Top 10 Enemies of Gaming (featuring Rodney Smith)

The Dice Tower・2 minutes read

Tom Bassel and Rodney Smith discuss various enemies of gaming, such as game bloat, unrealistic expectations, and acquisition disorder. They emphasize the importance of respecting others' gaming choices, avoiding elitism, and maintaining personal hygiene to create an inclusive and enjoyable gaming community.

Insights

  • Game bloat can hinder the gaming experience when unnecessary components are added to games, impacting enjoyment and gameplay.
  • Acquisition disorder, driven by FOMO and a desire to own every game, can lead to financial strain and dissatisfaction, emphasizing the importance of mindful game collection.
  • Personal hygiene and respectful behavior are crucial in gaming communities to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for all players, highlighting the significance of social interactions in gaming settings.

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Recent questions

  • How has the internet impacted gaming communities?

    It has made connecting with fellow gamers easier.

  • What is game bloat?

    Games with excessive content.

  • How can gamers enhance their gaming experience?

    By being open to playing any game.

  • What is acquisition disorder in gaming?

    A compulsion to collect every game.

  • Why is personal hygiene important in gaming settings?

    It affects everyone's gaming experience.

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Summary

00:00

"Top Enemies of Gaming: Challenges and Solutions"

  • Tom Bassel and Rodney Smith discuss the top 10 enemies of gaming.
  • Rodney runs a YouTube channel called Watch It Played.
  • They talk about the challenges and obstacles in the gaming hobby.
  • Finding gamers to play with can be difficult, especially in certain locations.
  • The internet has made it easier to connect with fellow gamers.
  • Game bloat is a common issue where games have excessive content.
  • Publishers sometimes add unnecessary components to games.
  • Toddlers can be an enemy of gaming due to their destructive nature.
  • Expectations of the perfect gaming experience can hinder enjoyment.
  • Being open to playing any game can lead to a more fulfilling gaming day.

14:30

Letting Go of High Gaming Expectations

  • Trying to let go of high expectations and just enjoy the gaming experience made a significant difference.
  • Acknowledging personal contribution to the gaming experience can enhance enjoyment.
  • Chasing the perfect game or experience can hinder actual gaming and fun.
  • Bandwagon mentality among publishers can lead to rushed and underdeveloped games.
  • Commitment required in gaming includes brainpower, time investment, scheduling challenges, and space dedication.
  • Lack of player aids in games can be frustrating for players.
  • Cash grabs in the industry, especially with IP-based games, can lead to subpar experiences.
  • Fear of missing out on new games can drive unnecessary purchases and affect enjoyment.
  • The pressure to keep up with trends and acquire new games can lead to unnecessary spending and stress.
  • Focusing on personal enjoyment and meaningful gaming experiences can outweigh the need to constantly acquire new games.

27:34

Game Buying Habits: Thrill, FOMO, and Prioritization

  • Many people buy games for the thrill and chase, almost like an addiction, rather than for thoughtful purchases.
  • Some individuals buy games with the intention of playing them but end up with many unplayed games on their shelves.
  • Buying games can sometimes feel like an insurance policy for future fun experiences.
  • It's essential to evaluate past game purchases to determine if they have provided the expected enjoyment.
  • The fear of missing out on new games can lead to a constant cycle of buying without fully experiencing each game.
  • It's impossible to play every game or read every book, so it's crucial to prioritize and accept missing out on some experiences.
  • Uninformed publishers who claim their games are revolutionary without understanding the existing gaming landscape can lead to disappointment.
  • Some individuals can become overly finicky about how their games are treated, making it uncomfortable for others to play.
  • Half-baked games with beautiful but impractical art, typos, and poorly designed inserts can hinder the overall gaming experience.
  • It's important for game developers to thoroughly playtest and address any issues before publishing to ensure a smooth gaming experience for players.

40:53

Challenges of Early Game Purchases and Gameplay

  • Early adopters may face challenges when a game is patched shortly after purchase due to FOMO.
  • Updates may improve the game, but new content may require repurchasing.
  • Dishonest player counts on game boxes can mislead new players and impact their experience.
  • Publishers should accurately represent player counts to avoid negative player experiences.
  • Bad rulebooks can hinder gameplay enjoyment and should be thoroughly playtested.
  • Messy eaters and mishandling of game components can damage games.
  • Analysis paralysis can prolong game sessions and detract from overall enjoyment.
  • Players taking excessive time for turns can disrupt the flow of gameplay and impact others.
  • Breaking the social contract in gaming can lead to misunderstandings and discomfort within gaming groups.

54:59

Navigating Unspoken Rules in Gaming Culture

  • Analysis paralysis is an unspoken rule in gaming where players should not take excessively long turns.
  • Basic unspoken rules include avoiding being overly negative, being a poor loser, and not being distracted by phones.
  • Being too competitive can violate the social contract in gaming.
  • Impatient learners who rush to start a game without understanding can disrupt the experience for others.
  • Excessive phone use during games can be disruptive and convey disinterest in the gaming experience.
  • Lack of social tolerance can lead to unnecessary conflicts over minor issues during gameplay.
  • Board gamers who push their preferences onto others, trying to convert them to their level of gaming, can be inconsiderate.
  • Gaming offers an opportunity to learn social skills and interact with others in uncomfortable situations.
  • Players should respect others' preferences and not force their gaming choices on them.
  • Understanding and accepting different gaming preferences is crucial for a harmonious gaming experience.

01:08:35

"Clear rulebooks and diversity enhance game experience"

  • Dismissive behavior towards significant others and children as mere stepping stones to desired experiences is problematic.
  • Exceptions to the rule of guiding someone from splendor to gloom don't define the norm.
  • Difficulty in understanding and writing rulebooks for games is a common issue.
  • Hiring skilled individuals like Will Me Bling Jr. for writing clear rulebooks can greatly benefit game design.
  • Poorly laid out rulebooks can lead to frustration and hinder enjoyment of games.
  • BoardGameGeek offers a platform for clarifying game rules and enhancing understanding.
  • Diversity and representation in board games are crucial for inclusivity and player engagement.
  • Lack of options for diverse characters in games can limit players' ability to see themselves as heroes.
  • Advocacy for diversity in game design is essential for broadening the appeal of games to a wider audience.
  • Alpha gamers who dominate gameplay and dictate others' moves can hinder the fun and learning experience for all players.

01:22:03

Gaming Obsession: Impact and Etiquette

  • Acquisition disorder is a common issue in the gaming community, where individuals feel compelled to collect every game and expansion, leading to an unhealthy obsession.
  • The pressure to own every game can stem from a fear of missing out (FOMO) and a desire to have the latest releases, often mocking others for not having certain games.
  • The text highlights the negative impact of acquisition disorder, emphasizing that it can lead to financial strain and a lack of enjoyment in gaming.
  • The speaker shares a personal experience of realizing they were keeping games they didn't even like in their collection, leading to a more fulfilling gaming experience after decluttering.
  • The importance of not judging others for not owning specific games is emphasized, as everyone has different preferences and limitations.
  • The speaker warns against the endless pursuit of acquiring every game, as it can lead to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment.
  • The text also addresses the issue of serious gamers who take their opinions too seriously, often dismissing others' enjoyment of certain games.
  • The speaker cautions against elitist behavior in the gaming community, where individuals belittle others for their gaming choices or preferences.
  • It is advised to be passionate about gaming but to also be mindful of how one's actions and words may impact others, especially newcomers to the hobby.
  • Lastly, the importance of personal hygiene, specifically addressing body odor, is highlighted as a crucial aspect of social interactions in gaming settings.

01:35:17

Gaming Etiquette: Respect and Inclusion Key

  • Being obnoxious at a gaming table is a significant issue, especially when it comes to personal hygiene, as it can affect everyone's experience.
  • The biggest enemy of gamers is often themselves, as different gaming preferences can lead to judgment and exclusion within gaming communities.
  • It's crucial to be mindful of how one's actions and comments can impact others in the gaming community, avoiding belittling or dismissing different gaming preferences.
  • The goal in gaming should be to make the experience enjoyable for all, rather than focusing on proving superiority or belittling others' choices, to prevent driving people away from the hobby.
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