I'm a rookie in the tabletop world. It was only the start of this year where my passion really took off (skyrocketed is more like it), and my collection of modern board games grew quickly. But I'm amazed at the timing of it all when I look back.
Who knew that 2020 would turn out as it has? My wife and I are small business owners here in Ontario, Canada. Personally, we were in a much better position (personally and professionally) this year while we were in lockdown, compared to others in business. However, it still sucks big time. After being able to re-open our businesses after 4-months of lockdown, there's so much more to do and although business is as good as it can be, it's definitely slower during these strange times. I'm truly at the point where I'm so tired of this and just wish everyone would get on board with doing as they should so we can all (as human beings) make COVID go away!!! With our numbers here in Ontario going up again, it's increasingly frustrating every day. :(
*Sorry, I don't mean for this to become a COVID rant. *
My point of this, is that my rejuvenated passion for tabletop gaming could not have come at a better time. The ability to sink into a game (solo or multiplayer) during lockdown, after a long day at work etc... has been a true blessing. I'm not staring into a screen playing video games for an hour or so, but rather using some thought, my senses and still enjoying the entertainment side of things.
Board games have given me a new way to relax and to get into a different world/story/thought process away from the craziness of our world right now. Whether I'm discovering spyrium, plundering villages as a viking, revolting against the Milice and soldiers, or building my faction/civilization to prosper, I can take some time to immerse myself in a different world.
In addition, the gaming community (such as this site and BGG forums) are full of positive and real conversations. That's rare today it seems, especially online. No judgements or arguments, no negatives .... just a shared passion and fun conversations. People have their likes and dislikes, but no one in the gaming community (that I've come across) forces it on anyone else. Everyone is allowed their likes/dislikes and their own passions for different games/mechanics/themes.
If only the rest of the world could learn from the gamers out there, we'd be in a much better place. :)
Well, if you spend a few more years on BGG you may start noticing a few cracks here and there but overall it is indeed a welcoming community.
It's good to hear that covid hasn't affected much of your everyday life. I haven't been ruined by it either but I'm starting to get tired of staying inside, being afraid of human contact and not being able to travel or even go to the library. That said, board gaming is the perfect hobby for quarantines and lockdowns. 🙂 The 'rookie' period is probably the best in a board gamer's life, since it's the most enthusiastic. Later on you'll become cynical and jaded like JW and me. 😄 So make the most of this excitement and enjoy your games!