What to Consider with a New Game Purchase

So, the time has come to purchase a new game. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, the decision-making process can be both daunting and exciting. Regardless of who you’re purchasing for, the considerations are largely the same. To help, I want to share the factors I weigh when deciding to expand my board game collection. Hopefully, this guide will assist you the next time you’re searching for the perfect game!

Price

Price is something that will vary greatly from person to person and from purchase to purchase. It’s not something I’ll dwell on for too long. Board gaming, as a hobby, isn’t always the cheapest, and what constitutes value for money will differ for everyone.

The way I approach it is this: I’m not just spending money on a game. I’m spending it on the memories and experiences the game will provide.

Player Count

One of the first things to consider is how many players the game accommodates. If most of your games are played with just two people, buying a game like Rising Sun, which requires a minimum of three players, probably isn’t worthwhile since it won’t make it to the table often. Similarly, if you have a regular group of five, purchasing a game that caps at four players means someone will either sit out or the game won’t get played.

Some four-player games offer expansions for a fifth player, but these can be hit or miss. For example, the extra players in Cosmic Encounter expansions work well, but adding players to games like Lords of Hellas can disrupt the balance or flow.

Another key point: just because a box lists a wide player range doesn’t mean the game plays well at all counts. For instance, some games include solo or two-player modes by using an automa or a mechanic to simulate additional players. These solutions can vary in quality, so research is essential.

Play Time

Closely tied to player count is playtime, including setup and teardown. Take Twilight Imperium 4, for example—one of my favorite games. It’s incredible, and I think everyone should try it, but I’ve never played a session in under six hours.

If your collection is small or you don’t have full days to dedicate to gaming, games like Twilight Imperium may not be practical since they won’t hit the table often. Consider not just how much time you can commit to playing but also how long a game takes to prepare and pack away.

Research

For me, the most important—and enjoyable—aspect of buying a new game is the research. Whether it’s watching YouTube reviews, browsing bestseller lists, Googling recommendations, or reading board game blogs, every source provides unique perspectives and insights.

I like to seek out both positive and negative reviews. It’s not just about understanding what people love about a game—it’s equally important to know its weaknesses.

Design Team

When looking at the design team, I consider the publisher, designer, and graphic artist. Each of these plays a key role in determining whether a game is right for you.

· Publisher: This gives insight into the quality of the components and overall production. Poorly produced games can turn people off, even if the gameplay is enjoyable.

· Artist: Many artists have a distinctive style that carries over between games. If you’ve liked their work before, chances are you’ll enjoy their contributions to other games.

· Graphic Designer: While the artist focuses on aesthetics, the graphic designer ensures functional design, such as clear iconography, effective board layouts, and well-placed card text. Good graphic design is essential for making a game easy to understand, teach, and play.

· Designer: Designers often have signature styles or mechanics they return to. If you’ve enjoyed a designer’s past work, their new games might appeal to you, though it’s not guaranteed.

Complexity

Complexity is probably the hardest factor to gauge since it’s subjective. Within my gaming group, opinions differ on which games are complicated and which are straightforward.

The best indicators of complexity are the weight rating on Board Game Geek and the complexity score on Zatu reviews. Both use a scale of 1 to 5, providing a general idea of whether the game suits your tastes.

Also, think about the preferences of the people you’ll play with. Striking a balance is key. Games that are too easy might bore experienced players, while overly complex ones can overwhelm others, making the experience less enjoyable—or even anxiety-inducing.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, these tips will help you find the perfect game for yourself or your group. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the time spent together, creating memories around the table. Happy gaming!