If you’ve tried playing digital versions of board games, you’ve probably noticed something before too long – usually, it’s just not as fun as playing the physical version. Part of that is the fact you’re probably playing with people over a video call (if not just against an AI) but the other key part is the loss of tactility. Moving physical pieces around is satisfying and fun. Board games are, in one sense, simply elaborate toy sets – ones with codified rules and goals, but toys to be played with, nonetheless.
And with an ever growing push towards intricate, gorgeous miniatures being included with games, it seems this should be more obvious than ever. Sure, you could play Anachrony with your hulking robotic exosuits for traversing the post-apocalyptic wasteland represented by a cardboard hexagon with their worker pilot on top – but wouldn’t you rather actually have that exosuit in a 3D sculpt with a slot to slide your worker into? It gives impact to your presence on the board and sells the story of this expedition being costly to power and meaningful in impact. The toy aspect of the game shines through as you move your models around, playing out your decisions and actions.