Episode 153: Spiel des Schpiel 2012 - Part 1
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Release Date: May 28, 2012 Running Time: 124 min. Listen Now: Download: Subscribe via iTunes: See sidebar for other subscription options |
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Win-win-win. The Spiel des Jahres is more than Germany's Family Game of the Year. It's an institution. And home to the 3 most prestigious awards in the industry. We begin this year's award season coverage with details on the Spiel des Jahres recommended games list and our review of Kingdom Builder, one of three nominees.
Spiel des Jahres Nominees: Vegas, Eselsbrucke, Kingdom Builder
Recommended List: Drecksau, Indigo, Kalimambo, Kulami, Stanta Cruz, Pictomania, Rapa Nui, Miss Lupun
Nominee #1: Kingdom Builder.
Mail Bag: Dice history, Sjoelen boards in Oregon
Complete Show Notes continue after the break.
Spiel des Jahres Nominees
Vegas BGG | Ravensburger
Eselsbrucke BGG | Schmidt Spiele
Kingdom Builder BGG | Queen Games
Kinderspiel des Jahres Nominees
Schnappt Hubi BGG | Ravensburger
Die Kleinen Drachenritter BGG | HUCH! & friends
Spinnengift und Krotenschleim BGG | Kosmos
Kennerspiel des Jahres Nominees
Village BGG | Eggertspiele
Recommended Games List
Kulami BGG | Steffan Spiele
Santa Cruz BGG | Hans Im Gluck
Indigo BGG | Ravensburger
Pictomania BGG | Czech Games
Kalimambo BGG | Zoch Verlag
Miss Lupun und das Geheimnis der Zahlen BGG | Winning Moves
Mail Bag
Thanks to multiple Spielers for sending in links to the History of Dice!
Thanks to Doug Richardson for letting us know about Sjoelen boards for sale in Oregon.
Music
Music credits include
To Win Just Once by The Saw Doctors | the song
When I Win by Gaelic Storm | the song
Quitters Never Win by Dr. John | the song
Winning by The Sound | the album
Win Win by Lyle Workman | the song
Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win by The Beastie Boys | the song
Errata
I'm sure there are some goofs in there somewhere. Let us know if (when?) you find one!
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Wings of Glory Link
Sponsored Link: Board Game Guy Link
Comments
Spiel des Jahres Nominees
I'm amazed at how many of these I've never heard of and even of the ones I have, I've played none of them.
us, too!
Even though the world of games is global. There are tons of titles that never see the light of day on this side of the pond.
It's one of the reasons I enjoy the recommended list so much. Gives us a taste of what we're missing!
The cost of multiple languages
As much as I liked your review of Kingdom Builder, I couldn't help but think just the same as you do: $60 is just too much for what you get.
As soon as Dave mentioned the cards were in multiple languages, though, I remembered I had the same issue with another of Queen's games: Thebes. In this case, both the rulebook and a short guide describing each of the artifacts were printed in 6 languages, making both the game more expensive, and obviously physically heavier (which is an issue if you have to pay outrageous shipping costs, like I do).
Do all Queen games have this issue? I mean, it might make business sense for them, because I guess it's more difficult to estimate how many games you're selling to people who speak a particular language, than how many you'll make overall. But for the consumer, to end up paying for something that might never end up being used, is not a very good deal.
manufacturing options
I think packing multiple components in multiple languages is true in most of Queen's games.
Having been to Ludo Fact and knowing how things are assembled, it is definitely a choice Queen is making to have their games packed in this manner. It makes it less expensive for them, since all the games are ready to be shipped to any destination. BUT they could easily set up the assembly line with each language specific component and only pack those items in the box.
The weird thing is, I think whatever money they save by consolidating the game components, they lose because it makes each game so much heavier. And shipping costs are definitely a big factor in the cost of games making it to anyone's table!
At the end of the day, Queen is probably making the decision that nets them the most profit per game, but you have to wonder how many consumers will choose other titles (how many sales they lose in other words) because their games are priced higher than average and don't provide extra value (in terms of components) for that price increase.