Free-range thoughts about design, writing, and play
I’ve been reading some excellent books from the University of Minnesota Press lately, including Shira Chess’s Ready Player Two. But the standout for me has been Christopher Paul’s The Toxic Meritocracy of Video Games. How can you not love a book that makes you question your entire skill set?
School has been a mixed blessing for my ongoing project to play more of my board games. I’ve had more Professional Reasons to play than ever before… but also less time to write and reflect on games played. That said, let’s see how the back half of 2019 went. What did I play?
After a busy first term of school, I’ve been spending the Christmas break reading up on the history of the computer game industry. Two books have me wondering: is today’s game industry echoing the 1970s?
I have a carefully honed self-image as a doer, not a studier. For years, I’ve avoided formal school and embraced learning on the job. So what on earth am I doing in a Master’s degree program at Tampere University?
Today marks the twentieth anniversary of the loss of Moonbase Alpha. But if you don’t remember September 13, 1999, then you probably weren’t a child of the 1970s, and you didn’t watch Space: 1999.
Stonemaier Games dropped a bomb on the board game world last week by announcing a new game: Tapestry. In the days since, thousands joined the game’s Facebook group. The game’s listing shot to #1 on Board Game Geek’s “Hotness” chart. It’s a hit! But how did this happen?
Previously on Playing My Games: I have a lot of favorite board games! I’m collecting less and playing my games more! I’m keeping track of what I play and writing about it every few months! So, how’s it going now that the second quarter is all wrapped up?
Where is the Marvel Cinematic Universe going? Spider-Man: Far From Home doesn’t precisely answer this question, but it drops some interesting hints in unexpected ways. (Spoilers abound, you’ve been warned.)
Gold Armada has all the signs of a classic Reiner Knizia game: simple rules, fast play, nice production values. The 2017 release has also faded into obscurity, which makes me wonder: why isn’t there any room for games like Gold Armada in today’s board game market?
Avengers: Endgame is a triumph. It has great reviews, it’s breaking box office records, and fans love it. So…. what now? (Spoilers follow, you’ve been warned.)