Georgios
@georgiosp.bsky.social
he/him
writing about board games
blathering on podcasts
www.spielbar.com - reviews and essays about Games, in German
www.lestmyopinions.com - reviews and essays about Games, in English
writing about board games
blathering on podcasts
www.spielbar.com - reviews and essays about Games, in German
www.lestmyopinions.com - reviews and essays about Games, in English
I've only just started reading Unsettling Catan by @jreylee.bsky.social but the introduction already includes bangers like this one.
While also bringing up player *complicity*. I can't wait to get through more of its pages.
While also bringing up player *complicity*. I can't wait to get through more of its pages.
November 15, 2025 at 12:14 PM
I've only just started reading Unsettling Catan by @jreylee.bsky.social but the introduction already includes bangers like this one.
While also bringing up player *complicity*. I can't wait to get through more of its pages.
While also bringing up player *complicity*. I can't wait to get through more of its pages.
I played Bohemians last night.
I did not dislike Bohemians.
I did dislike the German rulebook.
I did not dislike Bohemians.
I did dislike the German rulebook.
November 14, 2025 at 10:15 AM
I played Bohemians last night.
I did not dislike Bohemians.
I did dislike the German rulebook.
I did not dislike Bohemians.
I did dislike the German rulebook.
Intriguing.
November 12, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Intriguing.
We often play together to be mean to each other. The "why" we come up with for doing so is worth talking about.
The crucible of competitive games
Any given competitive game can be seen as a test of individual morality. Not in the simplistic, binary sense of doing the „right“ thing and not the „wrong“ thing. Instead they challenge us to do something we know is wrong. If our upbringing hasn’t led us astray entirely, we not only have an interest in not harming others, but also to spare them inconveniences.
lestmyopinions.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:03 PM
We often play together to be mean to each other. The "why" we come up with for doing so is worth talking about.
This might have been the Ghibli film I've enjoyed the most.
Very entertaining.
Very entertaining.
Watching Porco Rosso for the first time.
An unexpectedly cool Ghibli movie, it seems. 😀
An unexpectedly cool Ghibli movie, it seems. 😀
November 9, 2025 at 7:42 PM
This might have been the Ghibli film I've enjoyed the most.
Very entertaining.
Very entertaining.
Watching Porco Rosso for the first time.
An unexpectedly cool Ghibli movie, it seems. 😀
An unexpectedly cool Ghibli movie, it seems. 😀
November 9, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Watching Porco Rosso for the first time.
An unexpectedly cool Ghibli movie, it seems. 😀
An unexpectedly cool Ghibli movie, it seems. 😀
To depict something means to reconstruct it in a different medium. Doing so means incorporating the limitations and characteristics of that medium.
It follows that all depiction is a distorted reconstruction within a medium. The way a movie distorts reality through editing. (1/3)
It follows that all depiction is a distorted reconstruction within a medium. The way a movie distorts reality through editing. (1/3)
November 9, 2025 at 11:40 AM
To depict something means to reconstruct it in a different medium. Doing so means incorporating the limitations and characteristics of that medium.
It follows that all depiction is a distorted reconstruction within a medium. The way a movie distorts reality through editing. (1/3)
It follows that all depiction is a distorted reconstruction within a medium. The way a movie distorts reality through editing. (1/3)
I'm starting to suspect that people welcome AI in their job exactly as far as they believe their job to be bullshit.
Nobody who believes their work has actual value will allow AI into it.
Nobody who believes their work has actual value will allow AI into it.
November 9, 2025 at 9:44 AM
I'm starting to suspect that people welcome AI in their job exactly as far as they believe their job to be bullshit.
Nobody who believes their work has actual value will allow AI into it.
Nobody who believes their work has actual value will allow AI into it.
Reposted by Georgios
We from spielbar.com need to open new revenues of income so, we have decided to market a calendar with some of @georgiosp.bsky.social finest work as motivational posters. We will be taking preorders for christmas
@spielbarcom.bsky.social
@spielbarcom.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 5:04 PM
We from spielbar.com need to open new revenues of income so, we have decided to market a calendar with some of @georgiosp.bsky.social finest work as motivational posters. We will be taking preorders for christmas
@spielbarcom.bsky.social
@spielbarcom.bsky.social
An opaque design is only interesting, if players understand enough to want to explore it further. Otherwise their first play will just be random non-sense: a bad experience they won't revisit.
First plays don't need to be fun, but they make the case for what further plays will be about.
First plays don't need to be fun, but they make the case for what further plays will be about.
November 8, 2025 at 8:23 AM
An opaque design is only interesting, if players understand enough to want to explore it further. Otherwise their first play will just be random non-sense: a bad experience they won't revisit.
First plays don't need to be fun, but they make the case for what further plays will be about.
First plays don't need to be fun, but they make the case for what further plays will be about.
Player agency is not a synonym for player control. Limiting player control is the whole idea behind games.
Agency is a product of these limitations, it doesn't stand in opposition to them.
#boardgames
Agency is a product of these limitations, it doesn't stand in opposition to them.
#boardgames
November 7, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Player agency is not a synonym for player control. Limiting player control is the whole idea behind games.
Agency is a product of these limitations, it doesn't stand in opposition to them.
#boardgames
Agency is a product of these limitations, it doesn't stand in opposition to them.
#boardgames
'Cult of the New' is a pejorative that has been embraced because people have understood on some level that content creators 'promoting the hobby' are inadvertently promoting conspicuous consumption.
Too many podcasts are effectively audiobook versions of loot pics.
#boardgames
Too many podcasts are effectively audiobook versions of loot pics.
#boardgames
November 7, 2025 at 7:16 AM
'Cult of the New' is a pejorative that has been embraced because people have understood on some level that content creators 'promoting the hobby' are inadvertently promoting conspicuous consumption.
Too many podcasts are effectively audiobook versions of loot pics.
#boardgames
Too many podcasts are effectively audiobook versions of loot pics.
#boardgames
Then they wrap up with "Games are always a proposition to players. They choose what they enjoy about it and do that."
It's great listening to people who not only like games, but also understand them.
It's great listening to people who not only like games, but also understand them.
I'm listening to a German video game podcast when one of the hosts casually drops the line "Games are agency generators".
Finally, somebody who gets it!
Finally, somebody who gets it!
That Was Spot On Freddie GIF
Alt: Young man pointing, subtitle says That Was Spot On
media.tenor.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Then they wrap up with "Games are always a proposition to players. They choose what they enjoy about it and do that."
It's great listening to people who not only like games, but also understand them.
It's great listening to people who not only like games, but also understand them.
Reposted by Georgios
This is yet another example of how you beat the far right. By beating them, not trying to be them. By having your own agenda, not aping theirs. With courage and conviction - and humour - not fear and timidity.
November 5, 2025 at 6:35 AM
This is yet another example of how you beat the far right. By beating them, not trying to be them. By having your own agenda, not aping theirs. With courage and conviction - and humour - not fear and timidity.
I'm listening to a German video game podcast when one of the hosts casually drops the line "Games are agency generators".
Finally, somebody who gets it!
Finally, somebody who gets it!
That Was Spot On Freddie GIF
Alt: Young man pointing, subtitle says That Was Spot On
media.tenor.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM
I'm listening to a German video game podcast when one of the hosts casually drops the line "Games are agency generators".
Finally, somebody who gets it!
Finally, somebody who gets it!
Board games are art. That's uncontroversial by now.
Art is successful when it is engaged with, not merely consumed. This is also uncontroversial.
With board games that engagement is literal, not figurative. We have to articulate the ideas play brings up. This is where criticism begins.
Art is successful when it is engaged with, not merely consumed. This is also uncontroversial.
With board games that engagement is literal, not figurative. We have to articulate the ideas play brings up. This is where criticism begins.
November 4, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Board games are art. That's uncontroversial by now.
Art is successful when it is engaged with, not merely consumed. This is also uncontroversial.
With board games that engagement is literal, not figurative. We have to articulate the ideas play brings up. This is where criticism begins.
Art is successful when it is engaged with, not merely consumed. This is also uncontroversial.
With board games that engagement is literal, not figurative. We have to articulate the ideas play brings up. This is where criticism begins.
I think I'd enjoy many eurogames more, if "amount of victory points" was the first tie-breaker as opposed to the winning condition.
#boardgames
#boardgames
November 2, 2025 at 1:55 PM
I think I'd enjoy many eurogames more, if "amount of victory points" was the first tie-breaker as opposed to the winning condition.
#boardgames
#boardgames
Reposted by Georgios
Hey all, you can read Unsettling Catan: Detached Design in Eurogames free online right now!
Stay tuned because instead of my typical monthly blog post, I'll be doing an AMA on BGG in a week or two.
#boardgames #NewBook @pbooth81.bsky.social @aarontram.bsky.social @uofmpress.bsky.social
Stay tuned because instead of my typical monthly blog post, I'll be doing an AMA on BGG in a week or two.
#boardgames #NewBook @pbooth81.bsky.social @aarontram.bsky.social @uofmpress.bsky.social
Unsettling Catan
Read Online Buy Paperback* Buy Audiobook Description Coverage *30% off with code UMWEB30 Audiobook Preview Description Most revolutions don’t start with nineteen cardboard hexagons, but Klaus Teube…
lookingglance.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Hey all, you can read Unsettling Catan: Detached Design in Eurogames free online right now!
Stay tuned because instead of my typical monthly blog post, I'll be doing an AMA on BGG in a week or two.
#boardgames #NewBook @pbooth81.bsky.social @aarontram.bsky.social @uofmpress.bsky.social
Stay tuned because instead of my typical monthly blog post, I'll be doing an AMA on BGG in a week or two.
#boardgames #NewBook @pbooth81.bsky.social @aarontram.bsky.social @uofmpress.bsky.social
I've just unpacked my copy of Thunder's Edge, and I kind of like what I'm seeing.
It seems to expand Twilight Imperium's width more than its depth, which is exactly what I want from an expansion for this game. Let's see when I'll get it played, before giving Prophecy of Kings another look.
It seems to expand Twilight Imperium's width more than its depth, which is exactly what I want from an expansion for this game. Let's see when I'll get it played, before giving Prophecy of Kings another look.
October 31, 2025 at 3:30 PM
I've just unpacked my copy of Thunder's Edge, and I kind of like what I'm seeing.
It seems to expand Twilight Imperium's width more than its depth, which is exactly what I want from an expansion for this game. Let's see when I'll get it played, before giving Prophecy of Kings another look.
It seems to expand Twilight Imperium's width more than its depth, which is exactly what I want from an expansion for this game. Let's see when I'll get it played, before giving Prophecy of Kings another look.
Reposted by Georgios
No one should ever be a billionaire for any reason.
Billionaires existing is an indication of the failure of the social order.
There are no alternative points-of-view.
Billionaires existing is an indication of the failure of the social order.
There are no alternative points-of-view.
"If you're a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?" Billie Eilish speaking directly to Mark Zuckerberg, as she donates $11.5m to food poverty and climate justice organisations.
'Give your money away,' Billie Eilish tells billionaires
The singer called on the mega wealthy to donate more to charity, during a speech at the WSJ Awards attended by the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and George Lucas.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 31, 2025 at 1:30 PM
No one should ever be a billionaire for any reason.
Billionaires existing is an indication of the failure of the social order.
There are no alternative points-of-view.
Billionaires existing is an indication of the failure of the social order.
There are no alternative points-of-view.
I think there are at least two games that have become practically unplayable because of their reputation:
Twilight Imperium
Paranoia (the role-playing game)
The former is assumed to last 9+ hours whenever it is played, while the latter is assumed to be unhinged PvP nonsense.
Twilight Imperium
Paranoia (the role-playing game)
The former is assumed to last 9+ hours whenever it is played, while the latter is assumed to be unhinged PvP nonsense.
October 31, 2025 at 12:01 PM
I think there are at least two games that have become practically unplayable because of their reputation:
Twilight Imperium
Paranoia (the role-playing game)
The former is assumed to last 9+ hours whenever it is played, while the latter is assumed to be unhinged PvP nonsense.
Twilight Imperium
Paranoia (the role-playing game)
The former is assumed to last 9+ hours whenever it is played, while the latter is assumed to be unhinged PvP nonsense.
Reposted by Georgios
Right before the internet is flooded with first impressions and excited loot pics, a quick review.
Star Wars Memoir '44 style: it's Battle of Hoth
#boardgames
Star Wars Memoir '44 style: it's Battle of Hoth
#boardgames
Star Wars – Battle of Hoth
John Williams’ theme to Star Wars is not only epic and quite catchy. It also is a major reason why the original movie series hits a certain tone. Despite its martial sounding name, you're told to expect adventure, excitement and heroism. As dark and dramatic some plot points may be, they all exist in service to the sense of adventure the films evoke.
lestmyopinions.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Right before the internet is flooded with first impressions and excited loot pics, a quick review.
Star Wars Memoir '44 style: it's Battle of Hoth
#boardgames
Star Wars Memoir '44 style: it's Battle of Hoth
#boardgames
Reposted by Georgios
A letter article between Chase and Thomas wonders how The Dice Tower mistook punching down on small games as having professional standards.
Tom Vasel wants indie designers to stop guilt tripping him
Directives from an ivory dice tower.
www.rascal.news
October 30, 2025 at 4:43 PM
A letter article between Chase and Thomas wonders how The Dice Tower mistook punching down on small games as having professional standards.
Seven Prophecies by Hinata Origuchi is a neat entry-level trick-taker, with cute illustrations. You don't just predict how many tricks you will score, but how you will rank in each trick.
Great way to practice reading your hand, anticipating other players' hands and obligatory card-counting.
Great way to practice reading your hand, anticipating other players' hands and obligatory card-counting.
October 30, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Seven Prophecies by Hinata Origuchi is a neat entry-level trick-taker, with cute illustrations. You don't just predict how many tricks you will score, but how you will rank in each trick.
Great way to practice reading your hand, anticipating other players' hands and obligatory card-counting.
Great way to practice reading your hand, anticipating other players' hands and obligatory card-counting.