Board games have always been a way for me to get together with people and I love it. My company has a “wellness” stipend of $1000 per year. Board game purchases fall under the “mental health” category. I am grateful for that.

I am so glad that you made this video. You just spoke my heart. I found this hobby at a very tough period of my life and I was amazed to see how board games helped me through a period of sadness and depression. They transformed me from a solo PC gamer to a more social person who now looks forward to board game sessions every day. I feel genuinely happy when I'm introducing games to new people and teaching rules! Soon I realised though that board gaming in third-world or developing countries (like mine) is not just a luxury but an impossible hobby to pursue unless you're financially doing really well. I believe not many other things can improve mental health as effectively as board games do and it really should be accessible to everyone. This was the only reason for me to leave my job and take the initiative to introduce board games in my country. I did make a post about it during covid in BGG with headline, "Breaking the Barriers...." to address the issue. Hopefully, someday it will all be accessible across countries.

I am a teacher and I started really getting into board gaming right before COVID. I work in a district that was very volatile during COVID. Board gaming, and finding solo board gaming really helped me escape from reality. My collection has grown a bit too big now though as I also got into KS right around the same time. I am now working through trying to back off on buying games. When we bought the place we had been renting last year I figured out a way to help cycle my solo board games through more often by doing a themed showcase wall each month. It has been great and people on my facebook pages really look forward to seeing my theme each month. Solo gaming helps me a lot because while my wife likes gaming she got gamed out and last year didn’t game as much. Hopefully I can get her to game a bit more this upcoming year, but if not I have solo gaming. I have also really got into watching KZread videos just to see what others think about games. I am not a social person and don’t really want to play with random people. I did start a board game club for 4th/5th graders at the elementary school I tach at and it has brought another level to my mental health as watching them enjoy something I enjoy is wonderful. Being able to teach them games and watch them teach each other is so much fun. I know that they are not necessarily playing 100% correct. But that doesn’t matter to me. What matters to me is that they are having fun. I also get to sit down and play games with the kids. I have a couple teacher friends who are helping supervise each night so more kids can participate. One of them is learning some of the games and joined me in one day of my board game club over break and is going to buy the game we played.

I've never broken a game piece in frustration, but my words have almost broken friendships. I've learned that it's better for me to be quiet and just make a mental note not to play a particular game or kind of game with someone even if we are friends and play together a lot and enjoy some of the same games. There are so many games, there is always something different that we can play.

@TommyBo42

6 ай бұрын

I've never broken a game piece, but I have cracked a window with a D20 that went flying across the room once :)

Thank you for sharing my comment...I will forever be grateful for the friendships I have made through board gaming. The last comment you read is exactly why I love being here 💜

@OurFamilyPlaysGames

6 ай бұрын

Keep doing your thing, family! Love ya! 🙂❤❤

@rikhavok

6 ай бұрын

The story about Kevin777 made me pause the video and cry. His brother is a saint! Kevin, thank you for sharing this story.

Rodney, I really appreciate your creativity and willingness to take risks on this topic. It's been a joy to see you introduce something new. While countless channels focus on top 10 lists, unboxings, and reviews, you're getting to the core of the community, bringing a breath of fresh air to a beloved subject. Keep up the great work.

Thank you for being a beacon of light in our community and shining this light where you do!

2023 has been a struggle for me mentally and emotionally. I've been diagnosed with Anxiety and Depressive disorders that prompted me to have a leave of absence from work. I've lost all motivation to do things I love and used to do. Then came board gaming. It really helped me find my mental and emotional equilibrium. Slowly but surely, my outlook is now improving. Kudos also to my gaming group for being there for me as co-gamers and counselors. Playing boardgames is a big part of my recovery.

"The rules to life aren't always clear" - Hear, hear! Some amazing insights here. Kevin's story most certainly also lifted my spirits! As an extrovert who suffers from both mental and physical heath conditions, I have been beyond grateful for the online gaming community. I hosted an in-person game group pre-pandemic that I decided to end and not bring back. The online community has allowed me to continue socializing and gaming regularly with others from the comfort of my home. Gaming, like any other hobby, has its bad parts and downsides, but it has changed my life for the better in innumerable ways and I will be forever grateful for all the things I've gotten to experience because of it. Thank you for this video series Rodney!

What a fantastic and down to earth response to board gaming and mental health. I echo many of the feelings in this video. I got in board gaming while in graduate school (PhD. in chemistry). It was a true game changer during some difficult times Keep up the great work!

I love this video with all my heart. Board gaming has been the excuse to invite people over and to play with people who aren’t great at video games or don’t have money for a new system or computer. We’re all on a level playing field and that’s important to me. Its brought people together like no other hobby has for me. I’m going through a divorce and being away from my kids is devastating. Having a weekly game night on a day I never have the kids to help me get past those days are so helpful I can’t put it into words.

Thanks for sharing! I got super (back) into the hobby after almost losing my life to addiction. It's kept my brain in a good place. I've had my 2nd and 3rd child, a great job and family, and very constructive hobbies nearing four years of sobriety!

@DaFlavourFace

6 ай бұрын

Congrats man!! That's great to hear

To the families with small children, I have found it to be a boon of confidence when it comes to reading comprehension, strategic planning, and critical thinking... as well as overcoming adversity and the ever-important learning to win/lose with grace & humility. I still remember when my 8-year-old son was playing Return to Dark Tower and began thinking out loud about what he was planning for this turn, the next turn, and the turn thereafter - and then implementing it all to draw the adversary out of the Tower (with the assistance of my 11-year-old son) and eventually defeating the Lingering Rot single-handedly. The determination, excitement, and then joy that was on his face was exceptional (especially since the previous attempts at the Tower had been unsuccessful).

I cannot say how much I appreciate your channel Rodney. Thank you for this amazing look into a topic that really should be discussed more. I live in St Kitts, a tiny island in the Caribbean, there are no board game stores here. 7 years ago I ordered 7 wonders because me and a few friends were tired of monopoly taking forever. 7 wonders was a hit from then until now we have started a board game club that has over 45 members from 15-43 years of age we now gather about 3 times a week. Many members express how much the board games have allowed them a safe space to socialize and interact and the group has bonded. We now have a community of friends from every walk of life: board games are magic. When used positively they are a catalyst for love and bringing people together. ❤ this hobby

That last story have me a case of the feels. Is someone cutting onions?

@JenCamPlaysBoardGames

6 ай бұрын

There are tears for sure over here 💗

Hey Angela! Home schooling got me into board gaming, too! (20 years ago!) The kids are all grown now, but my long running Girls' Game Night is made up of moms we made friends with, through home school activities. Bringing games to home school meetups was always a way to break the ice, and, to get the kids interested, too. Great topic, Rodney!

I can really relate to Marie S. Boardgame nights have also really helped me get out of my shell and feel connected to other people. I used to mainly be into videogames, but boardgames have made it easier to host in-person social activities and make new friends. It has a greatly improved my mental wellbeing. ☺

Made a video on this very topic as well. Yet, I admit it was far too emotional. I have lived with depression for over 40 years now and recently found board gaming. It has been life changing. I can play solo or with others and feel lifted. It changes my thought patterns away from the negative (that damned voice that keeps telling you you're no good) and focuses me on far more positive thoughts. I am so thankful for finding this incredible hobby, with its incredible people; you among them Rodney! Much love!

Wow, this is a video I didn't know I needed. I am a huge introvert and really want to get "out there" to play with others, but my own self-doubt and OCD make it so hard. Maybe one day I'll take the red pill.

In response to a comment made by a viewer of this great video (thanks Rodney!), I would disagree with their statement that "it seems like solo gaming has no benefits to mental health". It has and is helping me fill in my days, with puzzles to solve, and whilst watching videos on and about board games I feel part of a community. Also, as an "older person", it keeps my mind active.

@WatchItPlayed

6 ай бұрын

You're not alone in feeling that way, I assure you. Me included!

Truly thank you so much for this, I think this series is SO cool. It makes me feel heard, seen, and understood by others. What an absolutely beautiful series hosted from such a fantastic person, love this and thank you so much for all of the work that goes into everything you do!

Rodney, you are a gift to the board gaming community.

I am involved in several hobbies and follow various channels that engage the communities that partake in those hobbies. None of them reach the level of depth and connection that Watch It Played reaches. Y'all are the best. Thanks for your efforts to make me and others feel connected to the wider community. I wish you continued success in 2024!

You make such wonderful videos. I'm so glad you are one of the faces of the board game hobby. Your team is amazing and brings such a welcoming and insightful community and discussion to the hobby.

Thanks for this post sir! I can relate to all the comments and it’s nice to be a part of such a great community!

From the original video, one of the big things that I got out of getting into this hobby is getting away from technology. I am trying more and more to re-evaluate my connection to technology. I'm a coder so I need to engage and keep up to date with a lot of it as part of my job. But after tackling increased levels of anxiety in the last 5 years, I've found a real nice mindful state in interacting with something that doesn't have a backlight to it! There's something truly beautiful about cardboard and wood creating the experiences we have with this. That being said, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The point about consumerism is really apt for what happened with my collection during the lockdowns. And I think in the last 2 years of the hobby, I've bought more games than I've played and that also brings with it a strong feeling of guilt. I flip flop between the pride of looking at my collection and seeing the collective of potential experiences sitting at my fingertips and the guilt that I've played so few of them, wondering if I've made a mistake. What's worse is I don't have a group I play with. I play games with my wife every now and again but as a massive introvert, the thought of planning and engaging in big social situations spikes my anxiety so hard, I genuinely get mentally exhausted thinking about it. I've tried to engage with friends who I know like games to get them into the hobby but I always feel like I'm the one doing all the hard work, as ultimately I'm the one who is really into it as a hobby. I'm bringing all the energy for the entire experience and I know it. And I'm just too introverted and scared to go out into the world of playing with strangers. Strangers scare the crap out of me. I genuinely struggle sometimes just to play multiplayer games on BGA, in case it leads to an awkward social situation. It's really debilitating.

Relating a story in my life. My brother is challenged in a way. He has a hard time making friendships but really needs people. He is an extreme introvert and quite socially awkward. For him to be part of the group, he needs a role to play in the real world. He was in 2 club and was the guy handling the food and/or the guy handling the finances. With Covid, he didn’t have a way to make this work, so I asked him to come visit more often. He helped me and I helped him. He was pretty much the only person that I would play board games with in person during Covid, and he got the social structure he needed. My brother is not a board gamer. So, I slowly taught my brother board games. Started with a bunch of lighter games and slowly moved to heavier games. It made me so happy when he beat me at Architects of the West Kingdom.

This is one of your best videos! Thank you for creating such thoughtful and caring content!

I'm another IT person, I work and live in this digital world with cell phones computers and moving at those nanosecond style speeds. I phrased the need as "I don't care what it is, as long as it is analog." Gardening, cooking, hiking...and board games. Board games feed the programmer in me, a set of rules that define a recipe for hopeful success if not actual success in a social environment. All that are the keys. Board games (or miniature games) are presented with a social contract, with the idea that everyone has fun. I personally find them exhausting and rewarding, but the things they bring are that human interaction and a fun analog experience. Good videos! Got me thinking in the frame of gaming and mental state!! Well done.

Great video! I think it's especially important that we STRIVE to make these connections to whatever degree we can. Our very soul NEEDS these connections and what you said Rodney about the first response you read is key: make a reason for the connection (board games). Life is not that much different: we truly connect with those that share an interest with us. The other interactions with people is just to learn how we might be connected! Sometimes, you meet someone that you just don't connect with and that should be expected. Just like there are also people that you will connect right away with your personalities and become fast friends.

Wow! Like so many have commented, this video was fantastic and heart-warming. Thank you (and all those who shared) for taking the time to put this together. Very much appreciated.

I feel touched when it comes to mental illness and boardgames. I have been one of the few that has fallen into wanting more and more games. I have quite a few. I long for being able to play all the games with all the people, but I understand that there are limits. I am a parent. I am a full time employee. I have responsibilities in my community. I have additional hobbies. At the end of the day, I don't have all the time that I wish that I had for boardgames, but I love having them. It feels like a good outlet for social connection, but I don't always have it. And I feel like I crave it. There also comes the deeper issue of correctedness. As a younger kid, I used to play boardgames with my brother and friends, and I would be accused of cheating. Was I cheating? Absolutely. But I was also constantly in the position of the first video: "That's not in the rules!" "Yes it is. I read it. Or maybe I didn't. Oh, I missed it. Sorry." "Well, I would have played it differently if you had been more clear!" Ever since then, I have tried my best to get better at the "teach", and I have a deep feeling for being "correct" when playing boardgames. I am constantly trying to be right by the rules. And when I mess up, I take it personally and it has affected me several times. As a deeper note, when I have played a game and I am doing horrible at it consistently, I do get the sore loser feeling going. I hate that I am losing, I hate that I can't do anything about it, and I end up reacting rather negatively. Thankfully, I have never broken or tossed anything, but I have exploded with words, and I know that this is not normal or right. This is why I have tried to take steps to not let it affect me, but it is sometimes there, under the surface. Mental well being and board games is a great topic and something that we definitely need to speak more on. It is a game, but there are other things that can be addressed in the process of going through the game. Thank you for such a wonderful video and I can't wait to continue the conversation!

wonderful video! i’ve actually just joined a discord group that meets to play board games in real life and i’m very excited - haven’t played any since before the pandemic. i’ll be joining them for games on the 23rd for the first time - a true holiday treat!

Watch it played removes a barrier to participation by helping us over the hurdle of 'the rules'. I feel that the board gaming community allows a diverse group of people to meet and interact. My interest became a hobby after Airecon 2017 and has helped me through difficult times. Our social interactions over games with family and friends extend beyond the game and make us our life richer. Our emotional reactions through gaming teaches us more about ourselves and an understanding of control. Overall positive although FOMO and kickstarter have made for a too many games collection issue! Keep up the good work.

This was a great video and sparked some introspection about my own board gaming habits. Would love to see this become a regular feature on the channel. Keep up the good work Rodney!

Watching this after yesterday watching your 10 years in gaming chat with Quinn of SUSD, it is extremely refreshing to hear you talk about such real personal things. This is exactly what the world needs more of, especially now. The not being able to express your feelings until you hear someone else put it into words is such a crazy thing that I am experiencing more and more. Literally the part about having gaming as a space where I know the rules, there is a strict right and wrong, I don't have to worry about how my actions are interpreted, was that exact feeling. I hadn't identified that as one of the reasons that I love gaming so much, but now it is very clear. Thank you for everything you do

@g8kpr3000

6 ай бұрын

Where is the chat with Quinn? I can’t locate it.

@thegreatdane908

6 ай бұрын

@@g8kpr3000 It is on SUSD's channel from a few years ago. kzread.info/dash/bejne/d5mc0cSicZnKgco.html

What a lovely follow up. Loved hearing other peoples experiences. The last story was very touching :)

Such a wonderful and heartwarming video. One of the biggest discoveries I've had since the last video on this subject was posted was not about the impact of board games on mental health but that mental health impacts my board gaming hobby. It is something I love and want to pursue but instead I am disappearing from social events and avoiding people. I find myself with too little emotional energy for fun things because I've used it all up with work stress, trying to break out of mental spirals, and ordinary (and rather small in the large scheme of things) life challenges.

Thank you, Rodney. Happy Holidays!

Great topic and of course the great Rodney is always worth watching. For myself and several of us in our group, games are not only great for community and hanging out, laughing, telling stories and listening to each other problems, but as our group is of the older older generation is stimulates that part of our brain which I believe helps in the long term. We now have over 320 games in our collection and several in our group, but we would be lost without hearing the words "Does Rodney have a video about it?" Love all you do and as always keep up the outstanding work.

This is by far one of the most meaningful videos about board games I have ever watched. Thanks for sharing those stories and your thoughts. And happy 2024!

Great video, Rodney. Thanks for doing this. Wishing you and your family the best of the season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I've enjoyed your many videos, have learned a lot from them, and appreciate the generosity of what you do here. You provide a fantastic service. Thank you! I belong to two board game groups. Attending game nights and playing games with such great people has been a wonderful experience for me; game night is something I truly look forward to. I go there for the social interaction, laughs, and the challenge of learning new, often complicated games, with very, very smart players. For me, participating is a largely uplifting experience and good for my mental health; I feel better and the excitement of the evening doesn't leave for hours afterward. Competitiveness, at least for me, isn't such an issue. I usually have to spend way too much energy trying to figure out even halfway decent strategies just to get by in a game, let alone being able to compete. I have learned, though, that in order to stay in parity with other, better players, I often tend to "target" them, just to slow their progress, to give me more time to figure things out. This has the unfortunate, but well deserved, effect of having to take as much as I give. But that's perfectly OK: sauce for the goose, and all that. I learn from it. As for emotional regulation, I find it is important to bear in mind that while winning a game is often seen to be the only goal, my opinion is that the real goal is to enjoy the experience, whether or not the outcome is what one has desired. I can't tell you how many of my favorite games that I've played are ones in which I've never won the game. People I've played with sometimes get very frustrated and outwardly emotional when playing if things don't go their way, even wanting to leave a game in-progress, but it is important to be open, non-judgmental (as their outward expression might be the result of unrelated issues they are experiencing that are not obvious) and to reassure the player that their participation is important to everyone involved - not just because it could cause a problem for the continued playing of that game -, but because the group wants to share the board game playing experience inclusive of everyone and without them it wouldn't be as fun. Reassurance that fortunes change, that things will eventually go their way has always been proven correct.

Neeever expected to cry watching a video from a boardgame channel😅

Thank you for making this video about this topic. One of the toughest aspects of this hobby is meeting up with people we barely know to engage in a social interactive activity. I too have had some difficult encounters and almost gave up this hobby a few times. But I’m glad I stick with it, and was able to find a way that has helped resolve a lot of the tension I’ve found. A great deal of it comes from someone not having a good time using a particular game. So I made a rule and I announce it at the start of every session with people who I’ve not played with much before. The rule is this: if at any time you are not having fun or feeling engaged in the game, say so. The game will then be over and we will play something you want to play. I’ve never had a bad game session since.

Love it! This is the type of content that is unique to you, Rodney, and this channel. Very grateful for these real views on our relationships with our board games and how they can be detrimental but also immensely helpful depending on how they are used. Like any relationship, they can be cultivated, so it's important that we approach how we use board games in ways that help us and our relationships with others.

This is my favorite christmas video, even though it was not meant to be a christmas themed video. Keep up the great work, without this channel the hobby wouldn't be the same.

I’ve been watching your content for about 3 years it seems. I truly appreciate your gift to the community, and strive to follow your lead in teaching games. This is my first experience into your deep dives. I can tell you that it has affected me deeply. I won’t go into all the personal details, but while mental health was always a part of the hobby, I see how my play style has grown in recognition of the emotional and mental needs of those around the table. Thank you and the community for opening up discussions of this nature.

I work for the last 10 years as a remote IT worker, when i started to work from home i thought it was great, 2 years later i started to realize how destructive it can be for a person like me, who is very social, then my friend took me to a boardgame convent and then i did baby steps and started to look for gaming events so i can leave home, through boardgames i met so many people, these did not always turned into great friendship but most of them did, today i play with many different groups and people, i arrange game nights at home, started painting minis (where i always thought i am poor in these kind of stuuf), boardgames literally brought me back to life, thanks for this kind of stories Rodney, you are doing great job with all the content

Thanks for sharing these experiences and for the larger conversation - it's important to remember we're human and even play can make us feel so many ways.

Gaming, specifically video games introduced me to Extra-Life. Eventually I learned Extra-life encompasses also tabletop/board games as well. Allowing me to have fun in this wonderful hobby we all share, while also supporting my local childrens hospital. I've raised money for them 9 years now, doing what I can for children in need. it brings me joy that I can help in such a way. it also opened the door for me to be in contact with the local hospital during the pandemic. I've always wanted to do more for them, even tried to start a gaming activity that I wished to hold for the kids. that part didn't pan out because of contamination issues. but the open door allowed me to give the hospital access to a google drive folder that I made chalk full of different kinds of coloring activities for them to print off. I hope it brought happiness and smiles to them when things were looking grim in such an unknown scary time. I continue to support Extra-Life annually. Board gaming gives me an outlet for my social activity, and friendship to all those I meet. and I am grateful for all of it. I only wish I could do more.

Thanks for your amazing feelings about life! From Brazil we watched your channel and loved 😊

Thank you! This is a helpful topic. With the average person spending 30-50 hours per week on TV and the Internet, I still get looks from people sometimes like I am odd for spending time on board games, which does hurt a bit, but I think it is mostly because they haven't played board games much and don't have a good group. I am converting a couple of them and they are starting to get it :-) I would choose active interaction with people in board game over passively watching a movie, but there is no law about doing both, just not recommended at same time (unless you are doing a marathon War of the Ring, then it is cool) The first time playing a game, my group usually cannot absorb all the rules a once, so I give it to them a bit at a time until by the end of the game they have all the rules. We don't get caught up on who wins or losses, instead focusing on the enjoyment of the experience. That works well for a long-term group. In another group which I atttend once per month, they are gamers. I don't enjoy intensely competitive games much but I do my best to support whoever selected that session. We play a wide vareity of games that I would never try otherwise. Finished my Christmas shopping! 90% board game gifts this year! Merry Christmas ya'all!

What a great video!!! Thank you for this!!!

Thank you for sharing these insights Rodney.

Thank you for this video Rodney, it's very helpful content. Merry Christmas from Southern Ontario.

thank you for bring up this topic, having suffered with depression and anxiety, board games are an amazing release and a chance to meet friends as you described. They help me to push myself and even to build up the courage to make some gifts for the watch it played team at Airecon and manage to hand them over. While super nervous meeting the team and trying to sound confident while speaking to the team. It is because of the community and the ethos around the board game community that even though I could hardly speak the whole team were super grateful and friendly. Rodney even took a selfie with me and the team. Which I proudly display on my wall now. I can look at that picture now and remind myself that even though I suffer I know that I can be welcomed no matter how nervous or awkward I am. Really sad I can make Aircon this year but know next time I can everyone will be super welcoming. To all those that have issues whatever they may know you are not alone and there is a community that welcomes you regardless. Just wish i had more opportunity's to play more games. Merry Christmas everyone.

Thank you Rodney for this video, it is an important topic to discuss and for me, board gaming definitely helps me with my mental well-being. BTW - you are my favorite "how to play" guy ! Thank you for what you do.

I just want to spend time with my friends and family doing a task/activity together away from phones

I have several chronic illnesses, most of which have no cure. In the last couple of years, I was diagnosed with a new illness that has a long, but transformative treatment. As I’ve been feeling better, board games have been a great way for me to get off of the couch/bed and away from screens.

What an amazing and refreshing video!

Great video! Such great responses!

I never broken a game out of frustration or anything. However I had people rage quit a competitive game I was in, people who betrayed my kindness and friendship in the hobby. I helped another gamer moved and bought a place because it was his first time and US was not his home country. In the end he friend dump me for unknown reasons. I originally started this hobby because I was shy and needed a way to make friends. I have been heart broken and I have grown stronger. Thank you for making this important video!

My thoughts on them: I don't have enough of both!

Love the video and openness on mental health. Herefordshire Board Gamers has a guide on mental health first aid, it's worth a read as it has saved a life for us. Keep being kind to each other and yourself. See you at Airecon

Thank you for all that you do Rodney it is greatly appreciated

Dune Imperium saved my life and i cant thank you guys enough for teaching me how to play it!

Great video. Made me think. Have a nice day

I really, really agree with that Marie (first person). I have only gotten so far as internet games but it still really helps and I've found a couple really nice communities after some searching. Jen (second person) had a great idea with Twitch. That is really, really smart & inspiring. I think what Johnathan said is very wise. Games can be majorly overloading, and we all have different triggers for that. I have cried before playing spatial games with my husband because I was so bad, even though he's always super sweet. We decided when one of us is way ahead of the other we will scaffold the game so the points are more even. For example, in Isle of Cats, I am allowed to let the cats hang off the boat by a row and I can place pieces non-adjacent. I still maybe win 1/5 times, but it's not about that. It just feels a lot more productive and we both enjoy it a lot more because it's a much closer game. All of the comments were great. It's very cool to see such a gamut of thoughts. I really do think the Watch it Played team is very special like others have said. The WiP discord community is so, so, so, SO kind. I have found so many neat gamers. It is so cool about the Amazon wishlist. It is very difficult to care for a loved one who is ill. This was all so encouraging. ^_^

Kevin's story made me cry. Great stuff!

GREAT video. Thanks Rodney. After the last one, my eye is leaking......

Whoop whoop shout-out to Jencam!! Love this video, Rodney. And I love the vulnerability and thoughtfulness shown by all those who commented ❤

@JenCamPlaysBoardGames

6 ай бұрын

Thank you 💜

Thank you for making this video. I guarantee this warmed thousands of hearts around the world. Keep up the fantastic work. One question though, what is that colourful game on the left side of the screen with the rainbow box? Does anyone know?

@WatchItPlayed

6 ай бұрын

Sagrada Artisans - you'll find a video for it here on the channel if you're interested.

this is a very good video. thank you

This is fantastic. Wholesome and inspiring. Thanks Rodney!

Hey Rodny, I really like your videos and enjoy all game rules explaination you post. Also often not even looking for the game rules in the box just search for your video. Thank you very, very, much for the content you put online. However I would like to ask you what is your favorite board game? :)

@WatchItPlayed

6 ай бұрын

Glad you've enjoyed! I tend to avoid sharing my personal favorites, as it's so very situational. A game I would really enjoy playing in some situation I would really not enjoy at all in another.

Great video Dr Rodney

Hi Rodney. Love your channel. I have watched it since I first got into serious hobby gaming around 10 years ago. In that time I've watched many different KZreadrs to try and figure out what type of games I like from their reviews and thoughts. Recently, I unsubscribed from one of my favourite board game KZreadrs because I realised his general thoughts on games were half glass empty and negative more often than not. I even unfollowed him on social media because of his general negativity with life. It's unfortunate because I like a lot of the games he likes and I enjoy his videos. I just found that his content was giving me anxiety and was generally upsetting me. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks so I felt the less negativity in my board gaming life the better, because there's enough anxiety in every day life. That last story about the guy who moved in with his mum that had dementia brought a tear to my eye. All the best Ben.

Rodney belongs on the pantheon of examples of healthy masculinity along with Levar Burton, Fred Rogers, etc. Seriously though, thank you for these videos.

I own around 120 boardgames. I went to a boardgames club about 3 times 7 years ago. Didn't enjoy it and have only ever played solo in 20 years of the hobby. Trouble is, my depression is so bad, I don't even play anymore. I'll waste money on games and never play them. I have zero family or friends. For example, it's Christmas day and I haven't a single gift to unwrap or give. No special food or drink. It's just another day in isolation. I barely sleep or eat. I have multiple health problems and deal with chronic pain and addiction to painkillers that stopped helping years ago. When depression gets to That state, boardgames become completely irrelevant.

It’s hard for me to imagine you don’t always have a joyful temperament during games Rodney.

It gives you something to do like a hobby on a good strategy game. I have solo games myself, no one to play with. Axis and Allies as well. B17 leader is good, teaches history. Also like Patton solo game, Arkahm Horror etc.

This is probably late to the party, but I'm a veteran and some tabletop games like Axis and Allies and Warhammer have helped my friends who came back from Afghanistan have an outlet to talk about their experience. A board game called A Distant Plain, and other COIN GMT games, have been helpful tools for talking to my army buddies. A distant Plain is specifically about the war in afghanistan, so it has been helpful to create more conversations about their experiences. The crazy thing is, I don't own a copy of the game, have never played, and can't find a copy to save my life. Just the existence of the game has been enough to open people up. My point, board games can help create a place where veterans can open up, at least for me. A veteran I met claims Warhammer 40K saved his marriage.

@WatchItPlayed

26 күн бұрын

A tough one to find right now, but it will be back in print again. Thanks for sharing your experience!

We're also really passionate about Mental Health, especially in the board game space! Thanks for sharing these experiences and talking more about the subject Rodney

@WatchItPlayed

6 ай бұрын

Do reach out, if I can make something work, I'd be happy to!

@AllYouCanBoard

6 ай бұрын

@@WatchItPlayed Amazing! We'll be sure to reach out whenever we put this on again.💙🧡💙

@WatchItPlayed

6 ай бұрын

@@AllYouCanBoardPlease do!

More of this

Aw man, I wish I left a comment on the last episode. For the past few years, on and off, I've been making a digital board game, and it's really easy to worry about gaps in the mechanics, or if the rules are too bloated, or if the balance is off, if there's any grammatical errors, and considering every card in as many situations as possible to avoid staples being too strong. It's been stressful and it's often not felt like it's good enough. But on the other hand, why do I do this at all? I get to actually play something I created with my friends, and they get to pull off cool stuff, a lot of it I thought of, a lot of it I didn't, and I've been able to make something that's enjoyed by a lot of people. It's hard to describe how it feels but it's really amazing. I hope to one day release it physically into the world but that entails a lot of complicated stuff I'm still researching.

Now Rodney is "Uncle" to all boardgames looking for a video or rules and how to play.

thank you for sharing, especially Kevin's story at the end. that one got me. 🥲