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Ever wanted to know how many unrated games there are in the Geek’s database that were published in 1940? No? Well, in case you’re now pondering that very question: it’s about 70. Okay, so maybe that wasn’t at the forefront of your mind, but I imagine the question “Are games getting better over time?” will rouse a little more interest. It’s an ideal topic for late night pub debates, but next time it comes up you’ll have some facts to back up whatever direction you choose to take thanks to this analysis of BoardGameGeek’s historical data. And, it seems, game ratings are indeed climbing over time:
For another interesting fact: fewer than 10% of games have received a rating of 7.5 or higher – which is about the same percentage that have received a score 3.5 or less. For the statistical thinkers that are wary of headline averages, “the ratings are not evenly distributed. The mean rating given out is a 6.82 (median=6.95, std=0.98). People tend to rate the games they like and not rate the games they don’t like.”.
For these stats and more interesting facts, including the revelation that the worst rated combination of category and mechanic is “Children’s Game + Medical”, followed shortly by a more predictable “Religious + Roll and Move”, have a perusal of Leonard Richardson’s full board game data analysis.
Another boardgame award to look out for. This one is pretty important because it is an international one and the winners will be announced during the Spiel 2011 in Essen (where the Royals will be heading too of course). The nominees includes many old favourites and lots of gamers’ games, such as Dominant Species but also a handful of underdogs such K2, which we did not expect to find on the list.
Go have a look yourself and tell us what you think!
FFG have swallowed another big license and are a giving it their trademark-FFG treatment with the first game to come out in the series being the Star Wars LCG, a cooperative card game for 1-4 players that looks deceptively like the Lord of the Rings cardgame, which is also a cooperative game, if only for 2 players.
Well, we all love the fact that more Star Wars games are coming out (more ? we are glad there are any Star Wars games coming out), but this is probably the least imaginative prospect I have seen in ages.
Anyhow, here is the link to the FFG website.
And while you’re at it, make sure to take a look at their tactical ship-combat game as well, X-Wing.
May the Royals be with you
