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 May 15, 2008
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Ryan Bretsch
The collected columns of Ryan Bretsch, who has this to say about himself:
Ryan Bretsch is originally from St. Louis, MO. He currently resides in Tampa, Florida after a move from the winter chills of Maine in 2001. Ryan has been with Boardgame News since its inception, writing first as the regular Wednesday columnist and now currently as an "at large" columnist. His writings come after spending time as a writer/columnist covering various boardgame topics for Gamefest.com.
Ryan's now well-documented writing focus for Boardgame News is centered on writing about topics aimed at bringing board games to the wider mass market audience. In addition, Ryan strives to build understanding and perspective into how to bridge the new world of the boardgames into an effective, viable and mainstream entertainment option. As an "at large" columnist, Ryan's columns will appear periodically, so stay tuned!
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HeadlinesMarch 4, 2008 - Ryan Bretsch: Making Room for a ThirdApril 9, 2007 - Ryan Bretsch: The Gathering and The Great Ameritrash Debate March 5, 2007 - Ryan Bretsch: The Popular Blog February 21, 2007 - Ryan Bretsch: The Industry 2007 January 23, 2007 - Ryan Bretsch: Scatterbrained! January 18, 2007 - Ryan Bretsch: Days of Wonder and a Change of Tune August 22, 2006 - Ryan Bretsch: Finding Purpose Behind Variants July 12, 2006 - Ryan Bretsch: Wednesday Columnist Redux June 28, 2006 - Ryan Bretsch: Of Tan Horses and Broken Pyramids June 21, 2006 - Ryan Bretsch: Chronicles of Cardboard and Life June 7, 2006 - Ryan Bretsch: The Lessons of Widderich May 31, 2006 - Ryan Bretsch: Back Next Week |
Articles
Ryan Bretsch: Making Room for a Third
Occasionally, it becomes time for me to write another boardgame article. I have to admit, it is much more fun to semi retire to the Boardgame News comments section, which allows me to be much more flip and glib with my commentary and taste preferences. But yes, there is a time when I have to step up to the big chair and write something of consequence.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on March 4, 2008 at 01:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: The Gathering and The Great Ameritrash Debate
Once again another “Gathering of Friends” is complete. To me it is always far more interesting to read comments at this time of year from people who were not invited to attend “The Gathering” versus people who were invited. But for years, it has been just as fascinating to read the response and justification from the invitees in reply to those comments. Of course, BGN has run more than its fair share of writings on the topic...some which have been likened to “blogs” by a few of our readers. At Boardgame News, we really don’t run “blogs”.... or at least we shouldn’t. Boardgame News, under Rick Thornquist, has always stood for insightful writing with a focus on what readers want to hear… not about what we want to write. (Actually, it has always stood for both!) Our purpose is to genuinely strive to write columns that serve the needs of our audience. This is a responsibility, far more than a privilege. Today, do we live up to this creed at Boardgame News?
Ryan Bretsch: The Popular Blog
So much more than a mere games report today! But I will cover some thoughts on Days of Wonder’s new boardgame, Colosseum. Additionally, I will share some thoughts about the old Gamefest columns where it all started for me and attempt to pull back the mask a bit to offer readers a bit of perspective about the writer standing before you today. Finally, I went to a renaissance festival this weekend and I thought that was a very interesting experience—which I believe leads me to my opening for today.
Ryan Bretsch: The Industry 2007
Last year I wrote, “It seems as if boardgame related awards have proliferated throughout 2005 and 2006. Everyone has an award for something. For the most part, I have managed to stay out of this fray but I do have my own opinions… same as everyone else. So after reviewing the industry in my own limited way, I have decided to offer what I simply like to say are my ‘opinions’ for 2006… and I consider them my own personal opinions, more so than awards. So without further ado, here is my list of those ‘opinions’ for 2006.”
Well gang, it is 2007 and it is now time for me to pass out my “awards” again, in the very loose sense of the word.
Ryan Bretsch: Scatterbrained!
No, it’s not the new game from Hasbro. It’s me, with lots to talk about and a lot of ground to cover in a short article. So first? Colosseum. This is the new upcoming game from Days of Wonder which will attempt to relegate my opinions about them becoming a “gamers” game company right straight into the scrap heap. Can they do it? I am rooting for them. I’ll happily check my ego in the rubbish pile for a chance to play a great game any day. News on this game is far and in between but a general description is starting to emerge…
Ryan Bretsch: Days of Wonder and a Change of Tune
Wow, I wonder if I almost forgot how to use the Boardgame News editor to write articles! It has been a while since I have written and I think we can all agree many changes have taken place. I miss the writings of Rick Thornquist and Greg Schloesser, in particular. I think the writings have slowly narrowed down to address a strictly core gamer’s audience and I miss the broad-based perspectives that the old “Gamefest” crew of Patrick, Rick, Greg and Tom offered up each and every single day of the week to BGN readers.
But my compliments to the new writing crew and especially to Eric Martin for his excellent technical writing and also for taking on this great writing adventure here at BGN, as our new editor.
Ryan Bretsch: Finding Purpose Behind Variants
I had the opportunity to play Conquest of the Empire for a second time recently. Of course, we played with the classic rules. I still love the game but noticed that the play did bog down quite a bit because many of us were “turtling” or building up forces and not attacking each other. This was primarily out of fear of exposing weakness in the flank that would allow others to attack.
Leave it me to be the greatest example of this, as I was merrily content to build my own little power fiefdom living in contented “peace through strength” with my neighbors. However, the second playing of the game exposed some grim realities for me and this game perfectly illustrated the need for variants to enhance gameplay. The question is what would be effective?
Ryan Bretsch: Wednesday Columnist Redux
This is going to be a very short column but I will be announcing in it that I will be “hanging up the spurs” as your Wednesday Columnist.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on July 12, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: Of Tan Horses and Broken Pyramids
Complain. Complain. Complain. It feels as though that’s all I’ve done lately. But a couple of more things spring to mind this week that I just have to talk about. Even so, I will look to give you something new and different…
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on June 28, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: Chronicles of Cardboard and Life
Wow. Its has been a busy last two months. I won’t talk about all that went on but it has been a sad time and a happy time.... all at the same time. I did get to go to South Beach, Miami recently.... where all the so called “pretty” people hang out. South Beach is most definitely a life experience and if you ever have a chance to go to The Delano, take it. It is ultra modern cool. Same thing for taking the opportunity to try a Mojito. Miami is most definitely a great time. So if you ever get to share such an experience with friends… take that too.
By the way, I can now wax poetic about Cohiba Cigars...which is another one of those unique “once in a lifetime” life experiences to try… especially so, considering I am a life long non-smoker in the mold of Jimmy Stewart. But this is a boardgame column, not a “bored"game column… so I will move on to our substantive topic for today, which is boardgames.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on June 21, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: The Lessons of Widderich
At long last, we bring the proverbial (Canadian) bacon home. Joining me today for a discussion about boardgames is Jeff Widderich, founder of Cardchess International.
A brief biography on Jeff: For the most part, a life long Canadian, Jeff lived for a short time in Germany during his formative teen years. He was fortunate to pick up the German language as bonus. Jeff states that he actually played semi pro soccer in Germany when he was 18 but had to quit after suffering a leg injury. Canada was fortunate to receive him back, however, where Jeff studied Architecture and worked in that industry for a short period of time. Mr. Widderich started an art reproduction company duplicating 3 dimensional sculptures called www.3dartifacts.com for both museums and his own company to re-sell. He remains doing this full time. Jeff invented the well known boardgame, Cardchess, near the end of 2001 when the idea came to fruition while Jeff was simultaneously carving a set of playing cards and a set of chess pieces. And that is how Jeff stumbled into the game industry. Jeff states he has an inate ability to think, work, see and dream in 3D. He merrily states his both grandfather and his 3-year-old daughter “have this odd ability (or curse?)” as well.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on June 7, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: Back Next Week
Hello everyone. I just wanted to let everyone know that I should be publishing again next week. A very good friend of mine (and certainly a great man) passed away very recently. So games have been the last thing on my mind for awhile.
But I will be back soon with an interview with Jeff Widderich on the slate. I appreciate everyone’s patience.
Ryan B.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on May 31, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: Man, This is Great Ice Cream!
Ayne Sellers relayed a great story about Greg Schloesser in the comments section of my most recent column. During the course of dining at the Hausbrauerei in Essen she recounted that “Greg Schloesser kept repeating “This is great ice creamâ€? when the conversation turned toward politics, even though no one was actually saying anything immflammatory - but he made his point clearly that it was a subject he didn’t want to discuss.”
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on May 17, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: The Industry
It seems as if boardgame related awards have proliferated throughout 2005 and 2006. Everyone has an award for something. For the most part, I have managed to stay out of this fray but I do have my own opinions… same as everyone else. So after reviewing the industry in my own limited way, I have decided to offer what I simply like to say are my “opinions” for 2006… and I consider them my own personal opinions, more so than awards. As such, they are pretty much worthless. So without further ado, here is my list of those “opinions” for 2006.
(Please note: Some of these opinions are not for the squeamish. There are probably some controversial opinions related here and will probably cost me about half my “fan” base. So for whoever that lone person is.... good night and good luck.)
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on May 3, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: War, Boards and Dice
Tom Vasel mentioned this week how missing two weeks of blog posting would probably get him fired by Rick. Boy, I wonder how I am still surviving then? Anyway, Tom has spurred me to “get crackin” for this week’s blog.” So here we are.
Wargaming is not a subject I spend too much time on because that is not my usual boardgaming fare. But a couple of thoughts do come to mind.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on April 26, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: Ok. Now That The Gathering Thing is Over
Sorry this column is almost a day late. For that matter, it could very well be a dollar short. (smile) Well, it has been a very busy year for me in 2006. While I received a very gracious invite for The Gathering from Mr. Alan Moon, my schedule dictated that I would not be able to attend this year. So like the majority of folks out in boardgame cyberspace, I tuned in through our very own eyes and ears perspective of Rick Thornquist to see what I was missing.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on April 19, 2006 at 10:12 PM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: What A Bunch of Non-Gamers
I recently decided that I did not fit the traditional definition of a “gamer”, try as I might. And yet it is fair to say that I really like playing boardgames. Even to the extent that I write about them.
So why did I decide that I didn’t fit the mark of a prototypical “gamer”? And if I am not a “gamer”, am I even qualified to write about boardgames? Well, first I wanted to define what I have come to see as a person who could reasonably be defined as a “gamer”.
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Posted by Ryan Bretsch on March 29, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: Taking Flight: Giving Fantasy Flight its Due
On Monday, Fantasy Flight Games announced their 2006 line-up. I have to admit, what I like about Fantasy Flight is they know their audience and seemingly work overtime to please them and deliver games that are complex with lots of chrome. And they don’t deviate from that course. So we definitely know what the company stands for.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on March 15, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: Updating Traditional Monopoly via Monopoly 500
Hello everyone and welcome. How many of you are tired of seeing the umpteenth variant of the standard Monopoly theme… without working to update the actual game itself?
It was a very interesting week at my house this week. We had our monthly boardgame night and for something different, we decided to do Monopoly....with a twist. I am always dabbling in game design and I really wanted to spice Monopoly up a bit for this event. Ironically, we had eight friends show up for the evening’s festivities (including me) and when that happens all the dangers of traditional Monopoly come to the forefront. Long wait times between turns, slow start up and the ever present 8-10 hour length that it would probably take to bankrupt everyone and finish the game were definitely potential problems that were rearing their ugly heads.
Well, I knew that no one was going to stay at our house past midnight, so I had to come up with something good. Hence my new Monopoly variant that I enthusiastically called “Monopoly 500”.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on March 8, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: What About the Lighter Side of Game Themes?
I keep thinking about 2006 and the upcoming game release schedule. I guess I have established myself as being a “non-gamer” who really happens to enjoy boardgames. While I wonder if this notion is even possible, I do think I have fairly typical mainstream tastes in games that are not quite as involved or sophisticated as such that many of my “gamer” breathren enjoy.
For instance.... I happen to think Monopoly is quite a good game when people play by the official rules. Adios credibility, right?
There is a tendency for me to gravitate to games that I can easily visualize the theme, have high social interaction and a good balance between strategy and luck.
I like games like Apples to Apples, A Dog’s Life, Pirate’s Cove, Mystery of the Abbey, Ticket to Ride etc. And I know I have repeated this tired line about those games probably more than a couple of times now. Soon it just becomes “blah, blah, blah, blah.”
But I finally realized.... that’s just the problem.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on March 1, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: It’s Time You Had a Wednesday Columnist
Hello everyone,
I think it is time you had a Wednesday Columnist again. Don’t you? Unfortunately, I may not be able to be that person, as my work commitments are many right now.
But believe me, I love writing about boardgames and as things settle down, I plan to keep my hand in. And I would like to once again come to the point where I can write weekly. But, in the meantime, I have asked Rick to at least consider other potential options.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on February 15, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: How I Rate Designers and Other Quibblings
Work has been crazy busy as of recent but at the same time, it has been a lot of fun. My parents were in town this week, so we got to play a couple of games of Mystery of the Abbey and a game of Ticket to Ride: Europe.
I briefly got a chance to read over some articles and was able to peruse Larry’s column about rating designers he likes. I admit mine is a much simpler rating system… it’s just called “gut feeling.”
So Bruno, never fear. You will get your props from me this week. Bruno Faidutti is one of my favorite designers.... but I think he does his best work in collaborations. Larry is right in saying he is Mr. Chaos (which is different than saying he is Mr. Luck...) and the amount of chaos Mr. Faidutti inroduces is refreshing.... to a point.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on February 1, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: The Personal Side of the Game Business
Ok, I guess I was wrong about not having a column this week but I am writing it well in advance and my busy work period hasn’t actually started yet.
Last week I wrote an article that was somewhat critical of all things, the direction of Ticket to Ride and Days of Wonder. And everyone who has ever read anything I have written at all… knows just how much I love Days of Wonder and everything they stand for.
I thought I would just take the time this week to talk about what is at stake when one undertakes the journalistic endeavor of op-ed writing and give a reminder to everyone about the responsibilities involved in that type of writing. This is especially true not just for myself, but for the sheer volume and substance of all the new game blogs that are currently out there.
Last week, after I had finished my little tome I just sat there… not really wanting to hit the “submit” button.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on January 11, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: Putting the Wonder into Days of Wonder
Well everyone, what can I say? I had just finished a fairly long column on the review of more game websites. But I couldn’t get it to save and it deleted everything I wrote. So instead, this week I will just have to content myself in wishing everyone a happy 2006!
Next week will be a scratch for writing. I have taken on some heavy but exciting work responsibilities leading an entire department for the new company I work for. So my dedication needs to be total until things are operating smoothly.
I’ll will briefly take the time to change tracks and talk about Days of Wonder for 2006.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on January 4, 2006 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: Getting Railroaded
As I am in St. Louis, Missouri for the holidays, this will be a short column this week and next week I will be taking off for Christmas. Given the recent number of interesting happenings, I have delayed reviewing the manufacturer websites again for a couple of weeks… but we will be back on that topic soon. So let’s get on with it.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on December 21, 2005 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: A Diplomatic Christmas
This Saturday my wife and I were presented with the opportunity to go see the incomparable Jerry Seinfeld, in person, at the Tampa Performing Arts Center. What a great show. He doesn’t look like the Jerry we have all come to know from the Seinfeld days. The hairline is receding just a bit and he has a more sophisticated bearing now in his dress. But he maintains the same juvenile impishness as he draws on life’s amusing observations. Someone from the very large, packed audience asked Jerry what he had been up to since the days of Seinfeld… and without missing a beat he replied, “Well, I can tell you…. pretty much…. nothing.�
He brought the house down.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on December 14, 2005 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: What a Tangled Web We Weave
When looking for specific information about a boardgame, one of the first places to stop is the publishing company’s website. The good websites tend to want to keep us coming back for more while the not so good websites usually make us decide to check back only when necessary. If their games are good, “when necessary� may actually mean checking back on the website quite a bit. Regardless of when you go back to the website, I think we all can agree some experiences are better than others.
So what makes a good website? I would put forward several things.
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on December 7, 2005 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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Ryan Bretsch: The First Column and Welcome
Well, this is my first column for Boardgame News. I want to start by welcoming you to the Boardgame News website. I can tell you we are already going to be breaking rules. Our first broken rule? Collectively, everyone at BGN pretty much agrees that the word “boardgame� should actually be one word, in and of itself. The current accepted and correct grammatical way to write it is as “board game.� Two words.
Just in case you were wondering…
Posted by Ryan Bretsch on November 30, 2005 at 03:00 AM in Columnists > Ryan Bretsch
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