Consider, for a minute, the following two collections of games:
Collection 1: Brass, Steam, Commands & Colors: Ancients, Paths of Glory, Age of Steam, Dominant Species, Hannibal: Rome vs. Carthage, Combat Commander: Europe, Goa, War of the Ring Collector’s Edition, Sid Meier’s Civilization: The Board Game, Runewars, Crokinole, Imperial, Here I Stand, Die Macher, Age of Empires III, Chaos in the Old World, Hansa Teutonica, Endeavor, Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear! Russia 1941-1942, Advanced Squad Leader, YINSH, Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries, Troyes, Claustrophobia, Space Alert, Blood Bowl: Living RuleBook, Wallenstein, Imperial 2030, Navegador, Hammer of the Scots, Struggle of Empires, Napoleon’s Triumph, Dune, Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation, Railways of the World, Indonesia, The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game, In the Year of the Dragon, Amun-Re, Cosmic Encounter, Taj Mahal, Space Hulk (3rd edition), Conflict of Heroes: Storms of Steel! Kursk 1943, Up Front, Notre Dame, Merchants & Marauders, Cyclades, London, Automobile, 1830, Warhammer: Invasion, Antiquity, Ticket to Ride: Märklin Edition
Collection 2: Citadels, Bohnanza, Lost Cities, Risk, Scrabble, Chess, RoboRally, Munchkin, Alhambra, Bang!, Catan Card Game, Magic: The Gathering, Monopoly, Lord of the Rings, Shadows over Camelot, Thurn and Taxis, Blokus, Hive, Apples to Apples, Guillotine, Diplomacy, Through the Desert, Coloretto, Ingenious, Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers, The Pillars of the Earth, Clue, Mr. Jack, UNO, Heroscape Master Set: Rise of the Valkyrie, Scotland Yard, Stratego, Saint Petersburg, Fluxx, Axis & Allies, Zooloretto, Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game, For Sale, Backgammon, Saboteur, Betrayal at House on the Hill, Hey, That’s My Fish!, Category 5, Forbidden Island, HeroQuest, Carcassonne: The Castle, Fury of Dracula, No Thanks!, Runebound (2nd edition), Jambo, Pirate’s Cove, Torres, Formula Dé, Nexus Ops, Dungeon Twister
So, given these differences – which collection better matches with your preferences?
Using the above lists, count how many games:
- You like enough to want to have in your collection
- You like enough to be willing to play again
- You haven’t played, but would be interested in trying
For example, for me:
From the first collection, there are 9 games I like enough to want in my collection, 8 which I would be willing to play again, and 1 which I haven’t played, but would be interested in trying. A total of 18 of 55, or 33%
From the second collection, there are 12 games I like enough to want in my collection, 23 which I would be willing to play again, and 2 which I haven’t played, but would be interested in trying. A total of 37 of 55, or 67%
Mark Jackson:
From the first collection, there is only 1 game I like enough to want in my collection, 6 I’d be willing to play again & 4 that I haven’t played but would be interested in trying. A total of 11 of 55, or 20%.
From the second collection, there are 12 games I like enough to want in my collection, 20 I’d be willing to play again, and 1 which I haven’t played but would be interested in trying. A total of 33 out of 55, or 60%.
Ted Cheatham:
I took the simple approach due to time.
List one I would keep 24 games in my collection and probably have them (44%)
List two I would keep 47 games in my collection and probably have them (85%)
Patrick Brennan:
I just did the one count, of games that I either have or eventually want in my collection My count was in the low 30’s for both of them, almost identical.
Larry Levy:
I just counted the games that I like in each collection. There are 24 such games that are in Collection 1, but only 12 such games in Collection 2. So a clear win for Collection 1.
Matt Carlson:
Collection 1: 11 I really, really want in my collection but I own about 24 of them.
Collection 2: About 18 or so I would definitely want in my collection, but I own about 42 of them.
Collection 1 seems to be a bit more Euro-y, and collection 2 seems to be more broad based. I own so many more of those because I try to be able to provide a game for a broad range of tastes. For games I would like to try, there are many, many more games in collection 1 that I’ve never played and would like to try (given enough time or opportunity), but many of those are simply not available to me in my local gaming group. (Or if they are, they’re of the far too long to play variety…) There are about 8 games in collection 1 that I’ve never tried and would love to give them a go, at least to see what they’re like.
Dale Yu:
Using the Collection 1 list, there are 7 games that I would own in my ideal game collection, though I actually own 30. (Generally speaking, the fact that I still own a game is a sign that I would play it again.) As far as Collection 2, there are 14 games that I would own in my ideal game collection, though I actually own 47. As far as games that I haven’t played, but want to try — Collection 1: 3 Collection 2: 0.
My totals –
Collection 1: 33
Colelction 2: 47
1st list: 39 of 55 or 71%
2nd list: 10 of 55 or 18%
I own many games in both list but I counted games I am interested in playing a game of right now.
What is the relevance of the outcome? I’m guessing there is either some aspects of this post missing or there will be a follow up post shortly…
For the 1st list there are 20 games I like and want to play, whereas for the second list it is only 9. At first glance, the lists clearly differ on playing time and weight. The preferences remind me of a cluster analysis someone once did of BGGers based on their ratings. Those dimensions mainly described differences between the two largest groups.
Want to make a bet on how Tom Vasel would sort out?
47 vs 34 for me, but I’m happy to play most things once. As expected, I suppose this indicates my preference is for medium to heavy Euros.
What is the relevance of the outcome? I’m guessing there is either some aspects of this post missing or there will be a follow up post shortly…
Tomorrow, in fact…
For collection 1, I found 3, maybe 4, games I’m interested in. From collection 2, that number was 8.
I’m guessing this is some sort of “highest rated” vs. “most owned” comparison, as the second list seems to be the most popular games on BGG while the first list is some sort of Cult of the New/faddish/elitist grouping. At least that’s how it looks to me.
1830, Brass and Age of Steam are all Cult of the new?
37 for collection 1 vs. 20 for collection 2
In terms of owned, category 2 wins hands down: 6 to 30 (though 2 of those I could and should get rid of)
About even in terms of games I’ve played but don’t own but liked.
In terms of games I’m interested in laying, at 1 has 28 (!) and 2 has 10.
Collection A: Own 10, would play again 15 and would like to try 9 = 34.
Collection B. Own 19, would play again 17 and would like to try 3 = 39.
Hmmm. No clear cut leader for me. I echo Matt Carlson’s comments.
I own 38 of Category 1 and 53 of Category 2, but only care about keeping 37 of Category 1 and 31 of Category 2. Some are kept for completeness, what would a collection be without Scrabble, even if I don’t want to play it. If someone really wants to play it, I will, but it’s far from my first (or second or…) choice. Others still have some sentimental value, even if I don’t want to play again or at least not in foreseeable future. (Diplomacy, I am looking at you, here).
For Question 2, I have and would like to play 32 of the first group and 30 of the second. For want to try, but haven’t, there are18 in the first category, but only 1 of the second.
There are only four in the first group that I’ve played, but would prefer not to play again while there are twenty two in category two that I’d be ok never playing again. However, there are many in category two that I probably will play again because friends and family like them.
So I conclude that in an ideal world, I like Category 1 better, but live up to my BGG banner, omnigamer!
Seems like something with weight or direct conflict going on.
You like enough to want to have in your collection: 10 in the first, 15 in the second
You like enough to be willing to play again: 7 in the first, 8 in the second
You haven’t played, but would be interested in trying: 6 in the first, 1 in the second
23/55 = 42% for the first set
24/55 = 44% for the second set
I guess I’m a Catagory 2 gamer.
From Catagory 1: I own 2 (3 if Lord of the Rings The Card Game is the same as The Fellowship of The Ring: Das Kartenspiel, but I don’t think it is.) I would play 4 that I don’t own, and I haven’t played 1 but would like to.
From Catagory 2: I own 12 (assuming that the old Take 6 counts, since it’s the same game as Category 5), would play 4 that I don’t own, and don’t see any that I haven’t played but would like to.
I guess I’m a Collection 2 gamer.
From Collection 1, I own 2 (three if “LOTR The Card Game” is the same as “The Fellowship of the Ring: Das Kartenspiel”, but I don’t think it is). I would play 4 again, and I want to play 1 that I’ve never tried.
From Collection 2, I own 12 (assuming that “Take 6” counts as “Category 5”, since they’re the same game), I would play 4 again, and there are none that I want to try but haven’t.
Collection 1: 23 (7+7+9) of 55. That’s a 42%.
Collection 2: 15 (3+6+6) of 55. That’s a 27%.
The “You like enough to be willing to play again” question is curious. Could be reformulated to ask “What you’ve played more than 2 times?”.
One thing is the intention of playing again, quite another is finding the time to do so.
ps. you forgot High Frontier in the first Collection. ;-)
The “You like enough to be willing to play again” question is curious. Could be reformulated to ask “What you’ve played more than 2 times?”.
That’s not my intent – but I agree that it’s a classification that has a lot to do with my own approach.
I tend to divide games into roughly five buckets:
1) Favorite
2) Like enough to own
3) Like enough to be willing to play
4) Prefer not to play
5) Will not play
For example, I don’t have Monopoly in my collection, as I’m not _that_ interested in playing it, but I am willing to play it, and will do so every now and again. I would prefer not to play Diplomacy again, in contrast, and I just won’t play Poker.
For those willing to play anything, it’s not such a meaningful distinction. By all means, please feel free to reformulate to a different option that fits better.
My comment was just a joke referring to the games that we store in our collection and would be glad to play again, but never found the time to do so, because the amount of new games that are published (and I buy them!)
I have a copy of Here I Stand, but … I never find time to play! :-(
I really like this blog. :-*
First group- 26-22-5
Second group 15-10-0
I pretty much know what I like to play and then purchase. I like medium to heavy euros and finding people to play them is occasionally a problem. Gamers trending toward lighter games does not help. :)
17 in the first group that I own; 16 in the second group are owned. I have a hard time quantifying the other questions. For me, if I want to play it multiple times, I generally keep a copy rather than depend on someone else supplying it. There are other games on the lists that I have owned, and generally I’m willing to play anything again depending on the alternatives at a given time. But there is nothing on either list that I would rather play over the games I own. There are a couple more on each list that I’ve never played an would be interested in trying, but many more that I really know nothing about.
Would it be easier to just count the number of games you don’t care for at all and then work out the percentage? For me, I pick out 26 in list #1 I don’t care for which means there are 29 that I am interested in: 26/55 = 47%. I picked out 36 in list #2 I don’t care for which translates into 19/55 I am interested in = 35%.
For the sake of the final percentage, it doesn’t seem to matter whether you want to own a game or try one out for the first time.
Generally, there are more games (20+) in Category I than Category II (10+) that I’d be willing to play, but…
A) There are many more games in Category I that I’d be *excited* to play. It leans toward heavier games which I regard as really interesting, whereas Category II has many games that I’d be willing to play but would rarely choose, given the opportunity to play one from Category I.
B) Given the shorter scope of many of the games in Category II, most of those are easier to get on the table. By that standard, I should want more of them in my collection, because I’ll actually play them at any time. But truthfully, I’d rather have the ones in Category I, and twist arms to get them on the table.
Collection 1: 21
Collection 2: 29
Collection 1: Own 1 Additional Interest: 0
Collection 2: Own 14 Additional Interest: 3
Collection 1: 23 out of 55
Collection 2: 18 out of 55
It seems to me that Collection 1 is heavier games, while Collection 2 is lighter games. I like both types, so my preferences are reasonably balanced between the two groups.
Joe, not sure how to parse it… any game I want to own is a game I’d like to play again. So anything on list 1 shouldn’t be on list 2?
(…and I couldn’t do it in a minute!)
For me:
List 1 – Like enough to keep/add to my collection – 21. Would play again 18. haven’t played, but would – 3
List 2 – Like enough to keep/add – 4. Would play again – 6. Haven’t played, but would – 0
Put me solidly in the first group, barely in the second.
1st group: 62%
2nd group: 36%
I’m very curious what the clou will be…
Collection 1: 23
Collection 2: 22
I changed your second and third criteria to something like “I would actually LIKE to play this” instead of just “I would play this”.
Collection 1: Own 6, Would play again 12, Would like to play 10 = 28 (51%)
Collection 2: Own 25, Would play again 9, Would like to play 3 = 37 (67%)
I guess I’m in collectcion 2 camp but there are many games in that set that I own but will only play with the kids and with family.
Collection 1:
Want to Own: 21
Willing to play again: 24
Interested in playing: 20
Actually Own: 20
44/55 = 80%
Collection 2:
Want to Own: 39
Willing to play again: 39
Interested in playing: 8
Actually Own: 45
47/55 = 85% hardline, 53/55 = 96% softline
Note: To count in Want to Own, I assumed I don’t currently own in and would I be willing to purchase it for personal or family play. Thus my Actually Own in Collection 2 is slightly higher than my Want to Own. I have counted games I already own in willing to play again which is not consistent with some of the other people.
Collection 1: 48 (87%)
Collection 2: 30 (55%)