, pirate themed. Maybe I hit you up if a new version come out one day?

[@JJ_TheGreat]

15:34 Ok, thank you! I have to stand-up for my entire collection, then - and only cull when/the ones I want to!

[@foyoGames]

22:30 - Paleo Vet ...great light to medium new Dino game

[@JJ_TheGreat]

13:36 But what if you are trying to play games with them - and there’s this really amazing classic game which you want to play - yet they refuse, purely because they only want to play new games? Because then it WOULD be impacting me! So are you telling me to find someone else/other people to play it with?

[@bethanypetersen7005]

I love your haul videos! My kids like watching those too. They make me feel better about my own collection 😂

[@Yanix71]

Amen to what you said about people feeling they are entitled to force their opinion about how you play or collect games. One thing I hated when I got into the hobby were those self-important jerks looking down on me for being a newbie. Or judging other players for still playing some older game when they had discovered a newer similar game. Gatekeeping is always bad as it prevents more people from getting into the hobby.

[@cfosburg]

22:50 There have been multiple studies on what makes a game fun and motivations for playing. Mastery and Winning are always on those lists. Why people play: Gamer's Motivation. Quantic Foundry identified the top 11 motivations for males to play games. At the top of that list is ‘the need to win’. For women it was number 4. We need to acknowledge that for some people, this is how they have fun, by trying to win. When I was first married my primary motivation for playing was ‘To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.’ It brought me so much joy to optimize my moves, figure out how to cleverly maneuver out of a bad situation. A few years in, I realized this was creating a negative experience for my wife. Over time I’ve evolved and I am a much different player. I would say the motivation for winning is probably at the bottom of board game maturity. But to tell people they should get over winning is like gatekeeping in the hobby and yucking on someone’s yum. They need time to mature and see there are other motivations and fun factors for playing games.

[@FostertheMeeple]

We think it’s totally fine if winning is someone’s motivation to win, that’s what we mean by everyone enjoys and experiences the hobby differently! That just isn’t how we enjoy it and that’s okay. It’s more of an awareness that hey if you’re so focused on winning that you forget to have fun and spoil the experience of those around you, we don’t love that, but once again, we don’t care how other people experience the hobby. :)

[@ajcrosby87]

Well said, you guys! Jeff's rant was on point. Just have fun and be kind ❤

[@karenpatterson2651]

Absolutely loved this video. U 2 are such "real" content creators. Love how you speak your own truths unashamedly. 💯 percent love your authentic content.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate this! We certainly try our best to keep it respectable and real with what we do. Glad that’s coming through!

[@stefkortchak3012]

You tell ‘em! I like the repeated phrase ‘stop yucking people’s yums’.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hahaha a good mantra to live by

[@mihirshahisme]

Wow, I agree with everything that I hear in this vid. Now I regret not interacting with you'll at BGG Spring. I look forward to having a chance to meet you'll in the near future 😊

[@FostertheMeeple]

You should have!! We are very friendly folks haha

[@NotSprout_BrawlStars]

Based on the answers to your questions, I feel you should try and look at Unstable games. Specifically, Tic Tac KO Cute vs evil, Happy little dinosaurs and Here to Slay. They all are card games, like yall said you liked. They all are fairly easy to pick up and play. And are small boxes you can fit on your shelf. I'm just giving you a suggestion, not YOU NEED T PLAY THEM OR IM UNSUBSCRIBING! im just giving a suggestion. I think your favorite would be Tik Tac KO! Just a suggestion.

[@andrewkelly3464]

Spirit Island is exceptionally good but it takes a handful of games to get the hang of it. Great decisions

[@MarinaS341]

Yes Jeff! Re over competitiveness love this! People being over competitive, rules dictators etc is one of the reasons I enjoy solo play. I play games for an escape, I’ve lost soooooo many games solo and don’t care, it’s about the experience 😊❤

[@FostertheMeeple]

Glad you found some solace!

[@silverfang6668]

Don’t hold back, Jeff, tell us how you really feel, lol. Great vid, agree with everything. Thank you for doing this. My biggest issue is HGE ( heavy gamer elitism). Also, while I watch them all the time, Tom Vassel/Rahdo/insert popular tuber, their final opinions on games are not the edicts of the gods.

[@FostertheMeeple]

I’m not going to touch on any creator specifically, but I will agree with you on the HGE statement. I adore heavy games, but I also adore cute light games. And I’ve seen first hand the BS Jamie gets for liking the games she likes (and she also loves heavy games). It’s for sure a problem

[@blindGuardianGR]

Ugh about winning, my PoV is that everyone who will sit down and play a boardgame together must be of the same mindset for that certain game. Do we play to spend some time together for fun or do we play aiming for the win? If one is off that mindset, some people will not enjoy it. Example 1: 8 people playing codenames, 2 play for the win, someone tries something funny, ruins a turn, person in his team aiming for the win goes mad, night ruined... Example 2: 5 people playing twilight imperium for 3-4 hrs, 1 gets bored because after all he never aimed for the win and kingmakes, ruining the game for the other 4. Example 3: 4 people playing root, 1 person is new, everybody playing in chill mode trying maybe new strategies. There will be a winner but even then he won't have outplayed the others and everyone knows and is content with it. There are even some games that feel like "group solos" (if I may) that one can do whatever he wants like railroad Ink or other really short games like slay them all where one doesn't really care to win.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Preach

[@blindGuardianGR]

@@FostertheMeeple where and when? 😂

[@Tablenauts]

Love the idea of more cute horror. Castle Party and Dreadful Meadows are great!! Also, an open world Zelda game would be awesome. I don’t know what company would need to do it, but yea that would have a huge following.

[@FostertheMeeple]

If we will it, it will come

[@vloche11]

Very refreshing content - well done

[@4theluvofbooks211]

Hey guys while watching your video an alert came over my phone for an upcoming game that might fall under Jamie’s category “cute scary”. It is called Apothebakery - The Culinary Alchemist by Tabletop Games. The pictures of it makes me think of Jamie having a stuffy of a character or item on the shelf behind you guys. Thanks for all your videos! I cannot wait to show my mom this video so she knows that it is okay for her 41 year old daughter and family to have over 200 board games 😂 Keep on keeping on! Love ya guys!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Ohhhh thank you!! I mentioned it to Jamie

[@twozsinapod]

Agree with just about everything you've said! I sometimes buy expansions because I'm want a "complete" game but I rarely end up playing with them. I honestly wish there were less expansions or more focus on expansions that simply add more card variety or something simple like that. I buy older and new games and have plenty of games I still haven't played. I often feel pressured to cull, but I only actually cull due to limited shelf space and/or games I definitely don't enjoy. At this point instead of culling I'm just more selective on what I buy knowing it has to compete with so many great games on my shelves. I have mixed feelings on upgraded components (including minis). I love having nice components for games I play frequently, but games I only play a couple times it's unnecessary. I've also found having a lot of upgraded components leads to larger boxes (which a struggle with limited shelf space) and sometimes more complicated set up. For the most part, I'd rather upgraded components be an option I can add later rather than come baked into the base game. I also don't truly care if I win or lose (although sometimes more competitive with my husband) and just want to have fun. Playing with people who are overly focused on optimizing every turn exhaust me and greatly diminish my fun.

[@Table.Fables]

On the topic of over competitive.. The time I find the balance hard to strike I if I’m teaching a complex two player game (for example War of the Ring) and the new player is taking a sub optimal turn.. I have to try and remind “oh hey you know you could do this.. or this..” as part of the teach, but I always worry it comes across more aggressive. Tricky

[@H_ngm_n]

Ha, Spirit Island is a top 10 game for me, and me and my kids love the crew (mission deep sea). I started out with a bunch of coop games and SI came after my regular group was well versed in them (Pandemic, BSG, Shadows Over Camelot, Gloomhaven all came before SI)

[@TheDavidPhillips]

But seriously, we're adults playing with toys.

[@foodpoisoning2]

Never knew you guys had tried Spirit Island before. So sad to hear your opinions since it's easily my 1st or 2nd favorite game 😂 Horizons has some good spirits to start out on. Hopefully that will give a better experience. I'd just say when you try it again, try to use the innate powers that each spirit has to combo with your cards, and it should be easier to beat and more fun to play with trying to figure out the card play

[@iamirenetoo]

Yes Jeff! THANK YOU! 👏👏👏 If I love looking at my overflowing shelf of board games I barely play, let me be! That's what makes me happy!

[@austindailey2549]

The "optimized turn" person immediately sours the exploration aspect of board gaming. Learning over time feels good. Being told what to do every turn for reasons you can't understand does not.

[@heatherdash5815]

I think the most important thing is you do what is good for you. That goes for any hobby

[@Kojimalosophy]

I absolutely loved this video! completely unrelated to the video but if I see you guys at the Dallas BGG con would you like to teach me how to play hooky? I will be hauling it around in case I run into you lol

[@FostertheMeeple]

We can certainly try our best!

[@Kojimalosophy]

@@FostertheMeeple you guys are the best! thank you : D

[@derickkopff1314]

Fun video. Reasonable rant, Jeff.