Eurogames : The Design, Culture and Play of Modern European Board Games

While board games can appear almost primitive in the digital age, eurogames—also known as German-style board games—have increased in popularity nearly concurrently with the rise of video games. Eurogames have simple rules and short playing times and emphasize strategy over luck and conflict. This book examines the form of eurogames, the hobbyist culture that surrounds them, and the way that hobbyists experience the play of such games. It chronicles the evolution of tabletop hobby gaming and explores why hobbyists play them, how players balance competitive play with the demands of an intimate social gathering, and to what extent the social context of the game encounter shapes the playing experience. Combining history, cultural studies, leisure studies, ludology, and play theory, this innovative work highlights a popular alternative trend in the gaming community. Cover 1 Table of Contents 6 Preface 8 Introduction 12 1. A Brief Introduction to Hobby Games 22 2. Anglo-American Hobby Board Games 1960–1995 39 3. Gesellschaftsspiele —Gaming in Germany 53 4. From German Games to Eurogames 70 5. The Eurogame Genre 86 6. Hobby Gamers 127 7. The Pleasures of Play 153 8. Goals and Outcomes in Social Play 180 9. An Act Apart? 201 Conclusion 217 Chapter Notes 224 Bibliography 238 Index 264 "This book chronicles the evolution of tabletop hobby gaming, explores why hobbyists play eurogames, how players balance the structure of competitive play with the demands of an intimate social gathering, and to what extent the social context of the game encounter shapes the playing experience. This innovative work highlights a popular alternative trend in the gaming community"--Provided by publisher. "This book chronicles the evolution of tabletop hobby gaming, explores why hobbyists play eurogames, how players balance the structure of competitive play with the demands of an intimate social gathering, and to what extent the social context of the game encounter shapes the playing experience. This innovative work highlights a popular alternative trend in the gaming community"-- Provided by publisher