"Solo Boardgaming, I don't Get It!" - Not Bored Gaming 

Great video Mark! What mystifies me most is why people take the time to criticize how others spend their free time. “You’re playing the violin? That’s never gonna get you anywhere!” “What??? Spanish on Duolingo? Waste of time!” Just let people enjoy what they want to do, if it isn’t hurting anyone!

Excellent video, so many people need to get past the "I don't like it, so it is dumb" mentality.

Why I play solo! 1) Did not get into board games until age 47(three years ago) 2) No matter how hard I try, my wife, daughter, and close friends have zero interest in board games. 3) For some reason I have lost interest in video games, and prefer board games. 4) I mostly like big campaign games and dungeon crawlers which are often a better fit for solo. Now would I like to find a gaming group and not have to play solo all the time, 100% I would. But at my age and current commitments solo play is perfect. I have a great time and have started to get into the hobby of painting miniatures. 30 years a go I probably would have thought of my future self as a super nerd. People change and no need to judge others.

As caregiver for my mom who has a degenerative brain illness. Im isolated from the world and solo board games and audiobooks are my only outlet . I would probably go mad without them

I have Asperger's and for me, playing a solo board game is my way of getting into my ''zone'', it's almost therapeutic.

Well said Mark. The same people questioning it, would happily binge watch hundreds of hours of mindless television. We're working our brains, we're entertaining ourselves. As far as the cost, well I say the same thing about people who buy $75,000 cars. My car gets me to the same places that their's does, but if they have the money and want to spend it that way, more power to them. Well the same applies to us and our bigger board games. or another one, I don't drink but I know people who easily spend far more in a month than I spend on games in a year. So for the same amount of money, they're killing brain cells, while I'm exercising mine with no chance of harming others by driving. Yeah, so like so many things in life, people criticize or mock the things they don't understand.

Good on you and thank you for posting this Mark. I always see solo board gaming as an analogue extension of video gaming (which I imagine most gamers of any sort have tried). I also don’t understand why people have an issue with other people having different hobbies. Good spotlight on the issue, and good to bring the discussion to light

I don't even think you had to insist on the fact that you're a socially active person. The comment about "cave dwellers" is essentially meant to be derogatory (I would actually argue it shows that the commenter is insecure about themselves), but if solo boardgames can help cave dwellers have a fun time, why not?

We are in the Golden Age of solo board gaming. Solo-able co-ops, solo only games, smart AI opponents, can't ask for much more.

Great video Mark. Like you, I don't understand the hate for solo board gaming and solo board gamers. There are too many comments on BGG when someone asks is the game good solo and people just respond 'No', 'play a video game instead' etc When I challenge them, they have not even played the game solo or even played a solo board game. I love playing games with my board game group, with my daughter and playing solo. I just don't understand the hate.

I am primarily a solo gamer. Actually new to solo, I didn’t know about it at all like a year ago. I adore board games. The main reasons I like solo is I find it exhausting to play with people. I’m happier without a crowd for sure. Second, I live in the middle of nowhere. Solo is filling a need. There’s not many people near me. What amazes me is how angry gamers get about solo board games. I understand they may not like it but why so angry?

Good points well made. I couldn't agree more.

I always have the same 2 questions for people who take strange issue with solo gaming. Do you work a full-time job? Do you have children?

“Why don’t you just play a video game”. This to me is like saying “why read a book, when you can just watch a movie”. Two completely different experiences. Great video!

Mark, I really appreciate that you did this video to adress this important topic for solo players. Some people just have a narrow mindset and can't see the "reasons" to play boardgames by yourself. In this video, I can feel the passion you have for this great hobby! Thank you for contributing to the hobby the way you do! You are amazing 🙂

Thank you Mark for using your voice for good. You approached this video very level headed and informative. I’m proud of you, that had the courage to stand up for yourself and all of the other solo gamers out here.

This is the type of content of why I'm subscribed!! Thanks for the perspective. I'm very close to 50/50 between solo and group play (mostly with my wife), but this is exactly why I'm proud when I say I play solo board games in my spare time. It's a peaceful, stress-free time for me. And these days it's hard to find those moments, so I enjoy them even more when I get them!!

Love, love, love solos! All types; BYOS, AI's, bots, etc. I don't give a rip if someone makes fun of me for it. I'll live. Everything you said was on point, but it sucks you spent time responding to that jerk's comment. He made a rule for himself, not you.

My kids are grown and gone and my wife loves to read. I talk to people all day and I am on the computer all day too. I love sitting in a quite room after work with a glass of wine, beer, or whiskey and working out a solo board game puzzle. It is so therapeutic for my mental well being. It is a quiet place I go to relax and leave my troubles behind me. Video games get me anxious and don't stimulate my desire to solve a puzzle.

Great video. I primarily play solo because it's an activity which gets me away from screens. We live in a world where we are surrounded by devices and it's nice to get away from it; it's why i've never played a board game that requires an app or one that is available to play online. I play with a gaming group too, and while I enjoy it, I always leave feeling drained and I can't play all the games I enjoy with that group as it's not their taste or too complex. Solo gaming allows you to play what you want, when you want 🙂

I got into solo board gaming when I saw that a Stardew Valley board game was coming out and could be played solo. Up until then I had played a few board games as a child like Clue, Monopoly and Trouble and loved them all. I never knew solo board gaming existed. I have been a gamer since the original Nintendo console and have owned about 12 consoles + PC. Once I found board games I stopped almost all of my gaming and went crazy for the first couple years of buying board games. It got me through some really tough times. There is just something about the tactile feeling and the ability to just be alone and think through the puzzles. I usually take twice the time estimated to finish a game and I love it. Now I pretty much split the time between gaming and board gaming depending on my mood.

Solo board gaming was my sanity stress reducer that got me through being a single parent with a full time demanding job. I needed "puzzles" and escapism to relax my brain and switch off for an hour or so. Video games didn't work , too much digital at work, too distant , prefer the tactile aspect, which is part of the therapeutic impact of gaming, solo or not. Yes I have spec 48k, QL, Atari and other consoles, Amiga big box version (pre and post commodore purchase, on OS workbench team!). When the boys were older we gamed, quality time enhanced because I knew the games well but I kept the solo gaming and my sanity. I game with others too but not as much. I listen to music, watch entertainment, watch documentaries, cook ,cycle, walk, swim ,drive, read , paint minis on my own and sleep on my own(sigh). I also do all those things with from 1 to 5 other people. Some of those, even within each category are for me better solo, some are not. I am sure that is the case for everyone, it is not an issue it is the way.

I'm a conveert, never understood solo mode, always had in my head it was bascially playing trwo handed and there was no point. Friend of mine in our gaming group was big into it but it never interested me.. However I bit the bullet on a Kickstarter i had sat on my shelf for 2 years unplayed because i had organised a game and needed to learn the rules through some gameplay. Since then i have used solo gaming as a way to partly learn a game (accepting gameplay is not awlays the same as multi player) but also as a way of actually tackling my shelf of shame. I now but games that i will primarily play solo mode. Even though i belong to a very active gmaing group I struggle to get time to attend or set up sessions with friends or family so solo gaming allows me to play games on my terms.

You're a man of taste! I absolutely can relate to the need of relaxing in front of a great solo board game with whisky in hand. Those are two passions of mine as well. You make excellent points about solo board gaming, and it's great to see an extensive response to the occasional negativity on the way we love to live this hobby. Thank you very much for that. One think I'm curious about is your experience about playing solo games to relax - I'm asking that since I'm relating a lot to your background. In my experience, some games are perfectly-suited for that, which I've seen called "light fun". Examples (for me at least) include Cascadia, Mini Rogue, or even Warp's Edge, depending on how I play. Some other games are qualified as "hard fun", meaning that they include a lot of thorough thinking, which may not be as relaxing as light fun ones. When I fell into depression/burnout, I was advised to focus on "light fun"/more exhilarating activities, and realized some games like Mage Knight or Anachrony weren't really suited for that. In your intro for this video, you've suggested that games have become this (much-needed) steam blower, so my question is, can you do it with "hard fun" games? I'm having trouble managing to do that, and I'd love some advice on how to approach these larger, more complex games while still being able to relax. Many thanks in advance!

Brilliant Video…..I’m cut from a very similar cloth…..it’s my meditation….it where I heal my hurts….my life , my choice…people do crosswords or sudoku and have there medative 30mins this is just an extension of that….plus there are craft skills, organising stuff, setup and packing away, all of these are pleasurable parts of what I do……

I really enjoyed listening to your passionate yet respectful take on people attacking solo boardgaming! My first solo boardgames were Onirim, and Friday. Then I jumped the complexity and got into Mage Knight and now I very regularly play spirit island which is probably my favorite game of all time.

Love everything you say here Mark and totally agree with you. If a game doesn’t have a solo mode would it stop me buying that game? The answer is 99% yes, unless there is a fan made solo set of rules, like there is for Brass Birmingham. I love the guys comment about putting on a tuxedo to read a book! If a game comes in a deluxe mode, I’m in, if I can bling that game up, I’m in. To use a phrase that seems to wind some people up, solo gaming scratches the itch from not being able to get my group together. You keep doing what you are doing Mark, you do it very well. I don’t always agree with you, but it would be a boring place if we all liked the same thing.

I never thought of gaming until lockdown after 30 odd years since playing Hero quest and Battle cars! When I first started it was always multiplayer but I have thoroughly enjoyed my forays into solo gaming. I like to be my own boss at times and take hours even a day between moves sometimes! A really eloquent presentation there Mark cheers 🥂

Still watching but feel compelled to reply - I love this video. I’ve been considering trying solo gaming ; I play games with my wife and friends but I’ve often felt like in my spare time I’d quite like to play a game on my own, but I think I’ve been influenced by those negative voices you spoke about. I’ve thought about whether it’s silly or whether I should just play a video game - I don’t know why I cared what people might think, nobody would even know! I’m going to order some of those awesome solo games I’ve been aching to play . Thank you ❤

I had a friend who didn't get why I loved it so much. I would tell him for what I do, including writing I stare at the screen and video games while I enjoy I just don't care for the screen so I got into solo gaming and I see it as a way to just unwind. Like how people meditate, go out for a walk. I get to be by myself and enjoy something for me that is just a hobby. IT also led me to solo roleplaying and I love that as well. I just don't see why people have a problem with it, when it has even showed that solo gaming is also a money maker and hey it provides more options if your friends are busy.

Mark, to everything you said: Amen! I'll add my 2 cents worth. (1) I've been playing video games since 1965 (Asteroids on a DEC PDP1) until about 2015, and enjoying them. I now play only boardgames. Video games can be thoughtfully challenging, but they almost all require sitting in one place and using your hands VERY repetitively. At age 82, I need to move around, so I set up my boardgames to require partly sitting and partly standing. Much better for the human body. (2) I think that reading a book is an excellent comparison to solo gaming. Both can be puzzles but most aren't. Both require solid solo time (books are usually more portable). Both require the "player" to use imagination and understand conventional rules. If I buy a book for $30 and read it in five hours, that's $6/hr. I bought Aeon Trespass: Odyssey for $200 and have already (nowhere near finished) enjoyed it for over fifty hours, which is less than $4/hr. But what I choose to spend per hour on my pleasures is only my business, as you said. -toby

Thanks for making this video, you basically covered 100% all of the issues/questions I also face when I tell people that my hobby is playing solo board games. From the "why not play a video game" question to the baffled looks I get when I tell someone that I enjoy rulebooks as a bedtime read. I'll be just sending them this video to watch instead of explaining. I'm going to wear my tuxedo now and read a rulebook. Thank you!

I've been solo gaming for over 2 decades, quite unapologetically. I've heard it all, but now when someone says, "Are you playing with yourself?" I say, "Yes, Mark says there is nothing wrong with it." ;) For me, it's my reset. I've been top in sales where I work for 15+ years, so while I CAN socialize, I mostly prefer not to. It takes a lot out of me. But I enjoy the challenge of my work. It takes me out of my comfort zone and provides for my family. I'm typically happily sapped after work and reading rulebooks quiets my mind. We all have our reasons for doing what we do and it's good that it's all different. Otherwise the world would be boring as f$@k. Thanks for all you do, Mark. It's gratifying and humbling to hear how solo gaming has helped heal you. I appreciate this video.

I love solo gaming. Also, companies like Chip Theory wouldn’t spend a crap ton of money on solo-only games if they didn’t sell or there was no audience for it.

This is such a great video. I am married for over 20 years and half of my plays are with my misses. But there are games or themes she doesn’t like. So that is why I like to play Eleven (all in pledge), Silent Victory, RAF Battle of Britain, Set a Watch, etc. on my own. On the cost; I am also a model railroad enthusiast and I easily spend 400 euro on a single locomotive which only I enjoy going over my model railroad. I have the disposable income and I do what I please with my money.

Thanks, Mark. I am a longtime subscriber of your channel, but this video converted me into a fan. I’ve been playing solo games for almost 10 years, and it is an amazing thing for my mental health. Whenever someone comments something negative about this, I use my best poker face and just ignore them while screaming “fuck off” on the inside.

Great video, and such a respectful retort! The ironic thing is my social group have the same mentality towards people who play board games at all!

solo board gaming is like scotch. I'm saving the really good stuff for myself because I know how to enjoy it. Most my really expensive and complex games are ones I only play solo. I love playing with friends but not everyone is interested in heavy rulesets or long playtimes. Frostpunk has been on my table for 2 months now and I'm having a blast playing it at my own pace.

I love solo boardgaming cause I get to actually play my boardgames whenever, instead of having to find ppl to play with when the itch to play the game arises

I really appreciate your video. Solo board gaming has helped me make it through the toughest years of my life.

This was a really great video and you have just earned yourself another subscriber. Please do more of these discussion videos because you have a great take on things!

Thanks for the shout out...I look forward to my subs plummeting. I love playing pretty much all dungeon crawls solo, super relaxing. To answer your query at the end of the video

I have to say though - starting with Mage Knight, woof! You are a brave soul. :) Thank you for sharing your thoughts and sentiments, these messages are greatly appreciated in our community.

Well done! Highly enjoyable discussion. Personally, no one I know around me loves or cares about board games. I love them and I want to play them. That’s why I love solo board gaming. Also, I find it incredibly enjoyable to read rulebooks and figure out how to play a game. It gives me a bunch of “ahhh, now I understand how that works” moments that make the final step of actually playing them so entertaining.

I'd say to anyone who doh understand solo board gaming, do you enjoy playing board games? How often do you play board games? Once a week, twice maybe, well I play everyday coz I can as a solo, an I like to get my moneys worth, without the stress or stain of having somewhere to gew or others cancelling. I also only play solo coz I literally have nowhere to play by me, as someone partially blind who caw drive, I doh think twats like in the comment doh ever consider these factors though as they think everyone is as privileged as them

If I didn't play solo games, I would only get to play a game once a week if I had the chance, I will play my games when I want and how I want, regardless of what other people think.

Brilliant video. I didn't understand it until my friend told me he plays solo. It's always been a way to socialise for me but since having a child I've not had the free time I used to and I've grown to love playing solo. Then I bought Mage Knight.. Wow, love it.

Great video. I really love board games at this point in my life - both solo and socially at local club that meets weekly. I can agree with so many of the comments made here. I spend my life on a computer - in game dev, as it happens. At 40 years of age, I've always been extremely keen on video games, and thought that I just about managed to maintain a semi-healthy balance between the professional and personal aspects of my hobby. So I dev'd by day, and played by night, and maintained enough of a personal life entirely separate from those things as well. But the lockdown years really threw my balance off, as all my external socialisation went away. So, my entire life for two years became far too narrow in scope, and I've had a very hard counter-reaction to it. Like a smoker who was forced to smoke an entire lorry of cigarettes in one go - aversion therapy style - I now almost become physically sick at the thought of spending another moment of my life, outside of work, spending more time in front of a screen playing video games. I find that board games scratch a completely different itch, while still feeling familiar enough to be in my comfort zone. Also gardening, and taking more long walks, and just a lot of things that are - organic, analogue, and tactile.

Trying to decipher the Mage Knight rule book can't have helped with the stress reduction :D Great video, thanks!

Excellent video. This needs sharing in to a wider domain. Hopefully it could have a seriously positive impact on people who have shared a similar experience!

Thanks for the video! I don't get it why people must hate things they can not understand. Live and let live. I play solo when my friends don't have the time to play with me. It's great, I'm getting more out of the games I own.

Thanks Mark. Brilliant and needed video. I solo bored game as there are games my wife wouldnt enjoy and i have struggled to find a local group. But, i really enjoy the solo experience, and time for myself is so important. It could be seen as just a puzzle but its just the same as when i play video games, which i predominantly play single player. This week i am aiming to get Perserverance back to the table!

Wish I could give this video more than just a single thumbs up! I have been having an amazing time getting into more of the games I have that have a solo mode because most of my family don’t like hobby board games. It is immersing yourself in whatever world/puzzle/skirmish you are getting into… SO MUCH FUN!!

Tempted now to have a black tie solo gaming session tonight. Just becasue I can.

Great vid. I rediscovered board gaming again after 20+ years away from it. Solo suites me good these days. I hit like and subscribed. Happy gaming, more great vids, and most of all good health.

I find solo board gaming a great way to escape reality. It helps me to de-stress and get some time away to myself. I find sailing has a similar effect. I play with a group of friends too every Friday but that is much more of a social experience of course and still good, although very much a different experience. I prefer it to video games because it is so much more relaxing being able to go at your own pace. Also hate staring into screens.

Great video Mark, I enjoy both multiplayer and solo board gaming and there is 110% a place for both. They're both gaming and welcome in our hobby,...full stop. What you mention about having the time to disconnect and wrap yourself into a puzzle, solo does it the best and completely on your own terms. Having games like Hoplo Victorum and other games which are dedicated for solo play is awesome, what a great time for the hobby to have those options. We would love to chat more about this topic with you Mark if you are up for it at some point in the future. All the best and keep championing for the good of the hobby mate (JP)

I'm 55 and do a fair bit of solo board gaming, although I do have a group of friends that like board games all they want to play is Talisman and I grew out of that a few years ago, even although I have played it since I was a kid back in the 80's and still enjoy the odd game with them. I've enjoyed Destinies, Legends of Andor, Mansion Of Madness and Descent Legends Of The Dark as a solo gaming experience. So glad I found your channel as I'm always looking for the next solo board game to try.

I have 1.5 game groups but the problem is everyone has different taste in games. Solo games just lets me get what I want to the table without having to compromise.

Great video. I played games all my life but solo gaming has waxed and wained depending on situation. Last few years covid has caused it to be some times my only gaming and I think this was for many people. I imagine people tried it because that is all we had and they liked it. Just look at the increase in solo games and solo modules. I habe twins who are nearly three and both my wife snd I work so solo gaming helps me get that fix. It is escapism but it is worth it. I like gaming solo two player and multilayer. It does help my own mental health and covid showed that when also having two new born baies it was very isolating and it gave me some thing to think of differently rather than babies nappies and feeds every two hours. This has also meant my gaming times with others has dropped so I enjoy a game whilst watch a TV series up in my man cave. I also get games which are like some of the computer games i used to play. I just look forward to the games convention for solo gamers amd we are all playing are solo games together. Lol.

I can say todays society has dramatically changed since my youth. In the old days one could discuss differing opinions and learn from the experience in a mature adult manner. Today everyone views their discussions as automatically correct no matter it's just your perspective. This leads to individuals becoming narrow minded such as the post you just read. Will say I don't pay no mind to these individuals as they never walked a mile in my shoes. You keep doing your thing I'll keep doing mine. These are just words that have no meaning or affect on my life. I already wasted enough time. Thanks for the post.

Great video. I didn’t realize there was this animosity for solo gamers. I game about 80% solo and the rest with my young kids. My friend groups aren’t close enough. I also have found that it’s a pleasant break from screens and partial disconnect from the world for a time. Like you said. I’m glad you’ve found a hobby to help with your physical and mental well-being.

I’m 100% on the same wavelength with you Mark. I have exactly the same satisfaction from solo BoardGames . Explaining our great hobby of modern board gaming to none gamers is hard enough without us all sub categorising and pigeonholing ourselves .

The comment says it all about the OP - "I don't get it". Well, when I don't understand something, I research about it so that I do get it. Even if I still decide it's not for me, at least I've expanded my knowledge of all the things this world has to offer. Narrow-minded people never bother to explore out of their own safety bubble, but seek to get their kicks from critiquing others. With regards to spending £150 on a game - so what? If a person want to spend the money that they have worked hard to get on a thing which makes them happy, then that is their matter and only theirs. I see the same in the games I play. I'm a regular Call of Duty player, and I often "camp" to get my kills, or get the points to upgrade a weapon - Yet all you get are negative comments about camping, and "why spend £60 to sit in a corner" - well... a) it's my £60, ill play how I want to play b) if you want to keep on running to the same spot where I'm waiting, then it's not my fault I shoot you. c) I'm a grown-up, you cannot tell me how to do anything, including how to play the game As the saying goes - "Haters gonna hate"...

I basically want to play more games than than there is time in the week to gather like-minded people together, so thank goodness for solo gaming! I get to satisfy my perennial gaming-lust, without being dependent on others with busy lives and minimal time to spare. I admit I'm a recent convert, as I used to believe that no matter how well-crafted, a solo mode would always be less fun. Not so!

I use solo play as way to get a game down to learn it. The greater question is why play solo boardgame instead of videogame? An answer is THE BIT. Tactical feel plus a thematic game can be like doing theater can be interesting.

Thanks for this, Mark! I sent it to my wife :P 1. TACTILITY - yes, 100% yes. I also pimp up my games for that very reason. 2. Getting away from my screen - also yes. I also work from home, and my gaming computer is the same as my work computer and I just don't want my spine to be cemented into my office chair. 3. Time - I have so many hobbies, so my problem is actually "board games are not getting enough of my free time" ha! (video games, woodworking, gardening, painting, papercrafting, tinkering, prop making, cooking - and yeah, house maintenance, and oh yes, BEING A DAD) 4. Social interaction - meh. I go to a weekly meetup in the local food market to board game with other people, but otherwise I learned I PREFER playing solo. The type of gaming I like most is the think puzzly kind, and a multiplayer game of that type either have a lot of downtime, or, it is..ough.. CO-OP, blah. 5. Cost - I don't care how much it costs if it is going to be an amazing experience. That being said, I am currently on a trend to cull down my collection, so I play more of the game I already have. Currently I'm itching to play Nemo's War again, I haven't played it in a long long time. My goal is to never have more than 100 games, and for those games to be incredible. 6. I LOVE learning new rules. I don't know what it is, I think it's like reading an interesting novel with a twist, only it's mechanics. I guess I just love mechanics that much? sort of "I wonder how this designer has retooled a known mechanic in a new and interesting way" and then going "ohhh I like that, that is CLEVER!" 7. AFAIK, a "game" is a voluntary effort to overcome unimportant problems. Or something like that? No rules = a toy, with rules (i.e. win/lose conditions) means it's a game. 8. I am a UX snob. If the AI has more overhead so much so that you are playing for IT more than you do for yourself? 9. I used to have a regular board game group that met once or twice a week (at my house). One friend moved an hour away, another two moved to other states. I still play with the last member, but the number of games we could play just the two of us is limited. My other friends, my wife, they are not interested in the level of complexity of games I am. I am training my son though :P 10. EMPATHY is something the world could use a lot of :/ 11. Overproduced - I wish some of my games had better components. I wish some of my games had simpler components. Personally I wish more games would produce those clear acrylic "miniatures". Not because I can't paint them, because I do, but because some will just feel more authentic to the theme (specifically ones based on 2D IPs). Better than a cardboard standee, not as bombastic as a 3D plastic figure? Current favorite solo game: Marvel Champions. Discovered it a few months ago, found it to be fun. Bought Sinister Motives and WOW I'm just blown away with how much joy I got out of that little 5 scenario trip!

I play solo. I have a game group. The experiences are different and both valuable for the motivations behind playing. With my game group, I play to be social and enjoy the adventure with others. Solo, I play to work my brain, relax from the day, and get some peace and quiet. I don't drink or smoke or have any real vices, I don't jet ski or RV or have any big expensive hobbies other than board gaming. I'm a mom, wife, substitute teacher... My two closest friends both live five miles from me. On top of that, I'm a woman. Gatekeeping is so prevalent, it's ridiculous.

I hate the just play a video game comment

Great video as always Mark. I couldn’t agree more with the reasons you have for solo board gaming, mine are very similar and I’m only a little younger. They certainly resonated with me. Time, headspace and a wider friendship group that isn’t interested in board games mean I play predominantly solo. Like you I couldn’t be happier with my hobby. Keep up the great content.

Solo board games are like puzzles in many ways. And yet when you do actual jigsaw puzzle on your table, no one bats an eye. Do a solo board game, and suddenly you're the weird one. These people are ridiculous. Excellent video, and very much worthy of showing to people as the one explaining the appeal of solo board gaming.

love it, I am a solo gamer but that doesn’t mean i enjoy time with friends playing boardgames. But having a family and being in front of screens all the time, I got into solo gaming as a way to decompress and relax at my own time whenever that would be. It is just difficult to coordinate time with equally harried friends. So I appreciate solo boardgames and has really helped me be more productive and less stressed in life, my eyes really appreciate not looking at screens for an hour a day. Hope to get my family involved as well.. but that will be an uphill battle 😂

Wow, Mark, such a fantastic video! Didn't know you lived in Steel City, me too lol. I'm 59, single, and have a large collection of solo board games as well (my Mum says I'm too old and should get rid of em hahaha). Totally agree with everything you said, spend your money and time on whatever makes you mentally happy, which is so utterly important these days with all the crazy stuff kicking off in the world! Keep up the awesome work buddy!

Now I haven't watched more of the video then when you post that comment (so I have no idea what your going to say) but here is the thing... Why do people always have to interject their feelings and comments into what other people like to do...??? Since when has society said that we all need to think and act the same way... Is the age of comments where people say "I don't like (Insert Topic) but I am glad you like it..." gone forever... I mean how different would the world be if instead of that comment the person just wrote "I don't like Solo Board Gaming but if you do then I'm happy for you.." This is not board game problem but rather a society problem when humans have learned they can say and post whatever they like and there are never any recourse for their posts... If I can tell someone off, degrade someone, or try and interject my views over someone else then people think they "get on" over someone else.... Humans have learned how to not care anymore because of social media, people have learned through the years they can do and say what they want and nothing happens to them because of it... if you drive to work at 100 mph the first few times your nervous because your not sure what will happen, will I get pulled over by a cop, will I crash, will this happen, will that happen... after about 30 days you no longer fear those things because you have "learned" that nothing bad will happen and you will be fine... so goes for posting crap on the internet... I can and say whatever I want now because I have "learned" nothing bad will happen to me....

I am also 95% solo boardgamer. Agree with all you have said.☺️

I kinda have the urge to put on a tuxedo and read a book. That sounds wonderful tbh.

Great Video Mark! i been thinking about doing something similar about digital board games as there is a stigma among board gamers about them. Stay Hexy!

As always, Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your journey!

ZX81?! ❤ first game I got published was a racing game on that platform. You had to squidge out the program from code in a magazine 😂

Great video. I find solo gaming is wonderful for mindfulness. While I'm playing games like Imperium, I'm able to switch the world off for a while. Glad to hear your health improved. Many thanks, from a fellow Sheffielder.

The dude that wrote that comment doesn't get that I'm self sufficient? That's okay, I don't get that he's socially needy.

Excellent video and spot on.

Thanks for making the vid, Mark. I 100 % agree with the sentiments you make regarding the 'gatekeeping' and attempts to marginalise our hobby. I have been soloing for 7 years but have never experienced anything like this before. I have also been Vegan for 4 years and the amount of hate and online abuse I receive is way greater . However, by way of comparison, the point of attack comes from an identical premise viz 'I don't understand it, I don't value it and I just might feel slightly threatened by it.' Don't want to hijack the discussion, just offering my POV. Best Wishes, J

You spoke my mind dear sir!! Thank you for this!!

7:00 video games are okay if the stuff fits on the screen, but that's the limitation. And the game must be good, you can't change the system. Board games have a larger surface and you can make the game better. it's the same with crocheting, takes lots of setup and teardown, and takes long to make a dress or whatever it is crocheters do, and ask why don't you just buy the dress? It's the joy of analog, becoming better at something that matters to you and the activity. Buying is a short dopamine rush, video games are mostly the same. 22:30 some games cannot have simple AI, its complexity is tied to the game system, and the only way to make a simple AI is to change the game into something else.

Depending on the book, wearing a tuxedo when reading could be a fantastic idea. I would ask that commentor why read a book when you can watch a movie? take his own words/response and apply them to why people play solo boardgames. He answers his own question at that point.

If I could I would never play a solo game, but I am still so glad it exists for times when I cannot get together with others as well as for all those out there who enjoy it so much and cannot or do not want to play with others regularly!

Thanks, Mark! Favourite: Spirit Island with two spirits.

Just noticed the comment on NPI’s video is gone. I offered to be the cave/basement dwelling person for him to talk to. Not sure if he responded or not. Also asked Efka why he hadn’t said anything. Anyways, great talk Mark, always appreciate your views and videos.

Something to consider: Spending $50 - $100 for an incomplete, glitchy, video game or spending the same amount on a complete game in a box that doesn't require electricity, the internet, dlc or loot crates. ... and you own it!

I enjoyed reading rules 40 years ago, or even 20 but now I'm all for teaches or videos! I disagree somewhat on puzzles. I don't like puzzles but I like solo games so they can't be puzzles QED. :) Seriously puzzles tend to have a solution while games have multiple approaches to the same problem. I do dislike AI where I spend more time resolving the AI than playing my own position. I prefer coops or true solo games to MP games with AI. Or I play multi-handed but I usually only do that to learn a game. And as to spending £150 on a game for yourself seems much more sense than spending it for other people. You are going to get far more pleasure from the fancy bits than anyone else will.

Thank you for this video! I'm sure most of solo players will share your thoughts! Soloboardgaming also helped me a lot recovering from burnout and depression! I'm also playing a lot of video game and boardgaming is bringing me the tactile part! I love manipulating ressource, cards, dices, etc... It's very complementary for me! That being said, I've never understood why people can judge how other are spending their free-time (and money). I don't understand the point of gardening, I hate that! But I'd never judge someone who like it! (and it's also a solitary hobby ;-) ). In the French-speaking community, we are also facing some criticism because boardgames are often called "jeux de société" (= society games) which implies that is a group activity!

Good video. Personally, I’m a solo-player because I’m naturally an introvert. Kinda a loner. I’m totally fine with spending a few hours totally in my mind. Strategizing at my own pace. Personally, I have no mental or chemical issues. No depression, no anxiety, no stress, etc.. I am super active (weightlifting, Muay Thai, bouldering/climbing, competitive shooting, running), so I have a great defense from stress build-up. But I naturally like to think and strategize alone. As for the person who made that remark at the beginning of your video…He is an bitter idiot. As a fellow board gamer (I’m assuming he is), how can he be so bitter and ugly in heart to say some garbage like he does? Kinda like he needs to get a life himself, instead of meditating on how to meddle in other peoples likes and dislikes. I bet he is an absolute joy (said sarcastically) to his wife and fellow board gamers…if he can even keep a gaming group. Sounds like a sour old man, or an always grumpy and pessimistic person. Hope he changes for the better. But in closing, I appreciated your video.

Well said, thank you for sharing. Excellent 👍🏼

I play solo, 2-player, and multi-player board games. I just wouldn't bother with those kinds of dismissing comments. Explaining what you like about solo gaming is useful if people wonder; and I'm sure you would be willing to offer suggests for the uninitiated to give it a try - maybe a where-to-start video would be worthwhile.

I like to play with others but close to my heart I'm still a solo boardgamer 😁

Some content creators especially in rpg communities are responsible for that view on solo gaming. Why? Well since I was back in boardgaming and tabletop RPGS since 2012 I think more often than not those content crators begin their shows on solo gaming with excuses. Why solo board gaming? Who cares? It always existed! One of earlyest Gary Gydax articles on Dungeon and Dragons is how to solo it! Rolling Solo had very good video on why is solo board gaming here to stay. And it does not begin with excuses! Sorry my english but I really hope You know what I mean.

"When a person starts with I don't understand why ..." and they have no interest in their chosen subject of dramatic cynicism, they've resolved their own befuddlement. So, keep it to themselves and don't waste anybody else's time. I've never been interested in video games. I need a tactile experience and I need a welcome rest from TV or computer screens. Peace and quiet, only my brain ticking over. No mad rush to accomplish anything. I suffer brain fog and chronic fatigue, and Adhd, so I am unable to learn a game or play at the speed of your average gamer. For example, if a game takes me 30 minutes to set-up, I'm mentally exhausted afterward and need a long rest to recharge. An estimated game run-time of - for example, 90 minutes - may take me seven hours on and off, split across two weeks, to finish. Yes it's highly frustrating for me but I love it nevertheless for being on my table to entertain and challenge. None of my friends are interested in my games. I'm also deeply fascinated by game design, artwork, painting game miniatures, adapting non-solo games to my specifications ... all so very satisfying. In the end, we're all the same and the specific circumstances how and why we play games is only the business of the player. I've spent a small fortune on board-games, and established a wonderful hobby. Keeps me sane. Good on you all, fellow solo gamers!

I'll only buy board games with solo modes. I am an introvert. I'd never go to a convention, the thought gives me anxiety. Board games are a great tactile distraction. I also have woodworking skills, so i make board game accessories and tables. (sell them through a third party, introvert, remember)

My partner and son aren’t big board gamers , they don’t really like them . I have a couple of friends I can play board games with but that only tends to be about once every month or two. The other option is that I can go down to the local board game cafes and play league games of blood bowl or other games but that is sometimes a bit too much of a commitment. I like having solo games to wind down and play alone on a weeknight when I’m a bit tired. I started out with a few dvg games ( hornet leader, field commander napoleon) about 10 years ago and the lord of the rings lcg and went from there into more complex stuff like mage knight. Getting back into it now after a bit of a gap and it seems there are loads of games out there that have great solo variants/purely designed for solo play. Whoopee😊