Board Games on a Budget, Game Balance, & MORE! - Your Board Game Questions Answered

[@billiken1072]

Thank you Matthew for the honest, heartfelt response about your insecurities about being a fan of the hobby. Don’t think I’ve ever heard someone hit the nail on the head about how I feel as well. It’s really strange on how many friends and family I’ve brought in to love board games,but I still have the background embarrassment about how I think outsiders view the hobby.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the kind feedback on the video and for sharing your own thoughts, and generous support - we appreciate it! -Rodney

[@scar1truking286]

100% this! I felt the same exact way

[@tekisasumedaka]

As a single lady, I would appreciate if I found someone who was proud of being a board gamer! Guys, please don't be embarrassed about it - I would only judge you if you said your favorite game was Monopoly.

[@morgaknightgames]

I second this! 😆

[@admiralcbass1786]

Wow, my monopoly love is costing me here

[@heretic3334]

Friendships end with Monopoly... and no one can convince me otherwise. 🤐

[@YogiFlips]

Monopoly with real money is the only way I can enjoy it anymore because people play it for real. But there are so many amazing board games these days that I fully agree why wouldn’t anyone be embarrassed?! It’s fun!

[@savintcrew76]

Got a wife that loved to play shaolia, istanbul, smallworld, splendor, and even a long 3 days Monopoly marathon!!! (Paused PvP game not 3days continuosly) Monopoly never ends if you played only 2p. She mortgage all her assets all the time but in the end she won!!! Never budge my offer to buy her assets even though she was going in and out of bank mortgage (that's why it took 3 days).

[@AlaskaGuy71]

I work at a remote Oil Field on the north coast of Alaska in the Arctic with a predominantly very masculine group. (They are called rough necks for a reason) . I make it a point to show off the pictures of my games, miniature painting, game room. Talk to tons of these guys about it and heck have even brought up a smaller game and gotten some of them to try it (Terraforming Mars Ares Exp) . Once per hitch I have an online / remote D&D session that I very loudly state to anyone who wants me to do something in the evenings (We live at the job site for 2 week stretches) that I have D&D tonight and they are always "Oh shit, don't wanna miss that!" I've had a couple guys try to start off with the macho man shit on me but I quickly in a positive way spin it back around and they usually immediately change their approach on the subject. I am 51yo. I grew up when playing D&D meant you were a satanist and a murderer. I absolutely refuse to not be excited about the hobby with everyone I meet. If they don't like it, it's their loss really.

[@michaelblank9597]

Hi Matthew, as a married man in the late 40s I can tell You that I am proud of being a slightly nerdy guy who loves boardgames. In fact I told my hubby about my hobby up front. Worked out fine. All the best from Germany. Thanks for all You do.

[@notthatseanbean]

I appreciate your honesty regarding how much you wear your boardgaming on your sleeve. I also feel like I have to ease people into the idea that it’s okay and even interesting that I have so many board games and live playing them. I lead out with “it’s about spending time with others”. Then we talk competitive/co-op, then mechanisms, then theme. I usually hook folks for a trial game at that point, then it’s okay to open up a bit more about the depth of my hobby love!

[@teejleague3838]

When I was a kid, the words "geek" and "nerd" meant "freakshow". Nowadays, I think most people mean them to mean you are brainy or passionate. I am personally proud of gaming, because I got into it when my fibro was bad and I felt like I had lost most of my ability to read & comprehend complex text, instructions, and remember well. I love to talk about the hobby because it reminds me I'm improving and I'm better than I was!

[@lilianempls]

I think boardgames are seen as childish for folks who have not played modern ones.

[@larrytedmcbride]

Yes, there is a huge part of the population that is totally oblivious to the evolution of modern board games. I was such a person until about 2017. Now I feel like I missed out on so much, but I'm still thankful for finally arriving.

[@sherlockhomeless7138]

Yep. They only know Monopoly, Stratego, Risk and maybe Catan.

[@ChronoMager]

Thank you, Matthew, for your honest answer. As another single guy in his thirties, I feel you. It might still come with some embarrassment, but I'd decided a while back to let my geek flag fly. When you are into cosplay, fantasy in general, etc., I feel like board games are the least geeky thing in my hobbies. Still doesn't shield you from the occasional sting of discomfort when the other person doesn't get it, but that's life, I guess.

[@thenerdgirl1]

Totally. Be yo geeky self and be a beacon for a geeky girl to find you.

[@JEV03]

1. I have social anxiety so I am embarrassed to share anything about myself, any time. I will still share my geeky interests but only after I’ve got a read on the other person as to how open minded they are, a professional acquaintance, or someone from an older more insulated environment is more likely to judge me for it. In the spectrum of “geek” culture I still feel it’s safer to talk board games than video games, anime, or (fan)fiction as the stigmas and stereotypes are worse for them. 1a. Unfortunately as a counterpoint, even when talking with other “geeks” I have to watch myself… I am ridiculed for the fact that I genuinely like a certain Star Wars movie (and a certain fan-unfavorite character) for instance and was promptly chased off the Dune community for starting with the wrong book. There are people out there that are living up to the negative stereotypes… so I’ve learned to never let my guard down and to try never to give the impression of gatekeeping when I do reveal the geeky side of me. Mostly I just try to avoid social media, haha! 2. It took me a while to start adding lighter games to my collection but it’s nice to have a few ready to pull out, and they tend to also be budget friendly. Santorini New York is one of my favorite budget games at the moment. 3. As long as it isn’t a brutal steamroller situation where I legitimately feel like I’m only playing the game if I am playing it a specific way, I don’t care if it’s balanced. Furthermore I will go into every asynchronous game expecting imbalance and will sometimes even use it to my advantage (giving the more powerful faction to a less confident player).

[@AMLITT4]

At one point in my life I definitely was embarrassed by the hobby and my interest in it. So far that even a few friends and family would make comments about how could someone at my age still like these things. The friend group I made since really getting into the hobby are easily the best Ive ever had. The relationship Im now in (our first date was playing board games at a brewery) is the best Ive ever been and we will be married soon. There is nothing to be ashamed of for being yourself and liking what you like. The world is huge and life is too short to give power to anyone who wants to shame you for loving board games.

[@tvdavis]

Congratulations Andrew on your upcoming marriage! I wish you both every happiness! And you’re right: Life is too short to spend time worrying about what other people think about what you enjoy!

[@scyldscefing3913]

I like your take on gaming as a luxury hobby. A modest collection is something easily achieved.

[@akindelefaulkner720]

As another man in his thirties who solidly enjoys the board game hobby, I totally identify with you. I really do. I recently met someone and was of the same mind as you thinking, “I should probably hold back my geeky side for a few weeks until I’m more comfortable”. Several minutes later, I messed up by talking about some of the board games I had received and ordered on kickstarter. Long story short; our first virtual date was on a board game site that she introduced me to. Personally, I don’t like that I was ready to hold back an inevitable piece of myself while looking for someone important. Having someone actively want to connect with you over something you are excited about is purely amazing. Chef’s kiss. It always seems so obvious when you tell someone to “be themselves,” but think the advice doesn’t apply to you. Lol, I know this too well. Thing is, the parts of you that give you the most excitement and joy (and aren’t hurting yourself and others) are probably the best parts of you. Let everyone experience the good parts!

[@twistedlimon7501]

I'm proud of being a Geek/Nerd, I love it when people notice that about me. My belief is sometimes you just gotta own it, you like what you like so who cares what people think. Eventually you will find someone who likes( has always wanted to try) your nerdy/geeky hobby.

[@bumfuzzel4512]

I embrace getting called a nerd by my friends. They are all into football and UFC and they certainly don’t consider themselves nerds. But they have also learned to embrace board games and they always ask me to bring some games when a Getty is going on. So I win. Lol

[@matthewmcnaught9883]

Thank you for doing this series Matthew. I love watching these, and somehow you always give me a new perspective to questions I thought would be open and shut.

[@NileSings]

Everyone should strive to be proud of all of the things they love and that make up who they are.

[@manuelkooijman5757]

There are some really beautiful games for under 30 GBP. Games like Floriferous, Sunset over Water, Cafe, etc. There are also the print & play roll and write games, such as Voyages and Aquamarine. Some card games like Sushi Go or Point Salad are cheap but give you excellent gameplay. I like what you said, the hobby is not necessarily a luxury hobby. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be.

[@JaredB001]

Everyone is ultimately a nerd about something they are passionate and have a lot of knowledge about. Some stats Post Malone is a killer MTG player, Henry Cavill plays and paints Warhammer, Vin Deisel plays D&D, Will Wheaton and the list goes on. You sir will be able to have a blast with a lot of celebrities, not sure others can say the same.

[@jacksonmillard7598]

Loved the discussion and love your list. Definitely going to try some of them

[@soogasooga]

There are tons of really good games at Goodwills and other thrift stores all over the place. Just off the top of my head, I've bought Decrypto, Forbidden Island, Machi Koro, Snakesss, Just One, Tsuro, and soooo many others, and none of them cost me more than $6, and they were all complete (some were brand new).

[@thenerdgirl1]

I'm not embarrassed of the hobby, but that people might think that I'm really into Monopoly and Yahtzee. And Red Cathedral was one of my favourite releases from that year. It's a great find at an amazing value!

[@heathermannion5867]

I love board games and host game nights weekly. Board games have become mainstream and there cafes all around my town. I try to budget myself about $50 a month for a new game to add to my collection because it’s my hobby and passion. I agree that board games offer so much as a hobby and you can enjoy it with people.

[@danicas.4484]

I am not embarrassed to talk about my hobby, I find that the friends I already have are very supportive and open minded to everyones hobbies and they are a great crowd of folks. I also find that the board game community is a really strong one, i can go anywhere in the world, find a board game group, and make some friends for the night, or friends for a lifetime and i LOVE that. And its important to me that the next person i date also enjoys board games because its such a social and fun thing to do and i would love to have little date-nights-in playing a board game and drinking wine with my partner.

[@teejleague3838]

An excellent game that sometimes goes on sale is Fabled Fruit, maybe even for $20. There's a fantastic expansion (Lime Expansion) too. I feel like you can play & play this game, and the cards come in and out and make each experience novel for a long, long time. We've played a dozen times and are not nearly through the whole deck--it's a MASSIVE deck. Rodney does a video on it on Watch it Played.

[@flavflav7792]

Completely with you on your stance on the cost of the hobby!

[@ifnyou]

Another inexpensive game that is incredibly replayable is Innovation.

[@AlliesorEnemies]

This is one of my favourite TV shows.

[@KhadaJoe]

I could go to Half Price Books every month, find a top notch game being sold for $15, and I’d get more enjoyment out of that than a Netflix subscription over my lifetime. Even if bargain shopping isn’t an aspect of it, every streaming service combined would come out to around $60. That’s nearly any game for a family-intermediate weight level that can be enjoyed forever

[@kumanight]

Also a (currently) single man in his 30s, I am completely unashamed of being a board game collector. I don't lead out the gate with it lol but if I'm asked what my hobby is, it's the first thing I'll mention. I'll tell you Matthew, no one has ever called me a nerd or geek when I tell them about our hobby. It might happen in the future, but I do find that people are more open and accepting of others' hobbies now. Last thing - you're not a bad person for having insecurities man, that just makes you human 🙂

[@lifeofandrewlynn9448]

Monopoly Deal is a fantastic bargan game. Don't let the name put you off, really fun.

[@gurnblanston2848]

Matthew, I have to say this- you haven't let anyone down, and you're a wonderful ambassador for the hobby! I think "embarrassed" is the wrong word for how you feel about telling people about your passion for gaming; I think "hesitant" is a better fit. Before I tell someone about my hobby, I try to gauge how they will react. I've had instances where I can see on their face that they are mentally adjusting their opinion of me, but that's okay, because when that happens, I mentally adjust my opinion of them, too. I'm not personally into cosplay or LARPing, but when I see people enjoying themselves doing those things, I think "Yeah, good for them, that's awesome!" Anyone who looks down on board gamers has my pity, because they have no idea what they're missing out on.

[@CG_Hali]

I would say solo board gaming can end up being a luxury hobby but like you said, it's building the collection that gets expensive :P Games for more than 2 people, not so. Plenty of games to be had for cheap. But I often pay big bucks or an expansion because I don't have anyone to play with most of the time, and I pay more because it's not included in the base game or only in the deluxe edition or lower-priced (not on sale) games just don't bother much with solos. But yes, there are good ones to be had for around $40 CAN (so surely less in the USA): Meadow, Canvas, Villagers, Walking in Burano, Café, Calico-Cascadia-Verdant, Flamecraft base game coming out soon, Terraforming Mars Ares, Canopy, Chronicles of Crime, Destinies, etc. For bigger games, it gets harder but I got many more when on sale that were near $45 (plus tax of course) like West Kingdom series, Imperium Classics & Legends, Museum, Honey Buzz, Merchants of the Dark Road. Those are really solid games that feel like you paid a lot more for them.

[@SolofAvaldor]

Wiz-War, barely contained chaos of cards and spells. So. Much. Fun.!!!

[@ambierona]

I don't talk to new people much nowadays but yes, I used to be somewhat embarrased about talking about the board game hobby (unless I was talking to someone that I knew also liked board games). And I've been nerdy my whole life so I'm used to having nerdy hobbies and being identified as nerdy. But usually when someone would ask what my hobbies are and I say board games, I'd start out saying it with kinda an apologetic smile and a laugh.

[@tvdavis]

I’m a woman over 50. I wear shirts with logos/sayings about board games all the time, even to work. At least once a week, I’m asked the “Oh, like Monopoly?” question by a stranger, and then I get the chance to tell people about all the amazing games that are available and how fun and easy some of them are. If they seem intimidated by having to learn rules, I tell them that there are Roll & Writes that are like Yahtzee. If they don’t like competition, I tell them about Pandemic and other co-ops. If they know Uno, I tell them about LLAMA. Four times a year, I go over to my boss’s house and teach his entire family three or four new games. Not only am I proud to be a board gamer, I am the Pied Piper of games! 😊

[@Yasamuyi]

Great insights as always Matt.

[@a.d.samano7873]

People I know would say about boardgames here in the Philippines. They say its for rich people, its only for intelligent people. There are some would see it positively as its good for entertainment, interaction and helps to get to know how the person strategizes.

[@mylor1066]

So glad you mentioned Undaunted, it's truly a masterpiece.

[@hanasakiran]

Oh Matthew. I actually felt tears well up with you talking about embarrassment talking about board gaming. My embarrassment tends to come in to play when trying to tell people that I don’t like greasy food being consumed around my games and generally say no food as I’m paranoid about the games I treasure being spoiled. I think I’m lucky being able to talk about my hobby confidently since I’m a woman and I think it’s wrong that anyone gets judged. I know you are based fairly close to me (I met you at AireCon and you recognised my accent) so would love to invite you to game nights if you ever need more gaming friends without fear of judgement. Appreciated the list. I’ll be forwarding it to friends 😁

[@elnarradordeorquideas7645]

Is balance important in a game? I think the answer depends in who and why the player(s) are playing. Yes will be very important for a competetive players that just have fun when winning. But, it will not be important at all to players who enjoy the good time with friends while trying to win a game. And there are the people on the middle who will like to win but will probably never the game was imbalance. I would say choce the type of game is for you and the people who you play with. Theee are soooo many of both sides of games. Thanks Mathew for the video.

[@henriwhitehead]

Great answers! Also love your list of cheap games.

[@edmundengland]

I really love this post. Insightful and undstandable that you can feel insecure to openly admit a big interest of board games.

[@jeffdekorne7944]

Hey Matthew! I used to be uneasy about what people thought of my interests (D&D, fantasy books, etc) when I was younger because it was (and still is I suppose) considered "geeky". I learned that the people who judge others and think they're better humans (for whatever ridiculous reason) aren't worth being embarrassed over. Hopefully some of em realize the amazing people they're missing out on and change their judginess (that's a word right??!!) Also, Knightmare Chess looks really fun!! Thank you for doing what you do for all us board gaming folks!

[@JonTripp115]

Board games are one of several forms of entertainment that are (or were until recently) thought to be "for kids" by people who aren't into the hobby. See also: comic books; animation.

[@wadewilson4077]

Matthew - I LOVE Knightmare Chess - it is a tremendous way to level the playing field and then set it spinning like a 20 sided disco ball!!

[@luciendallabetta923]

I just bought and played Living Forest a few days ago and I was so surprised at how much I loved it! Instantly one of my favorites! Also Cosmic Encounters is my favorite unbalanced game. Is it fair? Not at all. Is it a hilariously good time? Hell yes!!

[@lukepickles5099]

It’s interesting how to approach board games/gaming interests and a future partner. When I was dating, I put it out there in my interests because I felt it was as important to show it was a part of me as much as who my favourite sports team was. However, as it always is, you do you! There’s nothing wrong with not wanting to lead with hobbies. Ultimately, it’s always about finding that player two (even if they are reluctant).

[@LionHeart039]

I only have a year of being into board games (I used to play them once in a while, but now I research, play them regularly and have my own collection), but before that and even now, I play a lot of videogames, I play them in tournaments and even organize those tournaments and a lot more... I used to be embarrassed about it, but a couple years ago, when I got single and started dating again I thought "You know what f that, I don't have to be." and when someone I went out with asked about what I liked to do, I told them, openly and honestly, and you know what? Not a single one of them went away because of that, some even wanted to see a video or something about them, out of curiosity. If someone makes fun (In a mean way) of something you love on a date, I think it's a red flag and clear signal that things are not going to work out.

[@zocktol]

Not that worried about people knowing i am into board gaming. Might just be that it is more accepted in Germany. And gaming on a budget might just mean you have to wait for the new hot stuff to reach the used market. But buying used games is extremely budget friendly. Also libraries often carry boardgames.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Good point on libraries!

[@ericmatthews9673]

Matthew, Don't let embarrassment from school-based stereotypes follow you. Confidence is a turn-on, and you are a celebrity geek! I do think this gets easier as you get older, at least got easier for me as I finally started aging out of caring what people thought around my mid-30s ; and right around then is when the people around me seemed to catch-up. The one thing I would change about my 20s and early 30s would be more confidence about what I actually enjoy and not wasting time with things I didn't care for to impress people I was dating. Especially when it comes to a dating partner, ya got to put your likes and dislikes up front. The last thing you want to do is trap yourself into a long term relationship where you continually feel embarrassed about your favorite things (trust me!). And there are PLENTY of people who find various varieties of geek a turn-on these days.

[@ty_sylicus]

Interesting picks. Nightmare Chess sounds insanely fun.

[@bondaluh]

This is an excellent episode with great answers. Thank you!

[@SteveRB511]

I've never considered having board gaming as a hobby something to be embarrassed about any more than things like working on art, enjoying movies, reading history and science fiction, or playing football and soccer. They are just activities we enjoy and, while a part of us in some respects, don't define us as people. There are many other aspects that are more important than these things. If others don't understand that's okay, and if they go further and think less of us because of this, that's pretty shallow and their problem. Ultimately, it's one's character and that of those that we choose to be around that matters. To answer one question that that you posed about bringing up board gaming as a hobby while dating, I would absolutely do so. It's something that we might have in common and would enjoy doing together. But, if not, that's okay. If something like board gaming proves to be an actual obstacle in a relationship, then there are more serious issues which would indicate that the relationship very likely has no future. So, why not bring it up when getting to know each other and talking about interests?

[@TheDavidPhillips]

The embarrassed question is tricky. I would say yes, but mostly because I find it difficult to explain modern board games to people whose context is Monopoly. Its so much more than that, but I don't have the social skills to describe the hobby without making it sound worse.

[@GourmetBurrito]

When I started the hobby, I was so surprised at the cost of admission. The per person/hour value for a game I thought was amazing. Then my collection grew a bit and I'll admit I'm a little embarrassed about that. I think as my collection grew, I got a little more embarrassed about talking about my hobby for another reason. My collection's range of rules complexity and theme grew and talking about the game I was excited about could sometimes felt super "geeky." Like recently I got Lowlands and sheep breeding in the lowland, I find is a hard sell

[@lostfanatic6]

I'm rarely (if ever) embarrassed to bring up the fact that I love board games. Where I HAVE felt some slight embarrassment is when a non-gamer sees my collection for the first time 😳🙈 they're astounded I would have as many as I do (~100), how much money I've spent, or how much time I've invested.

[@jonathanspurlock1610]

I fall under the proud gamer. I feel like you either accept me for what I am and do or we can just part ways. Own who you are and never be ashamed of what you do.

[@Stoicgame]

If a hobby takes up a significant portion of your time, it’s probably at least worth mentioning in the likes section of your dating profile. The only reason I even met my wife was because we were 100% open and honest about ourselves on our profiles. We were a 99% match. The other 1% was that we lived 440 miles apart. She joined my D&D group, and we would spend quiet evenings together playing Stardew Valley. After visiting her a couple times, and by the time winter came in Stardew Valley I asked her to move in. Then came our next anniversary, and I popped the question. I did it at our favorite bookstore. then we had a nerdy ass wedding, with anime music, fantasy themed tables, and more. and now I’m a dad. I would’ve missed out on all of that had I not dropped the name of a D&D podcast I love in my profile. All that to say just be yourself, there’s no one else you can be. I’m only 28, but I’ve been told my soul is much older. So who knows. Best wishes! And don’t me afraid to share something your enthusiastic about. My wife could care less about how battery technology has evolved over the past couple years, but she still listens whenever I excitedly tell her about it. I do the same for her and crime shows.

[@TsukiCraft]

As a single lady in her mid 20s, you have to at least like playing board games with me 😂 you don't need to be as in love with them as I am but it is a must for my partner to enjoy playing board games with me. Be proud to be yourself! Thats the only way to find the right person for you 😊

[@damianfarrer3992]

I got someone INTO board games and role playing games. She's into murder mysteries so I introduced her into mystery games and murder mystery games, both role playing games and board games.

[@HantaleMedia]

This is kindof interesting! Perhaps biased by the types of people I encounter at university and in office based jobs, board games are often seen, at least here in Australia, as a kindof fun hobby and "geek" is a badge worn fairly proudly. Though I definitely understand the insecurity that comes from admitting to someone that things like boardgames (or even games in general) is more than just an occasional time sink for you. It's so weird that it's more socially acceptable to say "I sit in front of the TV and watch junk reality shows for 3 hours a night" than it is to say "Once or twice a week I meet with friends to play board games." When one of these activities is actively social and engaging.

[@ryangilmore3678]

Well this got heavy! But agree completely. I don’t want to be embarrassed about talking about the hobby, but I certainly don’t tell anyone unless it’s brought up. But it comes from the fact that there’s a big misunderstanding from those not in it. Games are silly fun for kids, and that’s what they’re sold in stores. Maybe this will change, maybe not. But I wouldn’t change anything.

[@NickCoyour]

I'm never really embarrassed about any of my "geeky" hobbies. Certainly not Board Games. I proudly tell people I have several closets full of games. With probably 75% of them not even opened yet. My issue is I can't find enough people to play the games with on a regular basis. Be proud of it, if you aren't embarrassed by it then I think you make it more normal.

[@mistletoemonkey]

Fantasy Football is just as "nerdy" or "geeky" as board gaming or any other nerdy thing I've been around, if not more so, but since it's tied to sports its not seen the same by the larger population. I completely agree that you can find a board game for anyone. But I totally get where you're coming from. I don't start off conversations with new people telling them I spend hours of my time painting minis, but maybe I should.

[@itsGabrielaCristina]

Hi Matthew. I, unfortunately, also share a bit of the hesitancy to just say that I like board games not because I'm ashamed of liking board games themselves, but because most people's limited experience with board games makes them think they're either childish or only a very specific type of person plays them. At the same time, I would hope you can find a future partner that is excited about the idea of sharing board games with you or getting into them with you. If I was single, I would be so thrilled to find a guy that was into board games!

[@mirkosrndovic]

Let's compare motorcycling hobby to boad games: helmet 400$, shoes 200$, jacket 300$, gloves 100$ and the bike 3000-8000$ (for a begginer bike) add petrol, services, tyres, insurance, registration and you ride it alone or with one passenger (but that person must also buy all the gear and wear it all the time) and after 5-10 years repeat all the costs because all got too old, broken, wornout... Board game costs 100$, entire family plays it for decades, interacting, learning, getting to know each other. You don't need to have 100 games, in fact the less you have the more you'll play. I remember having just a Monopoly when I was kid and having really good time with friends and family.

[@XisleClown]

My fiends and I played love letter and after the first night of playing my one friend has ptsd after being called out as prince 5 times in a row before he could take a turn.

[@nerd_splaining]

I used to feel embarrassed to discuss my gaming hobby, but I'm revent years I've just started owning it. Yeah sure, sometimes people make jokes. Other times I find out that a person I didn't think even knew about games outside of Monopoly start talking about Catan or Carcassonne or Pandemic. Those rare moments make it worth being more bold about my hobby. Quick note on Love Letter: this is a fun little game with lots of variations. If you want to bring someone in the hobby, you can try playing the Batman, Hobbit, Star Wars or even Adventure Time versions. People are more inclined to try something new if I centered around an IP they like.

[@KhadaJoe]

I think the embarrassment of board games stems only from the people that have been or are currently in our lives. We wouldn’t feel such a way if people around us didn’t make us feel it. My friend group I’ve tried to get more into games still judge me for how much I’m into the community, so I’m working on this feeling still myself

[@TerriblyAwesomeGames]

So good, thank you!

[@troygillespie]

Excellent segment! Well done. I think that you ARE being a good ambassador for the hobby by being honest about it. And by dispelling myths and misconceptions. I’ve built a nice board game collection on a budget. You just have to be patient and persistent (thrifting and trading), and not too picky about game condition. (The 3 P’s?)

[@GettinJiggly]

For us it's kind of an oxymoron as we are BG content creators, but at the same time slightly embarrassed to allow people to see them in the house. I have always been a geek and mostly hid it, and even now when geeky things are popular still fall into the habit of trying to hide it.

[@lkjkhfggd]

I'm confused when people call board games an expensive hobby. For each game, you pay a price tag once and then you own this physical thing that you can play until you die (assuming you keep it in good condition). That's tremendous value. Further, you'll eventually reach a point where your collection will be big enough and you will never need to spend another dollar on the hobby again.

[@Hobbes360Live]

As someone who is recently back in the dating game and hasn't been single since starting the hobby, I can confirm it's not the best thing to bring up on a first date.

[@peterkarlsson1825]

No, not nowadays, but remember when i was younger in the mid 80s and playing a lot of RPG:s. You kept that a secret from anyone besides the groups of people you were playing with. You didn´t want anyone from school to found out about it.

[@andreisteopan3551]

Awesome questions and very nice answers... And to expand your horizons on the Love Letter universe, you can also try Infinity Gauntlet or Jabba's Palace (these I own, but there are at least 5 or 6 more versions of this game) I'm sure you'll have a blast, enjoy! 🥳

[@monomundo]

I am a government official and am never ashamed to disclose my passion for the hobby :)

[@JakeDiToro]

Once upon a time I might have been embarrassed. But these days it's a good filter for who I desire to spend time with. You don't have to like board games to be my friend, but if you're that judgmental about games as a hobby I certainly don't need to be yours.

[@bertrand391]

that is a very interesting topic ! and the embarassment is not limited to geekiness assumptions... for many people, board games -and games in general- are just for kids 😑

[@TheAmazingYeti]

A game like Cosmic Encounter would not even remotely be the same if it was balanced. However I completely relate to your response... as there are certain games I want to be balanced as well (Anachrony). I have never given any embarrassment a thought for this hobby. Granted I wear my nerd badge proudly. If someone ever felt the need to judge me because they thought my hobby was childish or something, that is on them. I would rather be making friends that shared my interest anyway.

[@Flip5ide]

I've been lurking on these videos for about a year, don't think I've commented. I think modern boardgames may well be going through what computer gaming was going through when ps1 came out, a lot more people are playing them or being introduced to them be it through friends, board game café's or through modern media like KZbin. Hopefully we will hit PS2 board game popularity where everyone has at least one modern board game and ditches monopoly for good :) Anyways, this video spoke to me so I had to comment, thanks for the content, I watch every time you post.

[@LeeKenshin7]

The only thing about boardgaming that I'm embarrassed about is how many games I own. Fortunately, I don't have a shelf of shame. I agree there's a board game for everyone, but not everyone needs to play board games.

[@daneia0011]

As a single woman, I would be thrilled to find a single man who loves board games, and is as delightful as you are

[@ScytheNoire]

I think you have the wrong association with the word geek. It's just someone who is passionate about a subject, typically a pop culture subject.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Indeed, but, there's what the word means, and then there's how the word is used, and for many years, it hasn't been used favorably. I think that's the perspective Matthew is sharing it from. -Rodney

[@codym6376]

I had no idea this was a Board Game Questions video until you said it in the intro. I love these videos and would like something more clear in the thumb nail or start of the title to make it more obvious if possible. Since board games shouldn’t be purchased before necessities and some people have no funds left over after necessities games are inherently a luxury good in that sense. Also, I played Targi for the first time yesterday and couldn’t believe how “big” of a game I got in a small box for $15. I recommend that one for a budget game if you play at two.

[@WatchItPlayed]

We try to at least add "Your Board Game Questions" in the title to help. It can be hard sometimes to communicate everything we need to in a thumbnail, but thanks for the feedback!

[@Leron...]

Matthew, I need to know: L.L.A.M.A. or Fuji Flush, if you could only have/bring one for a group of 5 players, which would you bring?

[@ianarmelindeharo5524]

6 nimt! It's the best party game ever imo

[@WatchItPlayed]

Tough one, I'll be interested to see what he says. I've played Fuji Flush more, but I think I like that at even a slightly higher player count

[@shinjial]

I'm right there with you. On top of being "geeky" or "nerdy" (both of which piss me off as well), I think it's framed as being childish. "Games are for children, playing games isn't for adults, you need to grow up and have adult interests", stuff like that you know. So being interested and owning games is related to being imature. And while the geek word was repurposed to be an identity thing in a more positive light, I think only the mainstream stuff still are acceptable (Marvel, Star Wars, Netflix adaptations...), but not where they come from (the books, video games, mangas). It's big business, so sure it got turned around that way. But it's also a generational thing. I feel older people than us don't get it and younger people are into other stuff.

[@bearhustler]

Boardgames = Nerdy. Getting obsessed with watching millionaires kick a ball = perfectly normal. 😡

[@bdgza]

Another great episode! Good list of diversr affordable game recommendations. I think if you are dating you should not hide being a board gamer. Don’t need to keep going on about it but if it’s a big part of your interests and your life then and ideally you’d want a partner that is compatible with that.

[@morgaknightgames]

Single woman in my 30s. I pretty much own my geek side, otherwise what's the point? I don't want to waste time on someone who judges me for something that brings me joy. I'm also a rabid reader (from graphic novels to non fiction) and video gamer so no point hiding the board gaming. 😅

[@JohnClem56]

Good answers all around! Except I don't have any problem with "geek" or "nerd" and am not embarrassed about being a board gamer. Of course I'm not dating and I'm old enough to not care that much about what others think anyway... Get off my lawn!!! 😂

[@rochedl]

One of the things my wife says about my hobbies, yes hobbies, is that it is then me doing drugs :). I had gone on a couple of dates with her before she saw my main hobby, tabletop wargaming, lots of mini's and terrain and a permeant gaming table, When we bought a house together the table did not survive the move, but my mini's and other games and books, did survive. My wife also says Geeks make the best husbands :). Be proud and let that Geek flag fly!!

[@joshfrench5858]

I use to be embarrassed about board games. I found out the hard way in high school (1990’s). So I stopped playing for a long time. Then in 2010ish I stumbled on a board game channel on KZbin and didn’t know all these games existed. My wallet has been empty since. Still trying to catch up. 😂

[@mariomaqueda5135]

I like Boardgames. What I don't like is the hoarding aspect to it. I think that is part of what makes people label it as a geeky hobby. I think is that is better to play more and collect less. Do you really need 500 games? Probably an updatable collection of max. 50 would be more than plenty.

[@qbertq1]

Although I don't have a problem with the word "geek," but maybe "enthusiast" is a more appropriate descriptor.

[@shellbacksclub]

The person makes the board game & not the other way around. Fun magnetic ppl are board game enthusiasts.

[@jamescartwright1150]

I think it does matter if a game is perfectly balanced........ otherwise it will fall of the shelf if it isn't 😉 Excellent stuff as always Matthew keep up the good work 🙂

[@chaosblow4838]

Also Codenames is so replayable, needs 4+ people though

[@WatchItPlayed]

Not with Codenames Duet!

[@speedandstyletony]

I don't have any embarrassment about loving this hobby. If others don't like it, well that's their problem.

[@ChrisSmithSmooth]

I've given up on being embarrassed by liking board games, it's too much effort to keep letting it get to you ^^. It's other peoples' problem if they're upset/bothered/whatever by it, not mine. Of course it kinda helps that I also enjoy other "weird" hobbies like Aerial Silks - I can imagine that if board games is your only "weird" hobby it might be tougher to get over any embarrassment since you likely do plenty of other stuff that make you feel "normal" and it'll be your odd hobby out ^^. I hope you find a way to improve how you feel about it though!

[@Redbeard013]

Am I embarrassed to discuss my love for the boardgame hobby? My answer is pretty much the same as yours, unfortunately. I say unfortunately because no one should feel embarrassed for enjoying geeky things. I do agree with you though that unfortunately the terms geek/geeky and nerd/nerdy tend to still have more negative connotations and assumptions built into them. Even if such things are more popular now a days, they are often still seen as not the norm. If you're geeky or nerdy the assumptions might be you're more socially inept, only like other geeky things, those things are for kids, and generally they don't have a more positive association. As opposed to saying you like sports something seen as more social/socially acceptable as a hobby. Reminds me a bit of being a choir or drama club kid in school vs being a jock or at the vo-tech (trade school) classes. Even if you were accepted you were never really part of the cool crowd. I think the part that bothers me personally the most is the idea that people think you only like other geeky things. Sure, I love Mass Effect, Dr Who, anime, manga, books, and I'm a huge Star Wars nerd. I also love watching car restoration videos, heavy metal concerts, going to parks, wine and whiskey tastings, or other non-geeky hobbies. If you tell someone you love boardgames though it seems like most of the time if they don't as well people will fall back on those negative, or perhaps "dated" is a good word, opinions on what being geeky, or enjoying a geeky hobby, means.