Summary
In this episode of the Board Game Squad podcast, hosts Paul Shapiro and Gabe Pesso discuss Gabe’s recent experience at Essen Spiel, the world’s largest board game convention. They explore the differences between Essen and other conventions like Gen Con, delve into Gabe’s journey into board gaming, and share insights on various games played at the convention, including Civolution, Tea Garden, and SETI. The conversation also touches on the impact of language at international conventions, the importance of good demos, and the upcoming games and conventions in the board gaming community.
Takeaways
- Essen Spiel is the largest board game convention in the world, attracting around 200,000 attendees.
- Gabe’s board game collection has grown from 20 to 4,000 games since he started in 2016.
- Civolution is a complex game that requires significant learning but offers a rewarding experience.
- Tea Garden combines deck building with strategic gameplay, making it accessible yet deep.
- Language at Essen is predominantly English, making it easier for international attendees to communicate.
- Good demos are crucial for game sales; a bad demo can sour the experience.
- Gabe brought back around 130 pounds of games from Essen, showcasing his passion for board gaming.
- Pax Unplugged is favored for its cozy atmosphere and great food compared to larger conventions.
- AI-generated art in games is a controversial topic, but it shouldn’t deter players from enjoying the game.
- The board gaming community is vibrant and constantly evolving, with new games and conventions emerging.
Chapters
00:00 Essen Spiel 2024: The World’s Biggest Board Game Convention
04:29 Gabe’s Journey into Board Gaming
08:37 Comparing Essen Spiel and Gen Con
11:47 Overall Impressions of Essen Spiel
16:26 Language and Communication at Essen
20:13 Games Played at Essen: Highlights and Experiences
27:41 Demo Experiences: The Good and the Bad
36:45 Exploring New Board Games
44:46 Highlights from Essen Spiel 2023
54:18 Upcoming Games and Conventions
57:02 Final Thoughts on Game Design and Art
Paul Shapiro is Founder and Editor of Board Game Squad. He enjoys all types of games and experiences, but has a particular penchant for medium to heavy eurogames.