In Defence Of The UnGame | Board Game History 

A game based on listening to others without bashing them with your opinion and needing a general sense of empathy seems destined to be unliked by the internet. The work going into the videos at Phenoma-nerds to get at the heart of what connects us to communal gaming is extremely top-notch. This is the best example of that yet.

God I could listen to Adam talk about this game non-stop. The idea that you get to just say something about yourself and don't have to worry about how people are going to immediately respond, positively, negatively, or otherwise, means a lot to me. This game sounds like a very pleasent experience, and I'd love to play it for myself some day.

Can we just take a moment and acknowledge that this video had almost everything great in it? It was fun, educational, wholesome, corgis, friends, corgis, a freaking flintlock pistol, I may or may not have spit some water on my mousepad as a direct result of that joke, production value, memes, 90s references, corgis, Tom and there were corgis. I think. Not sure on that last one

As someone who was scarred by this game in therapy as a kid, I've always had a level of hate for it. But watching this video as an adult really makes me have a better opinion of it. I appreciate this video and maybe I will hate the idea of it a little less going forward.

Coming late to this video, I thought it was extremely interesting and very thoughtful. I'm autistic and many autistic people have a trait called alexyithmia which can make it hard for someone to recognise and describe their own emotions. The Ungame and similar tools may well be very useful as a means of improving that. I also know that there are much newer games such as The Color Monster, a game about identifying different emotions & aimed at young children, that are also obviously more refined as they have a few more decades of knowledge to work from. Play therapy has also come a long way and therapists use a wide variety of techniques with kids and families. As a parent of neurodivergent children, I have had to spend a lot of time in the offices of many professionals here in France. I can tell you now that every single one of them had a copy of Dixit on a shelf somewhere! My youngest daughter attends an after school unit for kids who need more support and they also use role play (in a therapy sense), board games and RPGs with the kids as well as things like music therapy etc. The Ungame seems to be very much a product of its time but it also still has a lot going for it! I wonder what it would look like if it were updated by someone like Alan Gerding, designer of Two Rooms and a Boom but also a Psychology Professor, for example? OK, having written an essay, I'm going to watch more videos on this wonderful new channel of yours that I have just discovered!

I mean now that I'm 26 and living with my s.o. the game has it's appeal but to be fair, the thought of being forced by my parents to play this as a teenager 10-15 years ago is the worst nightmare I can think of

I've really enjoyed how much it feels like Adam can just do whatever he wants in the most recent videos he's been in, like the creativity is infectious

My team and I use a card version of the Ungame when we do group therapy with teens. We "rig" the cards by putting some light funny cards in then pull out ones that we tailor to the group we are doing. The results are wonderful as we've had some amazing results and the teens enjoy being able to speak and not have to worry about what other people are going to say. We then process with the teens individually when they share deep feelings before sending them back to classes or home for the day. Awesome Video for a very good game.

It's interesting how much those overtly hostile (rather than critical) reviews almost exactly mirror angry reviews of "walking simulators." But as you say: certainly not going to use that to imply the incredible insecurity of some people.

You're making an extremely rich and interesting channel here, Adam. I really like it a lot.

As a person who struggles to communicate my feelings to others and has done for a long time, this game sounds incredible. Wonderful video, love this channel and the work you all do. Merry christmas and happy gaming

Thank you so much Adam. Seeing this video a year ago led to me starting my entire undergrad dissertation on The Ungame. That dissertation just received a distinction mark! ❤

I honestly had no idea what this game was... just that it was "hated". Now... I'm interested (with the right group of course).

I personally think if people were moved by this, they should help this game out by rating it higher on Board game geek. I just hate knowing that something like this is getting buried under hate when it was made with so much heart Edit, obviously not try to give it a 10 or 9 rating. But damn it doesn't deserve a 2.8

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would more deep diving into game plzzzz

This video was really good. After I heard Pete and Andy talk about it Ive wanted to give this a try.

Quite honestly one of the best board game reviews I've ever watched. Bravo.

I love your review of this game! I'm a counselor myself and from what I gathered, this game creates the space for vulnerability and offers an experience itself teaches active listening. It's amazing how we don't need to be taught "how" to do these things but they happen when we allow them to. The staying silent when others are talking and not giving feedback are tenants in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and sometimes in group therapy check-ins. Also, your hour debriefing afterward is often something we as therapists do toward the end of session, whether individuals or groups. The things we talk about are called "content" but then it's important to discuss the "process," or what it was like to talk about those things. I've often gotten giggles in my groups for pulling out a "jar of feelings" but it's incredible to see a group of people from all walks of life connect and relate in a way they didn't expect was possible. While I don't have intentions to necessarily use this game in a counseling session, I might want to pick this up for the theme and to experience it myself as a gamer and more importantly, a person.

"the Hawthorne Effect" - so something I fundamentally hated Big Brother for actually has a name? Cool!

I love you, Adam!!! Yes!!! My British friends are reviewing UNGAME!!! It’s an autastic’s dream! I was in special ass-burger aka HYPERACTIVE classes 1976-1979 at Ambruster School in Greendale, WI led by Mrs. Linda Shackner. AND, we played this game non-stop!!! I want to talk about my feelings NOOOOOOOW!!!!

Why does the other Adam have a flintlock pistol instead of a webbley?

My first reaction to the concept was that it seemed like the game equivalent of those anti technology melodramatic art pieces that people share on Facebook. The ones that see phones as evil. Seeing how it was used to help someone with a disability, it really opened my eyes. Maybe that’s selfish of me. The no interruption mechanic really excited me as my family conversations were regularly filled with interruption. Being in the Bdsm scene It almost feels like to a conversation, what an orgy is to just a group of people having sex There are rules, there is consent, there is after care. It is unnatural but in its structure there is a blanket that allows vulnerability

I'm exactly the demographic this game is designed for. And even without playing it, I detest that there's even a possibility I might one day be asked to play it.

This game sounds exactly like the kind of thing I could've used during my most depressed times

We used to play this game while drunk at uni in Australia in the early 00s. I found a copy a few years ago in an op shop. This is literally the first time I've never hear anyone outside my group of friend ever to talk about it.

Im not into board games, im into the charismatic bunch of people on this channel that talk about board games. *Am I the baddy?*

I can’t believe how much I actually enjoy this channel, lists and videos like these, don’t even play board games but learning how monopoly saved lives was interesting

Come for the board game history. Stay for the Prefab Sprout references.

Loved this video. Would love to play this game. And also, I would love to watch the video of the group playing the game. I totally understand why you wouldn't want to share it with the entire world (especially on the internet of all places) but I think it would be fascinating.

Now I want a remake of the Young Ones where Rick, Vyv, Neil, and Mike are all just different Adams.

I want the recording of you guys playing the game so bad! This was a great video!

Glad Adam is back on RU-vid him and Patch got me back n2 the graps and this is bringin back a love of boardgames! Now that I have a daughter when she's older, her and my wife, we can go crazy playin... Also still love Sorry

Dude, cool video. Wasn't sure how much of a deep dive you were going to do and I really appreciate your sincere approach and frank opinion. Like, I've never playing anything these types of games -seen them a plenty but never played/experienced one- but it is an interesting take. Admittedly, I am looking at thing in the autumn of 2021, but I still think this was a mighty good video to tackle a certain side of Board gaming. Concept of the end that any good rousing game can be a "turning point" is one I do quite agree with; though, I will say...if nothing else...you've made me curious about what's on those cards and what my friends/family would say in response. That said, probably still not grabbing a copy to rush home at time of writing: but definitely considering it.

Love how you showed Canary Wharf / Isle of Dogs. There's actually a great board game meetup in the pub bottom left of the image you showed. The guy who runs it has over 600 games. That's the meetup that got me into gaming in the first place.

Background music choice was spot on. Well done Adam.

Take my upvote for your 'Freinds' parody. It was funnier than the real show imo... shots fired.

After hearing Pete and Andy talk about this I been waiting for this!

this seems sweet as hell and a great way to teach kids to talk about their emotions.

Great job Adam. Learning is my favorite part of this channel

truly this was a very profound video + being such an entretaining video

Unrelated but I’m so glad you’re doing well Adam and you’re back with RU-vid. You’re too talented and charismatic to not be on this platform 😊

I'm a therapist and if people played this game on the regular I feel like it could put me out of a job... And I would be totally ok with that. A big part of training got therapy is active listening and it sounds like this teaches that pretty well. As well as "building the client back together" which is what you described about your hour talking after the game. I wonder if people would've passed more if you guys had set a limit. "You can pass 5 times in the hour".

I've recently joined a group where we play games: usually RPGs, but we also play board games. And it's quite amazing how we're relaxed enough around one another to both play completely frivolously for fun, but also dive deeper into deeply emotional & intellectual places. I might have to suggest this to them too. 7:20 And the advert I got was for Bacon Socks on Wish, just to complete the "That's not food silly" vibes

I feel there's a slight emotional impact of him writing down instead of still talking during the video while discussing what happened after the surgery, it really brings and shows the impact that can have on even simple moments

I recently bought The Crew, The Grizzled, Pandemic and horrified all based on your list, I’m hoping yous can do playthoughs on them soon once everyone can be together again. Thanks for the recommendation

Just the thought of playing this game makes me feel anxious. I think I'll pass haha

These videos are great Adam. A lot of what Wrestletalk is doing on its other channels may not have caught fire YET, but gems like this, once found...if found (I'll add to the interactions where I can!)....will introduce every new viewer to a treasure trove. This is a great format! Mini-docs on boardgames require a mix of humor and introspection that you nail.

The first 35 seconds is the closet we'll ever get to an Adam vs Adam video. With that being said, great video Plumpy! I probably won't play UnGame because f*ck that but now I know why through this video! Yay!!

Man watching the lets play to this game would be amazing but also posting a playthru of this on the internet would take guts

As somebody who refuses to play Twilight Imperium despite all of my gaming group playing it. I appreciate that Adam brought it out as a singular example of a game so complex and dents and intimidating but the sheer spite of it can strike fear into the hearts of lesser men.

A really good episode, well done. :-)

UnGame must be pretty similar to making a youtube video. Talking about a subject of your choosing, formulating your ideas and feeling without anyone interrupting and then watching the comments at your own leisure. It all comes together....

Well, I now want to play the Ungame with certain people who are or have been in my life. And I also want to play Twilight Imperium with Adam.

Fascinating idea for a game. I can see how you'd need to set up the right environment before and after play, though. This seems like something I'd personally want to try, but I'd probably have a hard time talking my friends into it, and I honestly don't know how I'd feel about playing it with my family.

I like Adam's puppy cushion on his sofa.

This was awesome ... i love this video ... adam you are a gem

Amazing videos, can listen to Adam all day!

0:01 I want to watch that show.

Hey, i was wondering... Did you record the game? Or plan or making one for Board game Club or a charity event?

"This game sucks. Why the hell would I want to listen to other people talk, when I can't engage in the conversation with them ? That's stupid ! You guys play if you want, I'm gonna go watch RU-vid videos by myself." - 21st century logic.

I think a fundamental issue for some people is that they may of been pressured and forced into playing it as kids and the its a game that i think requires you to have the create group of people to do it with to not have an awful experience

Communication is key in todays world. And you do win in this game, you feel better by saying what is on your mind, and you learn things from people you would care to know about. Great video, intrigued with Twilight Imperium though....

A mix of Ungame and Life was my childhood therapy.

Would love to see you guys discuss or play talisman

I genuinely think this is a game I’d love to try with only a few people, but it would be the best gaming experience I could have

Never heard of the ungame, but after this, i feel like i need to play it.

I think you shoud try the game Alice is missing. I would say that is a very unique experiance, but a more modern one. I know that you included that in one of your RPG videos, but I would love to see NRB play that

I got so many Charlie Brooker vibes from this Adam

Great video. I kinda wanna play this now

I'm not going to lie, I had never heard of the UnGame before now, despite its apparent infamy. But I kind of want to try it. With the right people, of course -- it would never work without a very specific group all knowing they're in for a very specific experience. Maybe it's the year and the "current global situation," but the idea of using gaming as a means of connecting with others on a personal level has been really appealing to me lately.

This sounds like a game i would love to play with my family but would be way too afraid to actually do so.

I would suck at this game as a person with adhd. Edit: as I’ve learnt more about it, I actually think it would be great to play. The comment space would be tough because I would not probably remember what my comment would have been

Fantastic video

This video deserves a lot more views...

My mom has struggles speaking sometimes, not always, but sometimes she needs to write stuff down. I can’t imagine how much of an asshole you have to be to ignore someone if they can’t speak. ESPECIALLY if it’s your family

This sounds like a game I'll love. Or an ungame I'll unlove.

I think my box is missing some pieces. Will the manufacturer send out the "feelings"?

see the funny thing is that a lot of the things you've said about this game feels familiar to me because I play a lot of TTRPGs which can certainly be very cathartic, and I've spent many hours sitting around chatting after a session because you need a little time to unwind after acting as a man talking to his best friend's grave

Mate, that intro screen is the stuff of nightmares... Holy *clap clap clap clap* fuck.

I need all heavy things I hear from now on needs to be followed by a corgi interlude.

Another great video by Adam showcasing a game that should be in every home. Well, most every home with a functonal family. I would love to play this game with a group of people and just get to know them but it would not work with my immediate family as, yeah... issues. Still sounds like tons of fun with the right people.

Funny intro 😆

I convinced my family to play Ungame when I was in high school. I loved it. They all absolutely hated it.

Lol. The Corgi on the Roomba! Haha

This video is a masterpiece, thank you Adam!

Adam you are the best, absolutely love this channel

Does this mean we've got an episode of Let's Play Ungame coming?

I've never heard of this game. Now all I want to do is play it!

Lmao the opening card.

At first I was skeptical of the UnGame. But as I watched this video, that faded away to the certainty that I wouldn't enjoy this at all. Even if no response is required - or even allowed - I would need time to process what was being said, so that when my turn came around, I would still be thinking about what someone said two turns ago. In other words, this would give me AP like you wouldn't believe.

I love the idea of this “game” but I feel I would struggle with finding the right group for it.

Nice puppies bro.

Loved the spaced references

Absolutely loved this!

Was the wardrobe choice and lighting in your kallax shot meant to make you look like you're below deck on your fishing boat?

Adam has a big house And a cracked phone screen

Only bad thing is the corgis disappear way too soon

Hey Adam Love you

This is fascinating and I really think I want this game now

I would absolutely love to play this with my friends and families