Board Games Monthly Curation: Must-Read Articles from Mid-January to Mid-February

The past month has been another exciting time for board game enthusiasts, with fascinating discoveries, deep-dive reviews, and insightful analyses shaping the tabletop gaming landscape. From ancient Roman strategy tokens to the latest Kickstarter successes, there has been no shortage of intriguing developments. Here are some of the standout articles that I’ve come across, each offering a unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of board games.

Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery that offers a glimpse into the recreational lives of Roman soldiers. Excavations have uncovered ancient tokens that were likely used to play strategy games, providing a fascinating connection between past and present gaming traditions. This find highlights how games have long been a crucial part of human culture, especially in military settings where they may have served as both entertainment and strategic training. Read more here.

Among the standout reviews of the month, 7 Empires has garnered attention for its ambitious approach to civilization-building gameplay. With deep strategic layers and dynamic player interactions, this game challenges players to balance expansion with diplomacy. Whether you’re a fan of 4X mechanics or looking for something that rewards careful planning, this review highlights what makes 7 Empires a compelling choice. Read the full review here.

Another review that caught my eye is The White Castle Matcha, a beautifully designed game that blends thoughtful strategy with an elegant aesthetic. This is a new version of The White Castle, refining and expanding upon the mechanics of the original while maintaining its strategic depth and visual charm. This piece delves into the mechanics, theme, and overall experience of the game, illustrating how it builds upon its predecessor to stand out in a crowded field. If you appreciate games that are as visually appealing as they are mechanically sound, this is worth exploring. Read the review here.

Kickstarter continues to be a driving force in the board game industry, shaping trends and funding some of the most ambitious projects. This past year, the platform has seen remarkable successes, with some of the biggest campaigns making waves in the community. Notably, renowned author Brandon Sanderson has increasingly relied on Kickstarter to fund his projects, setting records in the crowdfunding space and demonstrating the platform’s power in supporting large-scale creative endeavors. A detailed breakdown of the top 10 Kickstarter campaigns of 2024 reveals what’s resonating with backers, showcasing innovative mechanics, bold themes, and the creativity of modern game designers. Explore the full analysis here.

Beyond individual projects, the performance of Kickstarter as a whole remains a key topic in the industry. An in-depth analysis of how the platform has fared so far in 2024 provides insights into funding trends, shifting consumer preferences, and the evolving expectations of backers. With major projects finding success, it’s clear that crowdfunding remains a strong pillar of board game development. Check out the full report here.

However, Kickstarter’s dominance in the space is being increasingly challenged by Gamefound, a rising competitor that has secured some of the biggest tabletop fundraises of 2023. With half of last year’s top-funded board games launching on this platform, Gamefound is proving to be a formidable alternative, offering new opportunities for creators and backers alike. If you’re curious about alternative funding avenues and how Gamefound is impacting the industry, this analysis provides key insights. Read more here.

Gamefound, a rising competitor to Kickstarter in the crowdfunding space, has been making waves with its record-breaking campaigns. This piece explores how Gamefound secured some of the biggest tabletop fundraises of 2023, challenging Kickstarter’s dominance in the space. With half of last year’s top-funded board games launching on this platform, Gamefound’s impact on the industry is undeniable. If you’re a creator or backer curious about alternative funding avenues, this article offers key insights. Read more here.

From historical discoveries to modern funding shifts and deep strategic board game experiences, the past month has been rich with compelling developments. Whether you’re drawn to the stories behind ancient games, intrigued by the latest releases, or keen to explore the ever-changing world of crowdfunding, there’s something here for every tabletop enthusiast.

For more exciting updates, keep an eye on the Curation section of aellomegames.com 🔗. News and highlights from the upcoming month will be posted there, ensuring you stay connected with the latest trends, releases, and discussions in the vibrant board game universe.