Tag: Board Games

“The Hobby” Explored: On Why Modern Board Games Captivate Millions

Although Simon Ennis’s The Hobby explores some aspects of modern board gaming, what’s offered is more so about the people who are dedicated to it rather than the history.

The Hobby by Simon Ennis Movie PosterNot to be confused with the documentary with the same name directed by Morgan Jon Fox and released in the same year, The Hobby by Simon Ennis looks at the phenom of modern board gaming. The introduction quickly reveals the origins of board games: apparently, one of the very first games dates back to Babylonian times, and it was simply known as the Royal Game of Ur.

Flash forward a few decades, and in Egypt, Senet earned widespread popularity. Had this feature-length examination had focused on the past, I would still find tracing its history just as fascinating as the look at the present.

This work examines the motivations behind why certain individuals go above and beyond in pursuit of their passions. Mind you, Irving Finkel–the individual who starts off this film–is a hoot, and he almost steals the show. Only a third of the other passionate souls interviewed reveal their first time playing and what they talk about more is in what keeps them going. When I looked at some games like Arkham Horror, these rules heavy products are just that. To micromanage on top can be daunting. However, for those youths getting introduced to easier games, they may even get a heads-up in developing their people and cognitive skills.

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In Langford, BC The Outpost Board Game Café Won’t Be Your Last Stop

Just what the Outpost Board Game Café aims to offer is a place for locals to relax without having to drive into the big city.

Outpost Board Game Cafe 0
Located at 2830 Peatt Rd Unit 109

Existing outside the municipality of Victoria, BC is the appropriately named Outpost Board Game Café! Joshua and Elijah Driver run this operation, and they said to Goldstream News Gazette the idea came about when they realized the city was lacking options for evening entertainment.

While Everything Games cater to the miniatures war-gaming, role playing and trading card game crowd, this place aims to fill the missing niche of board games like Settlers of Catan and even the classic Monopoly. Both venues are located close to this area’s downtown strip. There’s also Hang and Play Videogames and Curious Comics satellite operation.

Folks don’t have to go far to satisfy their craving. And just like Island Fan Con, the emergence of options to keep locals entertained without having to visit the City of Victoria proper is growing. As the area is a gateway to other parts of Vancouver Island, to have this place as a stop is perfect and welcoming based on the response so far has been very positive since opening November 1, 2024!

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RPG Dice: Heroes of Whitestone is a Rollin’ Experience

RPG Dice: Heroes of Whitestone Launch Trailer #shorts - YouTubeAvailable on iOS and Android

Avid Dungeons and Dragons players have lots of options when wanting to find a similar experience in a digital video game. From official products like Baldur’s Gate, which puts the player first and persistent “Living” campaigns where it encourages strategy (and regular check-ins), the gambit is wide and varied.

WIMO Games has joined this world with RPG Dice: Heroes of Whitestone™. This game combines traditional board game style mechanics (navigating around like in Monopoly and getting cards which offer options in how to continue) with role playing type elements. Depending on the tile your team lands in, you either find treasure, get an encounter, progress through the story (like in a choose your own adventure novel) or have a chance to win more goodies to make your characters stronger. I recommend playing this game on a tablet than smartphone. The amount of details in the cartoon style graphics and all the buttons you’re navigating through doesn’t work well on a small screen.

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Fandom Events for the Lower Mainland & Greater Victoria Region Update

The countdown is on! Cosplayers have more time to fine tune and make their wear as best as they can be, and the silver lining is that with patience, these mass gatherings can resume without restriction.

FandomBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Two more fandom events in Victoria and Vancouver, BC have confirmed they won’t be taking place in 2021. They made the announcement this week, and the list may continue to grow. Potential fatalities on this list include Sidney, BC’s Van Isle Comic Con and Westshore’s Phenomacon; little activity exists on their social media channels.

Capital City Comic Con decided February of this year–a weird call only a month away from their traditional date–and the sister event, Victoria BC’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair, is not happening for the spring season. If restrictions lift for Autumn, this event may take place. But that depends on how many people are vaccinated as the pandemic is well into its second year. The good news is that the dates for 2022 have been booked. To keep up with the situation, please visit their Facebook page.

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Finding the Half Truth After Kickstarter

Richard Garfield (pictured right) and Jeopardy Master Ken Jennings (left).Game Designer Richard Garfield (pictured right) and Jeopardy Master Ken Jennings (left) have a party game to make you feel smart! These two pioneers created Half Truth, a party game to help those family’s self-quarantine time fly by and learn something new at the same time! This game gained steam as a Kickstarter product, and now it’s available for the general market for all to enjoy.

I find this game is at its best with six people playing than two or three. In large gatherings, teams can be formed where each group can decide amongst themselves (Family Feud-style) which are the better answers. There’s strategy to be found in this board game, as points need to be earned to race up the track.

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There’s Gold with CMON’s Gods of Egypt

It’s not Ankh-expected that CMON’s Gods of Egypt is exceeding expectations amongst board gamers to be a Kickstarter success.

Ankh: Gods of Egypt

It’s not Ankh-expected that CMON’s Gods of Egypt is exceeding expectations amongst board gamers to be a Kickstarter success. That said, just what miniatures enthusiasts and wargamers can expect is finally revealed. This crowdfunding campaign began a week ago and hit six times the amount (at the time of writing) required to get this game into production! They are very close to unlocking all the stretch goals, and this is particularly exciting for me, it’s cheaper to buy this game than to collect the giant-sized knock-offs from a local Arabian shop to display. The difference between those touristy items and the product here is that I can play with them!

Here, the story is simple: Play an Egyptian god or goddess hoping to stay strong–worshipped by the devout as they provide the only means for survival as monotheism crawls closer. Only can survive whilst the others will fall.

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