this post was submitted on 06 Apr 2025
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Board Games

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What do you think of the current trend towards prettier games? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 1 week ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
15 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

The last 5-10 years have seen an uptick in the trend of games having nicer and shinier bits and pieces. In my mind, the trend is best exemplified by Wingspan, which to me was a fairly average game wrapped in a beautiful package of glossy Cadbury eggs and pretty birds. I'm personally in favour of getting nicer bits and pieces for my games, but they are undeniably having an impact on prices (how much of an impact is something I'd find really interesting, let me know if any publisher has discussed the issue).

What do you think of this trend? Are you in favour of moving back to 100% cardboard chits, or do you like the newer, prettier boardgames?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Having 2 options is good.

  1. Basic all cardboard parts, with wooden meeples.

  2. Deluxe edition with thicker play-pieces and fancier high-quality components.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 days ago (1 children)

It's usually not practical, as most games do not sell enough to justify two print runs, and having different components means they're essentially 2 separate products for all intents and purposes.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 days ago

My singular preference is for basic cardboard pieces all-round with lowest shelf price possible.

Then, Etsy makers, 3D printing, or future deluxe editions(eg. Cyclades, CoB) can supply fancy pieces if required.

Also, if an updated edition is released, which contains an updated piece or two, it would be excellent practise of publishers, to offer those updated components as a free gift to 1st ed. buyers(eg. The Azul 1st-player token)