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Barring a massive snowfall, I'm heading to the American International Toy Fair in New York City tomorrow. Look for complete coverage on Monday. (If it snows too much, I'll go up on Monday; in that case, coverage should be available on Tuesday.)
I'm the Boss
Sid Sackson's wild negotiation game Kohle, Kies & Knete was first published in 1994 and has been out of print since. On eBay, copies go for well over $50.(One auction that ended on February 2, 2003, closed at a price of $66.) I've played only once, but it was tremendous fun.
A company previously known for its roleplaying games is moving into the boardgame market with I'm the Boss, a new edition of Kohle, Kies & Knete. Monkey God Enterprises has announced plans to publish I'm the Boss sometime this year.
As a fan of negotiation games, I'm the Boss has become the most anticipated release of the year for me.
Board Games Survivor Island - Amazon Edition
The new Survivor is airing on CBS (great immunity challenge; loved the comeback) and our own Board Games Survivor Island game is back as well.
This time, there are 25 games on the island -- and you can win a game from the Sid Sackson collection by playing along. (To qualify for the Sackson game, your entry must be received by February 19, 2003. See the official rules for more details.)
Games I Can See While Sitting At My Computer
Two new games arrived this week, along with what looks to be a very interesting book.
I've read several chapters of The Game Inventor's Guidebook by Brian Tinsman (compare prices) so far, and at this point I'd rate it a must-read for anyone who is interested in designing games, or just learning more about the behind-the-scenes world of games. In fact, combine a read of The Game Inventor's Guidebook with Toy Wars: The Epic Struggle Between G.I. Joe, Barbie, and the Companies That Make Them (compare prices) and you'll have a solid working knowledge of the game industry.
The Game Inventor's Guidebook, a paperback, packs 30 chapters and several additional resources into 168 pages. Interviews with industry figures ranging from Brian Hersch (designer of Taboo and Outburst) to Alan R. Moon (designer of Elfenland and Union Pacific) add unique insight. Tinsman does a good job of covering many parts of the game industry. FOr example, Mike Gray, senior director of product design for Hasbro, is interviewed in a chapter right after Reiner Knizia. The first four chapters cover, in order, Trivial Pursuit, Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, and Pokemon.
Submitting games to publishers and self-publishing a game are both covered in some detail.
The book also has any number of interesting facts. For example: Elfenland has sold 600,000 copies worldwide; Mike Gray at Hasbro likes to play Carcassonne, Mystery Rummy #1, and Battle Line; Dungeons and Dragons was initially called The Fantasy Game; and the Marvel HeroClix game from WizKids sold about 3 million figures in the first two weeks it was available.
About Board Games Forum Post of the Week
From Sir Loin o' Beef:
The choices are: Cities and Knights of Catan, Vinci, Empire Builder, Puerto Rico, and Citadels.
Boardgames Poll of the Week
Have you ever played Sid Sackson's Kohle, Kies & Knete?
Last Week's Poll Results
Which of these games have you played most often?
It's never too late to add your vote!
About Something Else Site of the Week
The Daredevil movie is out, and I hope to see it today. In the meantime, I've read interviews with Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck, Michael Clarke Duncan and others at About.com's Romantic Movies site. Guide Rebecca Murray also has photos from the film's Hollywood premiere, trailers, and more.
Other Off-Topic Thoughts of the Week
24 might be the most enjoyable show on television, even if the plot is now completely over the top. Alias, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Simpsons, and Everybody Loves Raymond round out my non-reality top 5. The Mole, Amazing Race, and Survivor are my picks for the most enjoyable reality shows.
What's That You Say?
Talk back to SMG in the About Board Games Forum.
--Erik Arneson
15 February 2003
The Game Inventor's Guidebook
I have $30 in Funagain gift certificates left over from Christmas (or else wait until April for Goldland to come in). I'd rather not wait and all of these kinda draw me to them. Give me some pros and cons with your vote.
Post your response in the About Board Games Forum.
Vote now!
