Board games

Types of Board games

There are various types of board games that people can choose from depending on their preferences. They include:

• Strategy games

  These are games that require players to make decisions to achieve specific goals. They include:

  • Abstract strategy games: These are games that involve conflict and require players to make strategic moves to outsmart their opponents. They include chess, checkers, and go. Their primary focus is on strategy, and they have simple rules and few elements to interact with.
  • Wargames: This is a type of strategy game that simulates armed conflicts. It requires players to use strategic thinking to win. Examples include historical games like advanced squad leader and star wars: x-wing miniatures game.
  • Resource Management Games: In these games, players are required to manage resources in order to be successful. They include building civilizations, cities, and trading. For example, in the game of settlements of catan, players manage resources to build settlements, cities, and roads.

• Role-playing games (RPGs)

  These are games in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting or story. They include:

  • Pencil-and-paper RPGs: These are games that use dice and written rules on paper. Examples include dungeons and dragons and pathfinder.
  • Live-action role-playing (LARP): In these games, participants physically act out their characters' actions. This is done with props and costumes. Examples include the Camarilla and airsoft role-play events.
  • Board-based RPGs: These are games that provide a board or map for players to use in addition to dice and cards. An example is Gloomhaven.

• Party games

  These are games that are played in social gatherings. They include Pictionary, charades, and cards against humanity. They are easy to learn and focus more on social interactions. They also include:

  • Team-based games: In these games, players form teams to compete against other teams. They include games like telepathy-based games, where teammates try to guess a word by saying related words.
  • Quizzing games: These are games that involve answering questions from different categories. They include Trivial Pursuit, which offers questions in areas like history, art, and science.

Scenarios of board games

As a versatile form of entertainment, board games can be used in many different ways. Here are some common usage scenarios:

• Family game nights

  Board games are a must-have during family nights. They encourage laughter, conversation and healthy competition. Games that are suitable for all ages, like cooperative games or those with a mix of skill and luck, tend to work best.

• Social gatherings

  Whether with friends or relatives, board games are a good addition to any social event. They can break the ice and give attendees something to do while also facilitating conversation. Party games that are simple to learn and have a high level of interaction are ideal for such occasions.

• Strategy sessions

  For those who enjoy deep thinking and planning, board games can be a fantastic source of mental exercise. Games like chess, terraforming Mars or wingspan require strategic thinking and offer complex challenges that keep the mind engaged.

• Educational purposes

  Board games can teach kids and adults important skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and even historical or scientific knowledge. Games like ticket to ride can instruct players about geography and economics through fun interactions.

• Traveling entertainment

  Small, compact board games are ideal for travelers. They provide a fun way to pass the time while waiting or during downtime at a destination. Plus, they can be played with fellow travelers, making it a great way to connect.

• Workplace team building

  Board games can be a great tool for team-building exercises in the office. They promote teamwork, improve communication skills and help colleagues get to know each other in a relaxed environment. Cooperative games or those that require collaboration are particularly effective.

How to choose board games

Below are some factors business owners should consider when buying board games for resale:

• Games' suitability for their target audience

  Business owners should get board games that are appropriate for their customers' age and skill level. They should understand that children will enjoy simple games with attractive artwork and easy-to-follow rules. At the same time, adult gamers are likely to enjoy strategy games with complex rules and deeper gameplay.

• Game duration

  Business owners should pay attention to the estimated playtime of board games. They should get games with different playtimes. In particular, they should get quick games that can be played in about 30 minutes or less. Such games are suitable for casual gamers and those with tight schedules. At the same time, they should also get games that take longer, approximately 1-2 hours or more. Such games are suitable for dedicated gamers who set aside more time to play.

• Game components and quality

  Business owners should get board games with quality components. For example, cards, boards, and tokens. They should also ensure the components are unique and in good size because unique components can add to the fun of the game. Additionally, they should get games that come with extra items, such as dice or player boards, to make the game more engaging.

• Replayability

  Business owners should choose games with high replayability. Such games have variable setups or strategies that ensure the games are not the same every time.

• Storage and portability

  Business owners should choose games that can be easily stored and transported. Such games have compact boxes and are not complicated to pack after playing.

• Reviews and ratings

  Before settling on specific board games, buyers should check their reviews and ratings. They can read them on various gaming websites. They should choose games with positive reviews from both gamers and game reviewers.

• Seller and publisher reputation

  Buyers should get board games from reputable publishers and game producers. Such companies produce quality games and are likely to have a good track record. They should also check if the game has awards or critical acclaim.

Function, feature, and design of board games(3)

Board games' features, functions, and designs differ depending on the type, age group, and the players' interests. Here are some basic characteristics and designs of board games.

Features

• Game pieces are also known as tokens. They are moved around the board to show the players' current status in the game. They can be miniatures or custom tokens.

• Dice

  Some board games use dice to add an element of chance. The players often roll dice to move game pieces or perform actions.

• Cards

  Many board games include cards that players draw to gain information, resources, or actions. The cards often have text or images that guide what the players can do.

• Currency

  Some games include currency that players use to buy items, pay costs, and interact with the game world. It adds a strategic economic element to the game.

Design

• Artwork

  Good board game artwork grabs the players' attention and immerses them in the game's world. It makes the game pieces and boards easy to understand.

• Theme

  The board game theme sets the tone and story of the game. Popular themes include fantasy, science fiction, horror, or historical settings. The theme influences the artwork, gameplay, and players' experiences.

• Scalability

  Scalability refers to the ability of a board game to accommodate different numbers of players. Some games have rules adjustments to suit two players or a larger group.

Function

• Entertainment

  Board games are a source of entertainment. They provide a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

• Social Interaction

  Board games encourage social interactions. Players participate in conversations, make jokes, and strategize with other players.

• Challenge

  Most board games provide a sense of challenge to the players. They have rules and strategies that require mental and emotional investments.

Q & A

Q1: What are the most popular types of board games? 

A1: There are many types of board games, and their popularity varies based on region and the players' age. The most popular ones include strategy games like Settlers of Catan, abstract games like Chess and Go, and family games like Monopoly and Scrabble. Other common types include war games, economic games, role-playing games, and card-based games.

Q2: What is the average time it takes to make a board game?

A2: There is no set time for creating a board game because it depends on many factors. The complexity of the game is one major factor. If the game has more stories, rules, and graphics, it will take longer. Also, the experience of the game designer will affect the time required. On average, it can take anywhere between 6 months to 3 years.

Q3: What is the difference between a board game and a tabletop game?

A3: A board game is a type of tabletop game played on a board with pieces, cards, and dice. Tabletop games include board games, card games, role-playing games, and miniatures games. Not all tabletop games are board games. However, all board games are tabletop games.

Q4: What do game publishers look for in board game submissions?

A4: Game publishers receive numerous board game submissions. They look for unique ideas that have not been published. More importantly, they look for games that are marketable and will sell. Game publishers also look for well-organized and clean submissions. The rules should be written clearly, and the artwork should be presentable.