This last week was wild and crazy; from decorating our home for Christmas, to finishing our gift shopping, to finding out that the man who was my best friend had passed away. Because of all this, I was seriously debating about not writing an entry this week, but then I realized that through all of the happenings I was making memories and reflecting on the past. So this blog, will be a brief review of the year in gaming for us.
Games Played
Up until last night, we have played 131 different games throughout the year for a total of 692 plays.
Yes, one of the games we played (The Crew) a total of 95 times because each mission played counts towards the numbers and my wife and I plan to finish our 2 player campaign before years end, thus adding more to our final numbers.
Looking at the variety of games we played, I have to say that I am quite impressed with our selection. Of all the games played, only about 30 of them was a 1 play. Any particular reason why? Not really, looking at some of the games from that list it could be because we played the different versions of the game (Pandemic and Clank!) or that the game was new to us this year and we haven’t played a second yet of it (Unsettled).
Overall, I have to say that I am very pleased with the variety of games that we played this year. And just think, the potential for next year will be just a great.
Kickstarter Games
This year we had backed 24 new projects. One of them had already came in since it was a game that the company had already designed (they just needed the manufacturing company to make them) and just paired it up with a release they had from last year. For some of the other games from this year, the Covid crisis has taken the toll and are delayed while the companies in China try to catch up the production. China had been under strict regulations as to how many days a week and when a company can produce. It’s not like the shipping crisis is worse enough, China had to throw in some more curveballs.
As for the games backed in 2020, without looking through all at exact numbers, I want to say roughly 50% of the game have finally arrived. For 2019, one game is still not here but the last update from a few days ago had said that shipping across the globe will start in early January of 2022 (not holding my breath until I see the tracking number for the package).
Out of all the Kickstarter games that did come this year, we have tabled a few already but others are under the Christmas tree waiting for “Santa to come.”
Other orders
We have made numerous purchases directly from game publishers (Stonemaier Games) and/or game distributors & sellers (Funagain, Miniature Market, & Amazon). We have played more than a handful but less than a truck-full of the games. We keep finding games that look interesting to us mainly from the recommendation of other gamers.
Not only are we increasing our personal collections, but we have made numerous purchases as gifts for others. From Secret Santa’s to out of state friends and family members. Because we find joy and happiness in our gaming hobby, we love sharing and spreading it to others too.
For me, the best example of the making a purchase to give as a gift was to my sister. She really enjoyed playing Tang Garden with us and I asked her if she would like a copy since the game can be played solo. She had said yes and I contacted my friends at ThunderGryph Games to see if they had a copy of the Kickstarter set left somewhere. When I got the response that they did track one down, we immediately got it as a gift for my sister. She lit up when she got it. Ahh… the joy of giving.
Future Orders
We already know of a few upcoming games that are forthcoming we want to get and/or back.
Due to the delay in two current projects from ThunderGryph Games, they had decided to delay the next expansion to Tang Garden until next year. We already have funds set aside for this because of the multiple copies we will need to get.
Another item for me to take note is that my family and mother was blessed to have knowledge of a special upcoming Kickstarter project for next year from a game company we love but due to the nature of said item, it is not cheap. My wife immediately had informed the creator that we will be one of the first people to back it.
Final look back
I would have to say that overall, this year was pretty good for us. In our daily gaming commitment we only missed a few days this year. Our collection has grown to the point where we could play a different game/expansion each day of the year for two years and then some.
I love that we have been able to introduce so many new games to people and spread the joy of board games to those who are looking for new things to do. Family dinners on Sunday are followed by the family playing a game together. During the week we will have friends or family over to relax and play games.
Looking forward
What we are really hoping to do next year is be able to get our old gaming group back together in attempt to “feel normal” again.
Until that happens, we will continue to do what we did this year regarding our gaming habits.
Besides a new 10 x 10 Challenge and our daily game plays, I am thinking that we will add playing a new game each week to the mix. This ensures that we will do better at playing our new and unplayed games that we picked up. Fifty-two new games in one year? Yeah, I think we can handle that.
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