|
2001 Gamers' Choice Awards Nominees
Committee member Greg Aleknevicus says a little bit about each of the multi-player nominees.
2002 Gamers' Choice Awards Nominees
The finalists for this years' awards in both the multi-player and two-player categories.
2002 Gamers' Choice Awards Winners
The results of this year's Gamers' Choice Awards in both the Multi-Player and Two-Player categories.
Basic Strategy 1.0
Greg Aleknevicus explains why it is sometimes good to get the short end of the stick.
Basic Strategy 2.0
Greg Aleknevicus in the second of a series; this time on taking a long term approach in games.
The Best of Times?
Greg Aleknevicus does Dickens. Actually, a brief description of his initiation into the world of German games.
Competition in Gaming
Greg Aleknevicus discusses how seriously we should take playing games.
Creating Black Vienna Online
Greg Aleknevicus explains why he created an online moderator.
Deduction Games 2.0
Greg Aleknevicus surveys some popular deduction games.
Design Considerations
Greg Aleknevicus lists many items to keep in mind when designing the physical presentation of a game.
Disturbing Themes
Can Greg Aleknevicus get more disturbed?
Essen 2000
Greg Aleknevicus shows us a few of the many photos he took at this years Essen Spiel 2000.
Essen 2002
A very short report on this year's Spiel in Essen, Germany with photos.
The Essen Experience
Greg Aleknevicus gives a first timer's viewpoint of attending the largest game fair in the world.
Fixing Capitol's Score Marker
The ever-obsessive Greg Aleknevicus offers a fix to one of the more useless scoring devices of recent memory.
German Games are Fraudulent!
Greg Aleknevicus wants a meaningful theme.
Hare & Tortoise
Greg Aleknevicus provides a detailed listing of several of the many different versions of this classic game.
Hippodice Game Competition
Mario Pawlowski tells Greg Aleknevicus about this annual design competition.
An Introduction to German Games
Do you have no idea what most of the games discussed here are all about? Greg Aleknevicus tries to give a brief explanation of the "German game scene".
My Favourite Game Boards
Greg Aleknevicus lists 10 game boards he finds most attractive.
My Record Keeping Experience
Greg Aleknevicus justifies being anal retentive.
Review Musings
Greg Aleknevicus on why certain games get reviewed.
Player Interaction
Greg Aleknevicus discusses some of the ways in which player's interact in games.
Pocket Box Games
Greg Aleknevicus surveys Steve Jackson Games' microgames from the 1980s.
Production Values in Games
Greg Aleknevicus discusses some of the finer qualities of boardgames.
Random Factors in Games
Greg Aleknevicus rolls the dice.
Repairing Boxes
Greg Aleknevicus gives an illustrated guide to box repair.
Repairing Boxes 2.0
Greg Aleknevicus on making a repair stronger at a slight cost in appearance.
Reviewing Games
The pros and cons of writing reviews by Greg Aleknevicus.
Simulation & Mechanics
Greg Aleknevicus tries to find a connection between the two in games.
The Space Hulk Saga
Greg Aleknevicus spends a ridiculous amount of time on a game he never plays.
Specialize! Diversify!
Do you prefer to play one game many times or many games once? Greg Aleknevicus ponders this very question.
Upgrading Your Game
Not a strategy guide but rather a few ideas on improving the components in your games.
Hard Decisions
Stefan Alexander makes a tough decision.
Managing the Game Experience
Stefan Alexander details some of the considerations for creating a "new gamer".
Game Artisan
Andrea Angiolino on a more appropriate name for "game designer".
Leader Bashing - A Response
Will Baker responds to last month's article by Jeff Ganong.
Master's Degree
Will Baker takes a rather tongue in cheek approach to higher education.
Master's Degree in Gaming Part 2
Will Baker with the second installment of his imaginary curricula of a Master's Degree in Game Study.
Timetag
Will Baker on the length of games.
New Father Gaming
Matthew Baldwin can't wait to play games with his son.
The Shoestring Gamer
Matthew Baldwin offers some suggestions for gaming on the cheap.
Opening a Game Store?
Ward Batty with a cautionary tale about opening a game store.
Ethics in Gaming 1.0
Yehuda Berlinger discusses the unwritten rules of the game.
Ethics in Gaming 2.0
Yehuda Berlinger on not buying games.
Ethics in Gaming 3.0
Yehuda Berlinger on playing in a group.
Ethics in Gaming 4.0
Yehuda Berlinger and the art of the trade.
Ethics in Gaming 5.0
Playing games can improve not only the quality of your life, but the quality of you. (Yehuda Berlinger)
Ethics in Gaming 6.0
Yehuda Berlinger discusses ethical behaviour for designers and publishers.
Educational Value in Games
In addition to entertaining, games can also provide a learning experience and Mark Bordsen surveys his experience.
Misadventures in Gaming
Dan Bosley attempts another game with his crazy friends.
Dexterity Games for Those Without Any
Frank Branham summarizes a few "dexterity games" that don't require a great deal of dexterity.
The Games of Nik Sewell
Frank Branham gives us the lowdown on this designer.
Groovy Prototypes
Frank Branham shows us some clever tips on how to make game prototypes.
The Mysterious "Fun" Factor
Frank Branham, owner of thousands of games, tells us why they're no fun.
Spielus Obscurus 2
Frank Branham tells us about his obscure games.
What is the Goal?
Frank Branham expounds on the idea of goals and subgoals as a narrative aid in game design.
Eric Hautemont Interview
Ryan Bretsch interviews Eric Hautemont of Days of Wonder.
Mike Doyle Interview
Ryan Bretsch interviews the lead artist of QuestMachine.
Raising Gamers 1.0
Should Carol Brunt let her kids win a game?
Raising Gamers 2.0
Carol Rifka Brunt on why cooperating with your kids is a bad idea.
Heirs to the Gamemaster Series, Part 1
In a follow up to his report on Milton Bradleys' Gamemaster Series of games, Rob Burns discusses the Hasbro/Avalon Hill line.
Heirs to the Gamemaster Series Part 2
Rob Burns on the similar approach of Eagle Games and the old Milton Bradley line.
Milton Bradley's Gamemaster Series
Rob Burns looks back at the at a line of games that epitomized the phrase "great bits".
Ambition 1.0
The designer of Ambition outlines his design criteria.
Pedantry: A Monopoly Case Study
Brandon Clarke gets downright literal during a game of Monopoly.
Es War Einmal...
Stuart Dagger gives us a UK perspective on the beginnings of the German game invasion.
Family Pastimes
Jim Deacove gives us the philosophy beyond his non-competitive gaming company.
Game Theory 101 - Part I
Jonathan Degann discusses the importance of story arc in good game design.
Game Theory 101 - Part II
Jonathan Degann describes how tension is created in games.
Game Theory 101 - Part III
The latest in Jonathan Degann's series. This time he addresses the Agonizing Decision.
Game Theory 101: Part IV
Jonathan Degann on a game's nervous system.
From A to Z
Jim Dietz of Jolly Roger Games writes of his ideas on game design.
Publishing Pants
Jim Doherty recounts the trials and tribulations of self publishing Who Stole Ed's Pants?
Living the Dream 1.0
Chad Ellis with the first in a series on starting a game company.
Living the Dream 2.0
Chad Ellis discusses promoting your new boardgame.
Living the Dream 3.0
Chad Ellis with some ideas about what to do when someone hates your game.
The VIIth Ludopathic Gathering
Bruno Faidutti recounts the recent gaming weekend he organized in Etourvy, France.
A Tale of Two Cities
Bruno Faidutti discusses the development of Citadelles and Castle.
A Year of German Games
Bruno Faidutti comments on his great success in the first half of 2000.
Bruno & Games
Bruno Faidutti discusses his recent preferences.
Dirty Deals
Bruno Faidutti summarizes games that use a bidding mechanism.
Games & the Anguish of Life
Bruno Faidutti examines why we play games.
Spiel des Jahres 2000
Bruno Faidutti gives us an insiders look at the SdJ Awards ceremony.
What Gender Gap?
Bruno Faidutti wonders why there are so few female gamers.
Deduction Games
Bruno Faidutti and Frank Branham try to figure out whodunnit.
Themes & Mechanics 1.0
Bruno Faidutti enters the fray with his take on the subject, the first in a series.
Themes & Mechanics 2.0
The second in Bruno Faidutti's series, this time on prototypes and playtesting.
Themes & Mechanics 3.0
Bruno Faidutti is an author, not an inventor.
Themes & Mechanics 4.0
Bruno Faidutti gets unbalanced.
Aggression in Multi-Player Games
Jeffrey Ganong tells us why theft is a crime.
Involvement, Leader Bashing & Newbies
Jeff Ganong discusses enticing new players with games and then ganging up on them if they do too well at them.
Protospiele 2001
Stephen Glenn tells us about the inaugural holding of an intimate gathering of budding game designers.
How to Turn Family and Friends into Gamers Using Subterfuge, Mind Control and Violence
Joe Golaszewski with some advanced tips on playing the meta-game of tricking others in playing "these games of ours".
Octi: Better Than Sliced Bread
Don Green, the designer of Octi, explains the basics of the game.
Sam Clifford Interview
John Marc Green interviews Sam Clifford about his new company, Quest Machine.
Game Systems - Part 1
Ron Hale-Evans writes about standard game parts that can be used for a variety of different games.
Game Systems - Part 2
Ron Hale-Evans takes a very thorough look at the world of playing cards.
Game Systems - Part 3
Ron Hale-Evans turns his attention to boardgames in the latest in his series on game systems.
Game Systems - Part 4
Ron Hale-Evans writes about games that require modest (or no) specialized components.
Is it Really About Theme vs. Mechanics?
Andrew Hardin gives us his take.
Sid Sackson Auction
Matthew Horn gives us an account of the Sid Sackson collection auction.
Who's On First?
How do you decide who goes first in a game? Matthew Horn questions if you've been playing certain games exactly according to the rules.
Take a Chance
Joe Huber on the positives of trying games you know nothing about.
Sightreading
Joe Huber suggests that some people have an innate ability for new games.
A Games Mecca?
Richard Huzzey wonders why so many great game come from Germany.
Essen 2003
Mark Johnson visits Essen for the first time.
Game of the Month
Mark Johnson and his game group learn how to play a game really well.
How to Host a Games Day
Mark Johnson with some advice and recommendations for planning a successful day of gaming.
Joe Huber Interview
Mark Johnson interviews the designer of Scream Machine.
The Ultimate Game
Can a boardgame actually think? Tom Jolly speculates on just this question.
Those Bastards Stole My Game!
Tom Jolly comments on the idea of synchronous game design.
Non-Predatory Games
Kate Jones discusses games that avoid aggression.
Polyforms
Kate Jones describes this new form of puzzle concerning mathematical shapes.
|
The Ultimate Tiebreaker
Moshe Klass just can't stand a draw and so offers some suggestions for breaking a tie.
Inventing Torres
Wolfgang Kramer tells us how he designed Torres.
The German Game Market
Wolfgang Kramer informs us of the German game market.
What Makes a Game Good?
Wolfgang Kramer outlines his ideas on game design.
What is a Game?
Wolfgang Kramer attempts to pin down a definition of the term "game".
Budgeted Action Points
Steve Kurzban talks about an interesting game mechanic.
Players, Traders, Hoarders & Collectors
Steve Kurzban differentiates between various types of game purchasers.
Nurturing a Group
Steve Kurzban tells us what it takes to start and keep a game group going.
The Finer Points of Teaching Rules
Mario T. Lanza describes his method for explaining the rules to a game.
Genesis of a Game
Larry Levy writes about the process of designing his first game - Head to Head Golf.
When Good Games Have Bad Themes
Larry Levy implores us to look beyond a games theme.
Modern Game Designers: Eon
Larry Levy on the career of the Cosmic Encounter designers.
Modern Game Designers: Martin Wallace
Larry Levy profiles the designer of Pampas Railways, Age of Steam and Runebound.
Modern Game Designers: Mike Fitzgerald
Larry Levy examines the career of the Mystery Rummy designer.
Special Ks
Larry Levy tells us all about his favorite breakfast. Well, actually he gives a brief intro to Kramer, Klaus & Knizia.
Special K - Klaus Teuber
Larry Levy takes a look at the very first Settler of Catan.
Special K - Reiner Knizia
Larry Levy concludes his series of "Special K" German designers with a look at the prolific career of Reiner Knizia.
Special K - Wolfgang Kramer
Larry Levy summarizes the career of Germany's most successful designer.
Special K: An Update
Larry Levy tells us what Kramer, Knizia and Teuber have been up to these last few years.
Strategy & Tactics
Larry Levy discusses the difference between "strategy" and "tactics" with some examples from the Alea line of games.
The Best in Games & Movies
Eduardo Loureiro Jr. discusses the similarities between the two genres.
How to Join Bits & Pieces
Sus Lundgren lists some of the interesting ways that computer technology can add features to boardgame design.
Destination Gaming
Rob Lyon takes games with him even while kayaking!
A Game Rating System
If you're still unsure of the best way to rate games then Robert Markley's take on the subject may be of interest.
Fiddling About
Kevin Maroney talks about the difference between elegant and fiddly rules.
Open & Closed
Kevin Maroney on the never-ending battle over "hidden" information in games.
My Entire Waking Life
Kevin Maroney asks "What the heck are these things called games, anyway?"
Varying Chess
Kevin Maroney devises two new chess games.
Who Mourns for Avalon Hill?
Kevin Maroney comes not to praise, but to bury, the legendary company.
The Chicago International Toy & Game Fair
James Miller gives us the low down on this inaugural event.
A Question of Semantics
Al Newman ponders whether or not you "design" a game or "invent" it.
Please Recycle
Al Newman discusses the recycling of game mechanics.
Tummelvision
Al Newman talks about Rio Grande Games. He also discusses strategy in Monopoly.
Acquiring Game Rights
Phil Orbanes of Winning Moves sheds some light on how to acquire rights to out of print games.
The Canasta Story
Philip E. Orbanes outlines the history of Canasta.
Drafting in Games
Andres Santiago Perez-Bergquist inventories the various methods of drafting cards.
Making the First Time Count
Mike Petty with some advice on making sure you introduce games right the first time.
Protospiel 2002
Mike Petty reports some thoughts about the second annual game designer's convention.
Serious Gaming
High school math teacher Mike Petty reflects on gaming with teenagers.
The Classical and Romantic Game Playing Styles
Lewis Pulsipher differentiates two opposing styles of play.
The Essence of Euro-style Games
Another attempt at defining Euro-games; in particular how they are different from wargames. (Lewis Pulsipher)
How to Promote Board Gaming with a Website
Mikko Saari tells us of the success he's had with his Finnish website.
Making Decisions
Puerto Rico and Princes of Florence offer players relatively few but very meaningful decisions. Mikko Saari discusses both.
Simulation & Computer Integration in Board Games
Mikko Saari discusses the (future?) use of computers in board games.
Tournaments in a Club Environment
Want to run a tournament for your game group? Mikko Saari shares his experiences.
Prototype, Prototype, Protospiel
Kesavan Sampanthar on designing games and testing them at Protospiel.
Why I Prize My Copy of Volle Hütte
Sarah Samuelson describes her experience of attending Gulf Games 2002.
Peter's Playhouse
Peter Sarrett gives us a quick intro to four German games.
Complex German Games
Nick Sauer lists a few of the more complex German type games.
Control vs. Luck & Chaos
Nick Sauer with some basics on the differences between control and chaos when playing games.
Number of Players
Nick Sauer talks about playing games with varying numbers of players.
Games in Japan
Taiju Sawada gives us a brief description of games played in Japan.
It's Only a Game
Jared Scarborough plays the baddie.
German History Part 2
Bob Scherer-Hoock offers a US point of view of the German game craze.
Groundrules For Gaming
Jay Schindler with a couple of suggestions on how to smoothly run a gaming group.
Jesse Schell Interview
Bob Schwartz interviews Jesse Schell, instructor of a Game Design course at Carnegie Mellon University.
Kevin Zucker Interview
Bob Schwartz interviews the man behind Operational Studies Group.
Designer's Notes: Space & Fantasy Gamer's Guide
Joseph Scoleri tells us why on earth he'd create a 500+ page index for six 1980s era magazines.
Half Baked
Greg Schloesser talks about games that aren't quite ready for public consumption.
Junk in the Box
Greg Schloesser finds strange things in used games.
The Future of Avalon Hill
Greg Schloesser wonders what will happen to this classic company.
The Spirit of Gaming
Greg Schloesser talks about the manner in which we play games.
The Yawning Gap of Forgotten Rules
Greg Schloesser lists some notable gaffes and misinterpreted rules.
Threshold of a Dream
Greg Schloesser refutes those who say our hobby is dying.
When Good Reviews Go Bad
Greg Schloesser offers us his opinion when writing a less than favourable review.
Games & Kids
Want to play games with young children? Don Seagraves suggests a few games and offers some advice.
The Art of Games
How does art affect the marketing, connection to theme and functionality of games? (Dave Shapiro)
The Bat, The Block, The Brush
Dave Shapiro on why games are sport and art.
Boards
Dave Shapiro outlines the various types of boards used in games and how they affect play and strategy.
A Brief History of Gaming
Dave Shapiro talks about where the board gaming hobby has been and where it's going.
Dice Fest
Dave Shapiro rolls the bones.
Franz-Benno Delonge Interview
Dave Shapiro interviews the designer of Big City, Trans America and others.
Gotta Buck?
If you're interested in playing games for money, Dave Shapiro has a few ideas on the subject.
Hunters
Ever wanted to enter a tournament and win glory and praise? Dave Shapiro tells you how.
Ra, Mu & CPU
Dave Shapiro on how computers have impacted board games.
Risk: The Evolution of a Game
Dave Shapiro runs us through the history of this classic boardgame.
Risk Revisited
Dave Shapiro returns to a classic once more.
Sisyphus Syndrome
Dave Shapiro contemplates rolling the same game up a hill over and over again.
To Boldly Go...
Dave Shapiro ruminates on the history of popular boardgames.
Game Alignment
Anthony Simons tries to decide if Union Pacific is chaotic good or lawful neutral.
The Milestone
Anthony Simons decides that enough is enough and gets rid of a few games.
Recurring Themes
Anthony Simons lists some commonly occurring themes.
Shortening Long Games
Anthony Simons plays 25 games in four and a half minutes.
Upgrading Your Game Even Further
Anthony Simons offers some advice on "fixing" the rules to games.
Biting the Hand that Feeds Me
Ray Smith chews the fat about Counter magazine.
The De-Uglification Project
Ray Smith tries to clean up Die Oster Insel.
Gamer's Game?
Ray Smith takes issue with the recent problems some gamers have had with this years' Spiel des Jahres winner.
Hints from Hell, Louise
Ray Smith becomes the Mr. Fix-it of the gaming world.
Hints from Hell, Louise 2.0
Ray Smith gives us some ideas on where to buy trinkets and toys.
Hints from Hell, Louise - Revised
Ray Smith ponders about games needing a facelift.
A Love-Hate Relationship
Ray Smith is filled with self loathing over many of the games he plays.
Origins 2005
Ray Smith reports from Origins.
Preview: Eagle Games
Ray Smith talks with the President of this fledgling company.
Show Me the Money!
Ray Smith with some interesting ways to keep score.
Spielus Obscurus
Ray Smith tells us of his favorite obscure games.
Spielus Obscurus 3
Ray Smith gives us another glimpse into his strange gaming closet...
The Science of Subjectivity
Ray Smith discusses the good and bad in rating games.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Ray Smith muses on whether we're spoilt with the recent wave of games.
Transition Games
Ray Smith lists some games he feels might work well as a transition from "German style" games to more traditional wargames.
What were they Thinking?
Ray Smith has a few beefs to air about the production of games.
Defining the Abstract
J. Mark Thompson discusses abstract strategy games.
How Important is Elegance?
Mark Thomson proves mathematically that Go is better than Chess.
Modifying Games for the Blind
Eddie Timanus has first hand experience modifying games for use by the blind and he explains some basic methods he employs.
Games for Two
Xavier Van Aubel has a few suggestions for when game partners are few and far between.
Games in Korea
Tom Vasel tells us a little bit about the burgeoning cafe scene in Korea.
Player Experiences
Richard Vickery proposes a method of categorizing games based on the type of experience it offers a player.
The Diversification Process
Jeff Widderrich hopes that everyone contributes to more diverse games.
Think Simple
Jeff Widderich with an interesting perspective on game design.
These Games of Ours
Gilad Yarnitzky tries to explain the world of games to a new audience.
|
| Links
| Search
| Contributors
| Home
