The Maybe Pile
by Justin Bell
In the world of board gaming, the term “the shelf of shame” has become well-known. It humorously refers to those games that languish on your shelf, purchased weeks, months, or even years ago, yet remain unplayed. Perhaps you acquired a game because its vibrant color scheme complemented the other titles in your collection. Regardless, the shelf of shame symbolizes the challenge many gamers face: the paradox of owning numerous games without the time or opportunity to enjoy them.
While the shelf of shame deserves recognition, the concept of “the Maybe Pile” has captured attention in recent discussions. This intriguing term encompasses games that present a unique challenge when it comes to their likelihood of making it to the gaming table, a phenomenon I’ve dubbed “tablebility.”
Key Features of the Maybe Pile
- Challenge of Tablebility: The Maybe Pile consists of games that, despite their quality, struggle to find a place in regular gaming sessions due to various factors, including player preferences and availability.
- Mixed Enjoyment: Games often find themselves in the Maybe Pile when they are enjoyable but fail to garner sufficient enthusiasm for a repeat play. This creates a paradox for the owner, who appreciates the game yet cannot convince others to revisit it.
- Solo Play Limitations: Some games may shine in solo play, but if the owner prefers group experiences, they risk being overlooked in favor of more socially engaging options.
- Competing Titles: The presence of more popular games that replicate the mechanics of those in the Maybe Pile often leads to their neglect, despite the owner’s fondness for them.
- Potential for Expansion: Certain games in the Maybe Pile are close to greatness but lack the expansions that could elevate them, leaving the owner hopeful for future releases.
- Time Commitment: Longer games, like some 18xx titles, may be adored by the owner but are often shelved in favor of shorter alternatives that better fit gaming sessions.
The Maybe Pile can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it holds games that the owner loves and wants to share; on the other, it serves as a reminder of the games that have not found their way back to the table. For instance, a game like Raising Robots exemplifies this dilemma. Although it is a well-received engine-building game that accommodates up to six players and is easy to teach, it finds itself in the Maybe Pile because players may enjoy it but are hesitant to play it again. The owner may even consider giving away the game, but the fear of missing out on future play sessions often keeps it within reach.
As the owner navigates their collection, they may find that games which they rate highly do not always resonate with their gaming group. This disconnect can lead to a growing Maybe Pile, where beloved titles remain unplayed. The reality is that, despite the time constraints of gaming reviewers, who often prioritize new releases, the emotional attachment to these games complicates the decision to part with them.
Ultimately, the Maybe Pile represents the bittersweet nature of board gaming. It is a collection of cherished games that, for various reasons, remain in limbo. As gamers reflect on their collections, the Maybe Pile serves as a reminder of the joy of ownership and the challenges of sharing those experiences with others. The games may not always make it to the table, but the love for them endures, creating a unique narrative within the broader gaming journey.
Via BoardGameGeek Blog
