Kris Hall: The Lender’s Dilemma
So you’ve got a game that you own, but that you have never played. Maybe it’s so old that it is out of print. Maybe it’s a game with a long playing time and there just aren’t that many opportunities for you to play long games with your gaming group.
Or maybe the game has sat in your closet, half-forgotten for years. Or maybe it is a wargame, and your group mostly plays Euros so you haven’t had an opportunity to get it to the table.
For whatever reason, the game has come to your attention again, and you realize that you would finally like to try it. Maybe you’ve been dropping hints that this is a game everyone should try the next time everyone gets together for a long Saturday of gaming.
And you finally manage to persuade your friends, the Saturday is scheduled and penciled in, and everyone is looking forward to trying Game X.
And then a conflict arises. You find you can’t make it that Saturday. A family or business obligation you can’t get out of.
And so the question becomes: do you loan your the game to your friends?
After all, it was you who raised their hopes. It was you who caused the gathering in the first place. Don’t you have an obligation to loan it once you’ve gotten a commitment from everyone?
But if they play it, their curiosity may be sated. They may never feel a need to play it again. Even if they like the game, they may move on to the next new thing, and leave you with your curiosity unsatisfied.
Isn’t it tempting to just say: “Sorry, guys. But I’m not loaning this until I’ve played it at least once.”
Has this dilemma actually occurred to me? Thankfully, no. But I could imagine it happening.
What would you do?
© 2009 Kris Hall
Posted by Kris Hall on Apr 10, 2009 at 01:00 AM in Columnists, Kris Hall / 1325
Comments:
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I have loaned out unplayed games. Posted by Clark Rodeffer on Apr 10, 2009 at 08:21 AM | #
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I would loan it if someone already knows the game well enough to explain it. But in my circle, that responsibility usually falls on me, so more than likely in this situation, the game night would be postponed. Posted by Jacob Lee on Apr 10, 2009 at 01:42 PM | #
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No dilemma for me. Games are meant to be played. I would hide my disapointment and send out an email asking who will come by to pick up the game for the group. Though I suspect that my friends would likely decide not to play it on their own. They would want someone (me) who read the rules through and through to teach the game. There are lots of other games around and they would simply choose another game. Peace Posted by Brent Lloyd on Apr 10, 2009 at 01:57 PM | #
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Ok, I might actually feel inclined to say no (I’m a little selfish… fine! shoot me!).... unless they assured me that it will get played again no matter what the first impression is. But like Brent said, I’m sure my friends will probably decide not play it without me. Posted by Robert Ramirez on Apr 10, 2009 at 11:41 PM | #
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Lend it. Games are very safe on the shelf but that’s not what they are designed for. Plus if my group play it without me i’m saved having to explain the rules, in fact i might even have the rules explaned to me at a later date. Posted by Paul Lister on Apr 11, 2009 at 06:15 AM | #
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I will remember that Robert. :) Peace Posted by Brent Lloyd on Apr 11, 2009 at 12:44 PM | #
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I’m a different Robert.... not the one that games with you a couple of times or so a month… :) Posted by Robert Ramirez on Apr 11, 2009 at 09:44 PM | #
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Lend it. If it falls flat with that group, then you won’t be blamed for it. :) Posted by Scott Russell on Apr 14, 2009 at 03:02 PM | #
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After all, it was you who raised their hopes. It was you who caused the gathering in the first place. Don’t you have an obligation to loan it once you’ve gotten a commitment from everyone? I think that’s the answer right there. Yes. Posted by Fraser McHarg on Apr 15, 2009 at 11:29 PM | #
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