CARDBOARD MANIFESTO
PIECES NEED PURPOSE
More and more games are boxed with elaborate miniatures that look great but do nothing. Simon Castle argues why these models need a place on the board before they have a place on the shelf.
Words by Simon Castle
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.