The Cult of the New-ish

One of the most exciting aspects of being involved in the tabletop gaming community as a media member, content creator, or influencer is the opportunity to play a multitude of new and often unreleased games before they hit the public. This privilege allows for a unique chance to shape the messaging surrounding upcoming titles.

Like many enthusiasts, the thrill of exploring new games is a passion. Over the past couple of years, numerous pre-production copies (PPCs) of exciting strategy titles have crossed the desk, including Speakeasy by Vital Lacerda, which was available for play a year ahead of its market release. Other notable titles such as Shackleton Base: A Journey to the Moon, Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory, and the expansion Andromeda’s Edge: Genesis have also been part of this early experience, providing joy and anticipation for what’s to come.

The latest fascination is what is termed “the cult of the new-ish.” This concept encourages a focus not solely on brand-new titles but also on games released in the last two to three years that may have been overlooked. These include popular and well-regarded titles as well as hidden gems that didn’t achieve widespread recognition.

Many of these games have appeared on BoardGameGeek’s Hotness charts, reflecting the top 50 trending games daily. Some maintained their popularity for weeks, while others quickly faded from view. With thousands of games launching each year, it’s impossible to cover everything, even for prolific reviewers. Thus, a deliberate approach to revisit and explore missed games from previous years is essential.

Key Features of the Cult of the New-ish

Diverse Selection: This approach encompasses a wide range of titles that have gained traction, ensuring a mix of popular and lesser-known games.
Focus on Quality: Many of these games have received acclaim, making them worthy of attention despite being overshadowed by newer releases.
Community Engagement: Exploring these games fosters discussions within the gaming community, enhancing shared experiences and recommendations.
Rediscovery of Hidden Gems: The initiative allows players to uncover exceptional titles that may have been unjustly overlooked.

Some of the standout titles that are on the radar for this year include:

Age of Innovation: Despite missing the initial buzz, this game promises engaging mechanics akin to Terra Mystica and Gaia Project.
Wilmot’s Warehouse: Praised by peers, this game is a must-try, and there is a commitment to experience it soon.
Bomb Busters: A highly awarded deduction game that has captured the hearts of players worldwide, making it essential to experience.
Stationfall: A game filled with intrigue, blackmail, and betrayal, perfect for those who enjoy dramatic narratives.
Scarface 1920: With a mob theme and engaging gameplay, this title has garnered interest and demands attention.
Things in Rings: A party game that remains elusive, sparking a desire to partake in social gaming experiences.
Rise & Fall: A game with strong recommendations from trusted friends, promising an engaging play experience.
Last Light: After an exciting demo, the anticipation to revisit this title remains high.

This list is just the beginning. With a steady flow of games released each year, numerous excellent titles from recent years deserve attention. It’s time to embrace the challenge of exploring the vast landscape of board games and ensure that the cult of the new-ish continues to thrive.

Via BoardGameGeek Blog