(Punctuation intentional)
Today I taught a new game to friends. The game is called Clank! In Space!. It’s my favorite game.
The game contains around 8 different loops, each of which is 3-5 different details. This makes explaining the game somewhat complicated. Lots of details.
But then, when you play it, the whole machine clicks.
I prefaced by saying, “It’s the sort of game that requires playing twice to really get it. If we get a few turns in and you realize you get it, or you feel frustrated for making bad moves on previous turns, we can restart. Or if you want to discuss strategy, happy to do so, especially the first round.”
I find this framing really helps people enjoy themselves. And even more importantly, to keep the game light and friendly, which is key for lessening the frustration of a first playthrough.
We grinded the first game. It took ~2 hours. Bit of a slog.
They liked it enough to play again.
The clock had just passed 9:30pm. We waffled on it.
Ookay – one of us justified playing again… so we did!
Just past 11:30pm, we cleaned up the game, having completed a second run.
Very fun. Go team! 😀
I excite at the prospect of living with people who might want to board game like every night.
I wonder if I’ll get some of that with my children.
I wonder if they’ll inherit a love of games from me.
For those who don’t, I’m happy they’ll explore their own area.
For those who do, I’m always game.
—
Two quotes:
“You, more than anyone, skewed my perspective of gender. Many people are non-binary. I don’t think of you as non-binary. I think of you as very masculine, with a great rack.” –A friend.
“An airplane crashed into Main Street Ukiah at 9am this morning. No injuries.” –Partner.
Julian Wise 