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What Board Games Mean To Me
Celebrating the role that board games hold in our lives, A-list celebrities, industry professionals and lifelong gamers share the remarkable and personal stories of their profound love for gaming
People want to feel good about their passions, their hobbies included. People want to talk about them, and to listen to others who share their enthusiasm. This book celebrates that sense of affinity while providing diverse perspectives on board games that will allow readers to reflect on what drives their passion in their own particular case. From uber-competitive players learning to lose with grace to the fascinating history of the very first games humans played, and bonding with far-away stepsiblings to the story of the first board game café in Africa, there’s something here for everyone.
People want to feel good about their passions, their hobbies included. People want to talk about them, and to listen to others who share their enthusiasm. This book celebrates that sense of affinity while providing diverse perspectives on board games that will allow readers to reflect on what drives their passion in their own particular case. From uber-competitive players learning to lose with grace to the fascinating history of the very first games humans played, and bonding with far-away stepsiblings to the story of the first board game café in Africa, there’s something here for everyone.
288 pages, ebook
Published November 14, 2023
8 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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September 26, 2023BECAUSE I HAVE A CHAPTER IN HERE!
November 22, 2023
Thank you to Aconyte Books for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. What Board Games Mean to Me is available now.
I love games. This should be obvious, considering how quickly I jumped at the chance to read this book. Most adults can relate to the busyness that takes over our lives. It can be hard to carve out fun time, but some of my favorite “me” time is spent playing board games with family and friends. In fact, there’s a family that my family and I get together and play with on a semi-regular basis. This started when our kids were too young to do more than toddle around, although they’re now old enough to join in on some of the games (have you ever tried to play Spyfall with an eight-year-old? It’s hilarious). I can almost chart the growth of our friendship through the different games we’ve played.
What Board Games Mean to Me focuses on many instances such as these, sharing the sense of community, joy, social navigation, and creativity that can come with pulling out a board game and “wasting” a few hours. Each chapter features a different answer to the question “What do board games mean to me?”. These answers come from board game creators, writers, and other people whose lives are very much wrapped up in a game. As with most books with multiple contributors, I enjoyed some of the stories better than others.
It was interesting to see what role board games play in each person’s life and how they were first sucked in. From the mom who tried to play Ticket to Ride while in the hospital delivering her baby (I would not recommend this), to the incredibly ill child whose priest taught him chess right after scaring him half to death by giving him his last rites, it was clear that there are important memories tied up in playing games.
There were, of course, a few stories that stood out to me. First was “Picture a Scene” by KC Ogbuagu. He is a board game creator and has been instrumental in the inception of the first sub-Saharan board game convention, among other achievements. His enthusiasm for game creation shone through the pages and I had to smile at his descriptions of his first homemade game. My oldest has been working on his own game for over a year now and it started quite similarly to the way it’s described in the book; with slips of paper poorly cut, slowly refined over time (he is hoping to eventually have a finished product that can be made into a trademarked product and sold).
The one with the new mom, desperately trying to snatch a few minutes to play in the hospital made me laugh. I don’t think I’ve ever gone that far to play a game. That is, I put it down when the contractions started in earnest. Then, there was “More than the Game on the Table” by Susan McKinley Ross, the creator of Qwirkle. It was extremely touching and also very relatable.
I found myself wishing that I could set up an email communication for my son with some of these creators. He has a million questions that beg for answers. However, I plan to give him this book, knowing that he will feel encouraged by the number of best-selling creators who started the way he has, with an idea that won’t stop tickling his brain.
If you don’t enjoy board games, this isn’t a book that will make much sense to you. What Board Games Mean to Me is a love letter to a different sort of way to navigate the curveballs the life throws at us. It is a recognition that sometimes a game is more than a game: it’s a tool to break down social barriers, find time to recharge, and even a way to initiate friendships that maybe aren’t easily formed without that common ground. Oh, and of course, the most important thing:
Board games are fun.
I love games. This should be obvious, considering how quickly I jumped at the chance to read this book. Most adults can relate to the busyness that takes over our lives. It can be hard to carve out fun time, but some of my favorite “me” time is spent playing board games with family and friends. In fact, there’s a family that my family and I get together and play with on a semi-regular basis. This started when our kids were too young to do more than toddle around, although they’re now old enough to join in on some of the games (have you ever tried to play Spyfall with an eight-year-old? It’s hilarious). I can almost chart the growth of our friendship through the different games we’ve played.
What Board Games Mean to Me focuses on many instances such as these, sharing the sense of community, joy, social navigation, and creativity that can come with pulling out a board game and “wasting” a few hours. Each chapter features a different answer to the question “What do board games mean to me?”. These answers come from board game creators, writers, and other people whose lives are very much wrapped up in a game. As with most books with multiple contributors, I enjoyed some of the stories better than others.
It was interesting to see what role board games play in each person’s life and how they were first sucked in. From the mom who tried to play Ticket to Ride while in the hospital delivering her baby (I would not recommend this), to the incredibly ill child whose priest taught him chess right after scaring him half to death by giving him his last rites, it was clear that there are important memories tied up in playing games.
There were, of course, a few stories that stood out to me. First was “Picture a Scene” by KC Ogbuagu. He is a board game creator and has been instrumental in the inception of the first sub-Saharan board game convention, among other achievements. His enthusiasm for game creation shone through the pages and I had to smile at his descriptions of his first homemade game. My oldest has been working on his own game for over a year now and it started quite similarly to the way it’s described in the book; with slips of paper poorly cut, slowly refined over time (he is hoping to eventually have a finished product that can be made into a trademarked product and sold).
The one with the new mom, desperately trying to snatch a few minutes to play in the hospital made me laugh. I don’t think I’ve ever gone that far to play a game. That is, I put it down when the contractions started in earnest. Then, there was “More than the Game on the Table” by Susan McKinley Ross, the creator of Qwirkle. It was extremely touching and also very relatable.
I found myself wishing that I could set up an email communication for my son with some of these creators. He has a million questions that beg for answers. However, I plan to give him this book, knowing that he will feel encouraged by the number of best-selling creators who started the way he has, with an idea that won’t stop tickling his brain.
If you don’t enjoy board games, this isn’t a book that will make much sense to you. What Board Games Mean to Me is a love letter to a different sort of way to navigate the curveballs the life throws at us. It is a recognition that sometimes a game is more than a game: it’s a tool to break down social barriers, find time to recharge, and even a way to initiate friendships that maybe aren’t easily formed without that common ground. Oh, and of course, the most important thing:
Board games are fun.
July 30, 2024
“Board games represent my coming of age, my passion, and my ability to move forward. They are the hug to my childhood self, reminding me that I found my place and my people. They are the amplifiers that let me listen to my voice so I can walk my own path in life. They are the physical sum of my experiences and my love letters to the world.” - Fertessa Allyse Scott
This collection of essays is such a love letter to not only playing board games but the art of designing them. Acoynte Publishing continues to inspire me and amaze me with their works. Getting so many people together to write these essays about just what board games mean to them can’t help but have me thinking about what they mean to me and my own family 💕
This collection of essays is such a love letter to not only playing board games but the art of designing them. Acoynte Publishing continues to inspire me and amaze me with their works. Getting so many people together to write these essays about just what board games mean to them can’t help but have me thinking about what they mean to me and my own family 💕
September 25, 2023
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy in return for an honest review.
Exactly what it says on the tin, this is a series of short essays on what board games have meant to those included in the book, ranging from world class designers to enthusiastic players of games who have nothing to do with the games industry. What I found most interesting was that almost all the essays talk about how the playing of games enriched their lives in some way, and that in learning how to play games, they gained a greater understanding of themselves and what drove them, which in turn gave them insight into how better to do what they wanted in life.
Very wholesome read, would recommend to anyone, but especially those who think that games have no purpose beyond the playing of them.
Exactly what it says on the tin, this is a series of short essays on what board games have meant to those included in the book, ranging from world class designers to enthusiastic players of games who have nothing to do with the games industry. What I found most interesting was that almost all the essays talk about how the playing of games enriched their lives in some way, and that in learning how to play games, they gained a greater understanding of themselves and what drove them, which in turn gave them insight into how better to do what they wanted in life.
Very wholesome read, would recommend to anyone, but especially those who think that games have no purpose beyond the playing of them.
November 12, 2023
What do board games mean to me? This is a question this anthology makes you ask as others in the field ponder and answer with varying answers from connection, easier socialization, cool mechanics and helping foster a more globally together world. As I read this I pondered the question and pondered some answers and came to the conclusion: this book has a great variety of voices from all over the world and all over the Board Game industry and of all ages. I loved reading the non-western centric essays to see how Board Games mean so much to so many different people around the world. It really is a global phenomenon. The games may be different but we have the same feelings when we play: fun, connection and a great way to be with others peacefully.
This is a must read book for any lover of games, especially Board Games. This is an inherently human book and we can all find an essay or two that resonates with us. Go out and read it!
This is a must read book for any lover of games, especially Board Games. This is an inherently human book and we can all find an essay or two that resonates with us. Go out and read it!
January 31, 2024
As with any collection of essays, this book has highlights and less exciting fare, but overall it was nice to read about the hobby (and sometimes business) of boardgaming from a variety of perspectives. Some of the authors were people I hadn't heard of; some were people I'd heard of but knew little about; and others are people I've followed closely through their careers, on social media, etc. Some good perspectives and interesting insights.
May 22, 2024
Took me way too long to finish this one, but after I did, I was sad it was over.
Reading what all these people had to say about the ways tabletop gaming changed their lives, I felt like I was talking to my friends in the industry — or to a much more remarkable version of myself a couple of decades in the future.
It's sad that so much of the general public has no idea of the transformative power these games can have. But this book made me feel like I'm on the right path.
Reading what all these people had to say about the ways tabletop gaming changed their lives, I felt like I was talking to my friends in the industry — or to a much more remarkable version of myself a couple of decades in the future.
It's sad that so much of the general public has no idea of the transformative power these games can have. But this book made me feel like I'm on the right path.
September 30, 2024
The heartwarming book involves a series of short sharing from people relating to and working in the board game industry. It is lovely and make me consider not just playing competing game but coop game as well. I like how board games have been used as a way to form connection, bring ppl closer together and a way to learn.
That being said, it soon becomes a bit repetitive. I wish the author would interview the board game designer and provide a more in-depth look into the whole process of designing and making a game. It has been mentioned but not a thoroughly explanation. Or maybe having them shed some lights into the ups and downs of being in the industry as well, so anyone considers working full time can take into account 2 sides of the coin, as the book makes it seems like having a career in board game industry is all rosy.
That being said, it soon becomes a bit repetitive. I wish the author would interview the board game designer and provide a more in-depth look into the whole process of designing and making a game. It has been mentioned but not a thoroughly explanation. Or maybe having them shed some lights into the ups and downs of being in the industry as well, so anyone considers working full time can take into account 2 sides of the coin, as the book makes it seems like having a career in board game industry is all rosy.
December 21, 2023
This is a collection of essays from people in the gaming field, mostly designers, and quite a few from outside of the United States. As someone who has gamed for most of my life, I could relate to all of the stories about what it's like to gather around a table with friends and take on a challenge, while still having a good time doing it. One of the writers even mentioned a game, Exploration, that I had owned as a kid and had completely forgotten!
Although video games and RPGs are mentioned here, board games are emphasized. I liked the diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds from all of the writers.
Although video games and RPGs are mentioned here, board games are emphasized. I liked the diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds from all of the writers.
February 13, 2024
A fine collection of assorted essays about...well, what it says on the tin. They vary dramatically - from casual fans of games up to star designers and publisher, originators in the hobby to recent converts, and local successes to pillars of the international. The variety can be a downfall - the quality of writing on offer also runs the gamut, making some essays drag on - but it all comes back to that deep love of board gaming, the people who participate, and in the collections best moments, the community and connection that comes from shared play.
And hello to those writers that I know personally! It was wonderful to read your stories, thoughts, and love of the hobby.
And hello to those writers that I know personally! It was wonderful to read your stories, thoughts, and love of the hobby.
July 5, 2025
Daug trumpu skirtingu zmoniu istoriju po 2-4 psl, kaip jie pradejo geiminti ir ka tai dave ju pasaulyje. Asmeniškai Smagiausia buvo, nes pristate viska ko musu tevai ir mes praradome vaikysteje: amerinkso rinka kalbancius stalo zaidimus zaidimus , dungeons and dragons (or American trash), UK rinka war-games ir Vokietijos rinka: Catan ir kiti euro zaidimai, kurie jau 1990 paplito visam pasaulyje nes juos isverte pagaliau i anglu kalba- juos vadindavo “German style games” 😂
Lietuvoje Cakan pasirode lyg tik apie 2005 :/ jei neklystu
Lietuvoje Cakan pasirode lyg tik apie 2005 :/ jei neklystu
August 20, 2025
In this book Board Gamer Enthusiast tell their on personal stories on how board games have been woven into the fabric of their lives. For me, this was a delightful audio book. Throughout this book I found myself reflecting back on my life and what board games have meant to me. Some of my happiest memories with family or friends have been when we gather around and play board games.
Also, thanks to this book I found a few new games I would like to play.
Also, thanks to this book I found a few new games I would like to play.
October 5, 2023
Thank you NetGalley!
A great quick read for those who are looking to understand the important of different game types in peoples lives! Also just for the average board game player who wants to see their own thoughts backed up! Very wholesome and informative at the same time.
A great quick read for those who are looking to understand the important of different game types in peoples lives! Also just for the average board game player who wants to see their own thoughts backed up! Very wholesome and informative at the same time.
August 11, 2024
Had to DNF. Horrible editing and part of it felt rushed to publish while board games are a big deal. Love the idea behind it and was initially excited to read it because I was looking for bigger themes to be used in incorporating board games in life, but it ended up lacking that for me. Or being repetitious of ideas I already could write about. The story by KC from Nigeria was one standout though. I will be looking into his company more.
February 24, 2024
I love Boardgames, what can i say.
June 15, 2024
Insightful and inspiring.
I must reread Brain Games by Lynn Potyen!
I must reread Brain Games by Lynn Potyen!
February 11, 2025
A charming insight into what gamers love about games.
November 21, 2025
There are some great essays in here, plus one from me on what board games have meant for my family and I.
March 21, 2024
I have slowly descended into this hobby over the last decade. Access to information and games themselves have improved over the years, and this basically means I knew almost half of the contributors to this book and have heard them speak before. Even with that prior information, the essays themselves were new. I had not heard those particular discussions before.
This is not a book for the uninitiated. If one has no information on the current and older tabletop gaming scene, I personally do not know what enjoyment will be drawn from delving into this. Although a mildly curious person who might have at least at some point played with family or have fond memories of game nights might find some like-minded individuals within these pages.
Each essay is followed by a short bio of the people involved, and it was fascinating to see how some people have managed to do something with their passion. There is not much to talk about the writing itself since each chapter is a note on personal passions and journeys, and they manage to convey the information in an effective manner.
I wanted to read this book because I love the hobby and recommend it to anyone who wants something besides reading (since that is a solo hobby while gaming involves (mostly) other people).
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
This is not a book for the uninitiated. If one has no information on the current and older tabletop gaming scene, I personally do not know what enjoyment will be drawn from delving into this. Although a mildly curious person who might have at least at some point played with family or have fond memories of game nights might find some like-minded individuals within these pages.
Each essay is followed by a short bio of the people involved, and it was fascinating to see how some people have managed to do something with their passion. There is not much to talk about the writing itself since each chapter is a note on personal passions and journeys, and they manage to convey the information in an effective manner.
I wanted to read this book because I love the hobby and recommend it to anyone who wants something besides reading (since that is a solo hobby while gaming involves (mostly) other people).
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews