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A Journey into Board Gaming
Meet Yolanda, my wife, who’s not much of a gamer—yet! With board games becoming a bigger part of our lives, I set out on a mission to find the best gateway games to pique her interest. Over the past three months, I’ve tested numerous games to create the ultimate top 10 list for new board gamers.
The Data Behind the List
The Data Behind the List
Creating this top 10 list was no small feat. I wanted to make it as comprehensive and objective as possible, so I began by gathering data from 25 different YouTubers who had discussed gateway games. I compiled all their recommendations, resulting in a list of 363 different games. This crowd-sourced approach ensured a broad perspective, capturing the opinions of experienced gamers and content creators.
But I didn’t stop there. To refine the list, I taught myself Python to access the BoardGameGeek (BGG) API, where I pulled various rankings and metadata for each game. The goal was to combine the subjective recommendations from YouTubers with objective data from BGG to create a well-rounded ranking.
The Ranking Formula
The Ranking Formula
To rank the games, I devised a formula that considered several factors:
Mentions: (No. Mentions/363*100) – Games that were mentioned more frequently by YouTubers were weighted favorably.
BGG Rating: Higher-rated games received a boost in the ranking.
Playtime Bonus: Games with a recommended playtime of 30 minutes or less received an additional point, emphasizing their accessibility to new players.
Complexity Penalty: The BGG complexity score was subtracted, ensuring that more complex games were ranked lower, making the list more beginner-friendly.
This formula struck a balance between peer-reviewed recommendations and the objective qualities of each game, helping me identify the most suitable gateway games for new players.
The Top 10 Games
King of Tokyo: A fast-paced, monster-filled battle for Tokyo dominance. Its mix of strategy and luck makes it an exciting gateway game.
Codenames: A word game that challenges your deduction skills and teamwork. Perfect for groups and endlessly replayable.
Kingdomino: A fresh take on dominoes, where you build your kingdom by cleverly placing tiles. Simple yet strategic.
Cascadia: Create a balanced ecosystem in this nature-themed game. Relaxing gameplay with deep strategy.
The Crew: Quest for Planet Nine: A cooperative trick-taking game that requires careful communication and teamwork. 50 missions for endless challenges.
Patchwork: A two-player game about quilting, with a competitive twist. Simple rules, but deep strategy.
Ticket to Ride: A classic game of building train routes across the map. Easy to learn, with a perfect mix of strategy and luck.
Splendor: Collect gems and build your empire in this Renaissance-themed game. Satisfying gameplay that’s great for beginners.
Scout: A clever card game where you can’t rearrange your hand. Strategic and unique, with simple rules.
Just One: A cooperative party game where you give clues without matching others. Quick, fun, and perfect for any group.
Conclusion
These games are perfect for anyone new to board gaming, offering a mix of strategy, luck, and fun. Whether you’re playing with family or friends, these gateway games are sure to spark your interest in the world of board games.
If you enjoyed this journey, consider subscribing or joining our Discord community to discover more games, one play at a time. Until next time, keep on playing!
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