web02.fireside.fm Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:38:32 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Play Saves the World - Episodes Tagged with “A/V Club” https://boardgamefaith.fireside.fm/tags/a%2Fv%20club Sun, 24 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0400 Daniel and Kevin explore the meaning of play for human flourishing – what it is, what it means, and how people create and maintain playful lives. We explore books, people, places, and ideas committed to engendering play in the midst of busy, working lives. en-us episodic On games and spirituality Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor Daniel and Kevin explore the meaning of play for human flourishing – what it is, what it means, and how people create and maintain playful lives. We explore books, people, places, and ideas committed to engendering play in the midst of busy, working lives. no play, gaming, game theory, work, human flourishing, the meaning of play Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor thomaskevintaylor@icloud.com Episode 51: Life Lessons from a Chinese Murder Mystery RPG (A/V Club) https://boardgamefaith.fireside.fm/51 04d4c521-54e5-40ed-8ff5-75af1e8f283d Sun, 24 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0400 Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor 51 Life Lessons from a Chinese Murder Mystery RPG (A/V Club) full Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor In this episode of Board Game Faith, we discuss the topic of roleplay both in games and in real life. We explore the benefits and risks of role play and dive into a video from the YouTube Channel @PeopleMakeGames about the popular role-playing game Jubensha in China, with its deep character development and commitment involved in role-playing games and share personal experiences with role play. We also highlight the power of role play in building empathy and connection with others. 56:04 no In this episode of Board Game Faith, we discuss the topic of role play, both in games and in real life. We explore the benefits and risks of role play and dive into a video from the YouTube Channel @PeopleMakeGames about the popular role-playing game Jubensha in China, with its deep character development and commitment involved in role-playing games and share personal experiences with role play. We also highlight the power of role play in building empathy and connection with others. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the social dynamics of playing Jubensha and the emotional dimensions of role-playing games. They explore the idea that playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers. They also discuss the satisfaction of solving logic deduction puzzles and the self-discovery that can come from playing a role. The hosts delve into the topic of violence in games and the different reactions to murder versus assault. They question why murder is often seen as acceptable entertainment while other forms of violence are not. The conversation ends with a discussion on the potential marginalization of women's experiences in gaming and the need for further exploration of these topics. In this conversation, Daniel and Kevin discuss the benefits of role-playing in games and in everyday life. They explore the idea of assuming different roles and how it can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding. They also touch on the potential threats to games, such as increasing state interference and censorship. The conversation delves into the parallels between role-playing in games and in religious life, highlighting the idea of playing our best selves and the potential for personal transformation. They also mention the use of role-playing in therapy and the positive impact it can have. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of role-playing and its potential for building community and personal development. Takeaways We all play different roles every day, whether it's in games or in real life. Role-playing games involve deep character development and commitment, allowing players to - explore different personas and motivations. Role play can be a powerful tool for building empathy and connection with others. The popular role-playing game Jubensha in China has gained massive popularity and has many dedicated shops. There are both benefits and risks associated with role play, and it's important to approach it with intention and awareness. Playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers. Role-playing games provide satisfaction through solving logic deduction puzzles and self-discovery. There is a discrepancy in society's acceptance of murder as entertainment compared to other forms of violence. The marginalization of women's experiences in gaming may be reflected in the different reactions to murder versus assault. Role-playing in games and in everyday life can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding. Increasing state interference and censorship pose threats to games and their appreciation in different parts of the world. Role-playing in religious life can help individuals play their best selves and foster personal transformation. Role-playing can be used in therapy as a therapeutic tool. Role-playing has the potential to build community and create positive social connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Roles We Play in Life 01:19 Welcome to Board Game Faith 12:37 Personal Experiences with Role-Playing Games 15:59 Benefits of Role-Playing Games 27:45 The Cozy Murder Genre 28:22 The Comfort of Murder 29:28 The Acceptance of Murder as Entertainment 32:12 The Role of Conflict and Risqué Elements in Fiction 33:21 The Influence of Patriarchy on the Perception of Violence 34:48 State Interference and Censorship in Role-Playing Games 36:25 The Benefits of Role-Playing in Everyday Life 40:10 The Geopolitical Implications of Role-Playing Games 41:28 The Therapeutic Potential of Role-Playing 52:09 The Role of Religion as Role-Playing 54:05 The Intersection of Gaming and Faith 55:11 Upcoming Episode: Seasons of Life and Gaming CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ) - Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) (https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--) Jubensha, game theory, gaming, board games, RPG, TTRPG, religion, violence, story, gender, identity, roles In this episode of Board Game Faith, we discuss the topic of role play, both in games and in real life. We explore the benefits and risks of role play and dive into a video from the YouTube Channel @PeopleMakeGames about the popular role-playing game Jubensha in China, with its deep character development and commitment involved in role-playing games and share personal experiences with role play. We also highlight the power of role play in building empathy and connection with others.

In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the social dynamics of playing Jubensha and the emotional dimensions of role-playing games. They explore the idea that playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers. They also discuss the satisfaction of solving logic deduction puzzles and the self-discovery that can come from playing a role. The hosts delve into the topic of violence in games and the different reactions to murder versus assault. They question why murder is often seen as acceptable entertainment while other forms of violence are not. The conversation ends with a discussion on the potential marginalization of women's experiences in gaming and the need for further exploration of these topics. In this conversation, Daniel and Kevin discuss the benefits of role-playing in games and in everyday life. They explore the idea of assuming different roles and how it can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding. They also touch on the potential threats to games, such as increasing state interference and censorship. The conversation delves into the parallels between role-playing in games and in religious life, highlighting the idea of playing our best selves and the potential for personal transformation. They also mention the use of role-playing in therapy and the positive impact it can have. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of role-playing and its potential for building community and personal development.

Takeaways

  • We all play different roles every day, whether it's in games or in real life.
  • Role-playing games involve deep character development and commitment, allowing players to - explore different personas and motivations.
  • Role play can be a powerful tool for building empathy and connection with others.
  • The popular role-playing game Jubensha in China has gained massive popularity and has many dedicated shops.
  • There are both benefits and risks associated with role play, and it's important to approach it with intention and awareness. Playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers.
  • Role-playing games provide satisfaction through solving logic deduction puzzles and self-discovery.
  • There is a discrepancy in society's acceptance of murder as entertainment compared to other forms of violence.
  • The marginalization of women's experiences in gaming may be reflected in the different reactions to murder versus assault. Role-playing in games and in everyday life can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding.
  • Increasing state interference and censorship pose threats to games and their appreciation in different parts of the world.
  • Role-playing in religious life can help individuals play their best selves and foster personal transformation.
  • Role-playing can be used in therapy as a therapeutic tool.
  • Role-playing has the potential to build community and create positive social connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Roles We Play in Life
01:19 Welcome to Board Game Faith
12:37 Personal Experiences with Role-Playing Games
15:59 Benefits of Role-Playing Games
27:45 The Cozy Murder Genre
28:22 The Comfort of Murder
29:28 The Acceptance of Murder as Entertainment
32:12 The Role of Conflict and Risqué Elements in Fiction
33:21 The Influence of Patriarchy on the Perception of Violence
34:48 State Interference and Censorship in Role-Playing Games
36:25 The Benefits of Role-Playing in Everyday Life
40:10 The Geopolitical Implications of Role-Playing Games
41:28 The Therapeutic Potential of Role-Playing
52:09 The Role of Religion as Role-Playing
54:05 The Intersection of Gaming and Faith
55:11 Upcoming Episode: Seasons of Life and Gaming

CALL TO ACTION:

Links:

]]> In this episode of Board Game Faith, we discuss the topic of role play, both in games and in real life. We explore the benefits and risks of role play and dive into a video from the YouTube Channel @PeopleMakeGames about the popular role-playing game Jubensha in China, with its deep character development and commitment involved in role-playing games and share personal experiences with role play. We also highlight the power of role play in building empathy and connection with others.

In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the social dynamics of playing Jubensha and the emotional dimensions of role-playing games. They explore the idea that playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers. They also discuss the satisfaction of solving logic deduction puzzles and the self-discovery that can come from playing a role. The hosts delve into the topic of violence in games and the different reactions to murder versus assault. They question why murder is often seen as acceptable entertainment while other forms of violence are not. The conversation ends with a discussion on the potential marginalization of women's experiences in gaming and the need for further exploration of these topics. In this conversation, Daniel and Kevin discuss the benefits of role-playing in games and in everyday life. They explore the idea of assuming different roles and how it can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding. They also touch on the potential threats to games, such as increasing state interference and censorship. The conversation delves into the parallels between role-playing in games and in religious life, highlighting the idea of playing our best selves and the potential for personal transformation. They also mention the use of role-playing in therapy and the positive impact it can have. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of role-playing and its potential for building community and personal development.

Takeaways

  • We all play different roles every day, whether it's in games or in real life.
  • Role-playing games involve deep character development and commitment, allowing players to - explore different personas and motivations.
  • Role play can be a powerful tool for building empathy and connection with others.
  • The popular role-playing game Jubensha in China has gained massive popularity and has many dedicated shops.
  • There are both benefits and risks associated with role play, and it's important to approach it with intention and awareness. Playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers.
  • Role-playing games provide satisfaction through solving logic deduction puzzles and self-discovery.
  • There is a discrepancy in society's acceptance of murder as entertainment compared to other forms of violence.
  • The marginalization of women's experiences in gaming may be reflected in the different reactions to murder versus assault. Role-playing in games and in everyday life can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding.
  • Increasing state interference and censorship pose threats to games and their appreciation in different parts of the world.
  • Role-playing in religious life can help individuals play their best selves and foster personal transformation.
  • Role-playing can be used in therapy as a therapeutic tool.
  • Role-playing has the potential to build community and create positive social connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Roles We Play in Life
01:19 Welcome to Board Game Faith
12:37 Personal Experiences with Role-Playing Games
15:59 Benefits of Role-Playing Games
27:45 The Cozy Murder Genre
28:22 The Comfort of Murder
29:28 The Acceptance of Murder as Entertainment
32:12 The Role of Conflict and Risqué Elements in Fiction
33:21 The Influence of Patriarchy on the Perception of Violence
34:48 State Interference and Censorship in Role-Playing Games
36:25 The Benefits of Role-Playing in Everyday Life
40:10 The Geopolitical Implications of Role-Playing Games
41:28 The Therapeutic Potential of Role-Playing
52:09 The Role of Religion as Role-Playing
54:05 The Intersection of Gaming and Faith
55:11 Upcoming Episode: Seasons of Life and Gaming

CALL TO ACTION:

Links:

]]> Episode 47: A/V Club: Roleplaying the End of the World https://boardgamefaith.fireside.fm/47 981dca55-761c-466e-b962-1fa61db598c3 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0500 Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor 47 A/V Club: Roleplaying the End of the World full Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor We discuss the concept of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world and how it relates to games and life. YouTube's @PeopleMakeGames explored Wasteland Weekend, a unique event where thousands of people role-play life in a post-apocalyptic setting. We delve into the idea of playing the wrong game and the importance of being present in the moment, the point of a game, and the cost of community. 56:16 no We discuss the concept of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world and how it relates to games and life. YouTube's @PeopleMakeGames explored Wasteland Weekend, a unique event where thousands of people role-play life in a post-apocalyptic setting. We delve into the idea of playing the wrong game and the importance of being present in the moment, the point of a game, and the cost of community. The conversation explores the themes of belonging in the family of God, the importance of vulnerability and shared burdens, earning the right to belong in a community, the logistics and planning of Wasteland Weekend, the value of sacrifice in building community, the role of community in houses of worship, the experience of shared vulnerability in authentic community, the cost of community and the risk of getting hurt, the value of grace and the cost of investment, the fascination with post-apocalyptic themes, the ancient origins of apocalyptic literature, the hopeful and revealing nature of post-apocalyptic stories, exploring human nature in post-apocalyptic narratives, poking at our fears and meditating on who we are, the Book of Revelation as an ancient apocalyptic narrative, the connection between survival and being a decent human being, the importance of kindness and decency in survival, the symbolism of burying the dead in post-apocalyptic stories, the sublime and ridiculous nature of post-apocalyptic themes, and expressing hope and excitement for creative and community-building endeavors. Corrected link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW6EYmRX7wk&t=3s Takeaways Surviving in a post-apocalyptic world requires different skills and mindsets. Playing the wrong game can prevent us from fully experiencing and enjoying the present moment. Community is not free, but it is worth the investment of time and energy. Games can teach us valuable lessons about life, including the importance of strategy and being present. Belonging in a community requires vulnerability and shared burdens. Authentic community is built on sacrifice and investment. Post-apocalyptic themes fascinate us because they reveal our fears and explore human nature. Survival in post-apocalyptic stories often involves acts of kindness and decency. Creative and community-building endeavors give us hope and excitement. CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to our newsletter https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/ Interact with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/ Discord us Discord https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--) apocalyptic, boardgames, roleplayinggames, wastelandweekend, community, spirituality, belonging, vulnerability, church, madmax We discuss the concept of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world and how it relates to games and life. YouTube's @PeopleMakeGames explored Wasteland Weekend, a unique event where thousands of people role-play life in a post-apocalyptic setting. We delve into the idea of playing the wrong game and the importance of being present in the moment, the point of a game, and the cost of community.

The conversation explores the themes of belonging in the family of God, the importance of vulnerability and shared burdens, earning the right to belong in a community, the logistics and planning of Wasteland Weekend, the value of sacrifice in building community, the role of community in houses of worship, the experience of shared vulnerability in authentic community, the cost of community and the risk of getting hurt, the value of grace and the cost of investment, the fascination with post-apocalyptic themes, the ancient origins of apocalyptic literature, the hopeful and revealing nature of post-apocalyptic stories, exploring human nature in post-apocalyptic narratives, poking at our fears and meditating on who we are, the Book of Revelation as an ancient apocalyptic narrative, the connection between survival and being a decent human being, the importance of kindness and decency in survival, the symbolism of burying the dead in post-apocalyptic stories, the sublime and ridiculous nature of post-apocalyptic themes, and expressing hope and excitement for creative and community-building endeavors.

Corrected link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW6EYmRX7wk&t=3s

Takeaways

  • Surviving in a post-apocalyptic world requires different skills and mindsets.
  • Playing the wrong game can prevent us from fully experiencing and enjoying the present moment.
  • Community is not free, but it is worth the investment of time and energy.
  • Games can teach us valuable lessons about life, including the importance of strategy and being present. Belonging in a community requires vulnerability and shared burdens.
  • Authentic community is built on sacrifice and investment.
  • Post-apocalyptic themes fascinate us because they reveal our fears and explore human nature.
  • Survival in post-apocalyptic stories often involves acts of kindness and decency.
  • Creative and community-building endeavors give us hope and excitement.

CALL TO ACTION

Links:

]]> We discuss the concept of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world and how it relates to games and life. YouTube's @PeopleMakeGames explored Wasteland Weekend, a unique event where thousands of people role-play life in a post-apocalyptic setting. We delve into the idea of playing the wrong game and the importance of being present in the moment, the point of a game, and the cost of community.

The conversation explores the themes of belonging in the family of God, the importance of vulnerability and shared burdens, earning the right to belong in a community, the logistics and planning of Wasteland Weekend, the value of sacrifice in building community, the role of community in houses of worship, the experience of shared vulnerability in authentic community, the cost of community and the risk of getting hurt, the value of grace and the cost of investment, the fascination with post-apocalyptic themes, the ancient origins of apocalyptic literature, the hopeful and revealing nature of post-apocalyptic stories, exploring human nature in post-apocalyptic narratives, poking at our fears and meditating on who we are, the Book of Revelation as an ancient apocalyptic narrative, the connection between survival and being a decent human being, the importance of kindness and decency in survival, the symbolism of burying the dead in post-apocalyptic stories, the sublime and ridiculous nature of post-apocalyptic themes, and expressing hope and excitement for creative and community-building endeavors.

Corrected link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW6EYmRX7wk&t=3s

Takeaways

  • Surviving in a post-apocalyptic world requires different skills and mindsets.
  • Playing the wrong game can prevent us from fully experiencing and enjoying the present moment.
  • Community is not free, but it is worth the investment of time and energy.
  • Games can teach us valuable lessons about life, including the importance of strategy and being present. Belonging in a community requires vulnerability and shared burdens.
  • Authentic community is built on sacrifice and investment.
  • Post-apocalyptic themes fascinate us because they reveal our fears and explore human nature.
  • Survival in post-apocalyptic stories often involves acts of kindness and decency.
  • Creative and community-building endeavors give us hope and excitement.

CALL TO ACTION

Links:

]]> Episode 27: Colonialism in Board Games (AV Club #2) https://boardgamefaith.fireside.fm/27 daf9a0c3-fa8e-4c5a-bea6-9dc8fd8a7503 Sun, 02 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0400 Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor 27 Colonialism in Board Games (AV Club #2) full Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor How do colonialist themes impact board games of the past and present? Daniel and Kevin discuss a relevant YouTube video panel discussion from the Homo Ludens channel. 58:53 no Listener Spotlight "Kary" is a teacher from North Carolina She found out about Board Game Faith through Facebook! Game she's digging:  Played "Sequence" for the first time and really enjoyed it. What is awesome about her?  Waking up at 5 AM! Why do you listen to BGF?  The awesome hosts. 🙂 Terra Nullius – a null land, or "nobody's land" TOPIC: Playing Colonialism – Board Game Ethics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMN99INLarE) on the Homo Ludens YouTube Channel OVERVIEW OF VIDEO Hosts:  Fred Serval & Luis Aguasvivas Mary Flanagan, co author of the book, "Playing Oppression" Brian Train - War game designer Cole Wehrle - Root, Pax Pamir Jason Perez - Shelf Stories, consultant for Puerto Rico 1897 Topic:  Exploring problematic but common theme of colonialism in board games – going to "exotic lands," "exploring them," "exploiting them" - creating illusion that lands are empty and/or that indigenous people are resources to be used, without agency. WHY IS THIS A SPIRITUAL MATTER?  God is concerned with questions of justice. Liberation Theology - Gustavo Gutierrez.  "God's preferential option for the poor." We want to play games that don’t promote hate, racism, or injustice. We can play games that invert power and domination, or question it – games as morality and learning THE INTERCONNECTION OF MECHANISMS & THEME Mary Flanagan - you can't just retheme these games.  The mechanisms themselves are not morally neutral.  They were developed to simulate colonialism. Are game mechanisms every morally neutral?  What about abstract games? “There is a hunger for nontraditional narratives” – Jason Perez ERASURE AND AGENCY Whom are we erasing for the sake of an abstracted game mechanism?  For example, in Ticket to Ride, we are erasing Native American population cleared out for these railroads, we are erasing the workers. Who has agency and how can we represent them?  Brian Train talked about this. Cole Wehrle - Giving tribes agency in Pax Pamir _Spirit Island _doesn’t question the whole system, it just reverses it. Jason Perez – Giving agency to the "little person."  This is certainly in keeping with religious teachings across the board, including Jesus. WHAT IS HELPFUL AND UNHELPFUL IN THE DEBATE? Ask questions – is this a game that teaches something contrary to my beliefs? Ali Karar spoke of not playing games that promote wine-making and alcoholic drinks. Jason Perez - It does no good to call people "bad people."  He said, "these are generally nice people who are relying on tropes to sell products."  Instead, ask, "how can we broaden sales?  How can we appeal to an even wider audience?" Amanda Ripley - High Conflict. "It does no good to humiliate others."  Humiliation always leads to high conflict. What are common goals that we can all agree to? This takes hard work and creativity. NEXT EPISODE - "SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM NEGOTIATION GAMES" CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ). board games, board game theory, colonialism, wargaming, war games, Mary Flanagan, Cole Wehrle Listener Spotlight
  • "Kary" is a teacher from North Carolina
  • She found out about Board Game Faith through Facebook!
  • Game she's digging:  Played "Sequence" for the first time and really enjoyed it.
  • What is awesome about her?  Waking up at 5 AM!
  • Why do you listen to BGF?  The awesome hosts. 🙂

Terra Nullius – a null land, or "nobody's land"

TOPIC: Playing Colonialism – Board Game Ethics on the Homo Ludens YouTube Channel

OVERVIEW OF VIDEO

  • Hosts:  Fred Serval & Luis Aguasvivas
  • Mary Flanagan, co author of the book, "Playing Oppression"
  • Brian Train - War game designer
  • Cole Wehrle - Root, Pax Pamir
  • Jason Perez - Shelf Stories, consultant for Puerto Rico 1897
  • Topic:  Exploring problematic but common theme of colonialism in board games – going to "exotic lands," "exploring them," "exploiting them" - creating illusion that lands are empty and/or that indigenous people are resources to be used, without agency.

WHY IS THIS A SPIRITUAL MATTER? 

  • God is concerned with questions of justice. Liberation Theology - Gustavo Gutierrez.  "God's preferential option for the poor."
  • We want to play games that don’t promote hate, racism, or injustice.
  • We can play games that invert power and domination, or question it – games as morality and learning

THE INTERCONNECTION OF MECHANISMS & THEME

  • Mary Flanagan - you can't just retheme these games.  The mechanisms themselves are not morally neutral.  They were developed to simulate colonialism.
  • Are game mechanisms every morally neutral?  What about abstract games?
  • “There is a hunger for nontraditional narratives” – Jason Perez

ERASURE AND AGENCY

  • Whom are we erasing for the sake of an abstracted game mechanism?  For example, in Ticket to Ride, we are erasing Native American population cleared out for these railroads, we are erasing the workers.
  • Who has agency and how can we represent them?  Brian Train talked about this.
  • Cole Wehrle - Giving tribes agency in Pax Pamir
  • _Spirit Island _doesn’t question the whole system, it just reverses it.
  • Jason Perez – Giving agency to the "little person."  This is certainly in keeping with religious teachings across the board, including Jesus.

WHAT IS HELPFUL AND UNHELPFUL IN THE DEBATE?

  • Ask questions – is this a game that teaches something contrary to my beliefs? Ali Karar spoke of not playing games that promote wine-making and alcoholic drinks.
  • Jason Perez - It does no good to call people "bad people."  He said, "these are generally nice people who are relying on tropes to sell products."  Instead, ask, "how can we broaden sales?  How can we appeal to an even wider audience?"
  • Amanda Ripley - High Conflict. "It does no good to humiliate others."  Humiliation always leads to high conflict.
  • What are common goals that we can all agree to?
  • This takes hard work and creativity.

NEXT EPISODE - "SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM NEGOTIATION GAMES"

CALL TO ACTION:

Links:

]]> Listener Spotlight
  • "Kary" is a teacher from North Carolina
  • She found out about Board Game Faith through Facebook!
  • Game she's digging:  Played "Sequence" for the first time and really enjoyed it.
  • What is awesome about her?  Waking up at 5 AM!
  • Why do you listen to BGF?  The awesome hosts. 🙂

Terra Nullius – a null land, or "nobody's land"

TOPIC: Playing Colonialism – Board Game Ethics on the Homo Ludens YouTube Channel

OVERVIEW OF VIDEO

  • Hosts:  Fred Serval & Luis Aguasvivas
  • Mary Flanagan, co author of the book, "Playing Oppression"
  • Brian Train - War game designer
  • Cole Wehrle - Root, Pax Pamir
  • Jason Perez - Shelf Stories, consultant for Puerto Rico 1897
  • Topic:  Exploring problematic but common theme of colonialism in board games – going to "exotic lands," "exploring them," "exploiting them" - creating illusion that lands are empty and/or that indigenous people are resources to be used, without agency.

WHY IS THIS A SPIRITUAL MATTER? 

  • God is concerned with questions of justice. Liberation Theology - Gustavo Gutierrez.  "God's preferential option for the poor."
  • We want to play games that don’t promote hate, racism, or injustice.
  • We can play games that invert power and domination, or question it – games as morality and learning

THE INTERCONNECTION OF MECHANISMS & THEME

  • Mary Flanagan - you can't just retheme these games.  The mechanisms themselves are not morally neutral.  They were developed to simulate colonialism.
  • Are game mechanisms every morally neutral?  What about abstract games?
  • “There is a hunger for nontraditional narratives” – Jason Perez

ERASURE AND AGENCY

  • Whom are we erasing for the sake of an abstracted game mechanism?  For example, in Ticket to Ride, we are erasing Native American population cleared out for these railroads, we are erasing the workers.
  • Who has agency and how can we represent them?  Brian Train talked about this.
  • Cole Wehrle - Giving tribes agency in Pax Pamir
  • _Spirit Island _doesn’t question the whole system, it just reverses it.
  • Jason Perez – Giving agency to the "little person."  This is certainly in keeping with religious teachings across the board, including Jesus.

WHAT IS HELPFUL AND UNHELPFUL IN THE DEBATE?

  • Ask questions – is this a game that teaches something contrary to my beliefs? Ali Karar spoke of not playing games that promote wine-making and alcoholic drinks.
  • Jason Perez - It does no good to call people "bad people."  He said, "these are generally nice people who are relying on tropes to sell products."  Instead, ask, "how can we broaden sales?  How can we appeal to an even wider audience?"
  • Amanda Ripley - High Conflict. "It does no good to humiliate others."  Humiliation always leads to high conflict.
  • What are common goals that we can all agree to?
  • This takes hard work and creativity.

NEXT EPISODE - "SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM NEGOTIATION GAMES"

CALL TO ACTION:

Links:

]]> Episode 19: Enemies of Board Gaming (A/V Club) https://boardgamefaith.fireside.fm/19 22ceec1d-8bca-4f9e-bfa0-5b915b9f4c90 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0500 Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor 19 Enemies of Board Gaming (A/V Club) full Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor A list of a list! We discuss the YouTube Dice Tower video, "Top 10 Enemies of Gaming" (link below), and draw a top 5 perils list around hobby board gaming. 1:11:16 no Here is the original Dice Tower's "Top 10 Enemies of Gaming" Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytUUQhKdzL0 Mechthild of Magdeburg (13 century German mystic poet and writer), “Clothe yourself with yourself." Rodney Smith (Watch It Played on YouTube): "I come to this table as a flawed human being.… The gift of this hobby is to learn to be better people – note that video games don’t do this." CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ). board games, gaming, challenges Here is the original Dice Tower's "Top 10 Enemies of Gaming" Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytUUQhKdzL0

Mechthild of Magdeburg (13 century German mystic poet and writer), “Clothe yourself with yourself."

Rodney Smith (Watch It Played on YouTube): "I come to this table as a flawed human being.… The gift of this hobby is to learn to be better people – note that video games don’t do this."

CALL TO ACTION:

]]> Here is the original Dice Tower's "Top 10 Enemies of Gaming" Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytUUQhKdzL0

Mechthild of Magdeburg (13 century German mystic poet and writer), “Clothe yourself with yourself."

Rodney Smith (Watch It Played on YouTube): "I come to this table as a flawed human being.… The gift of this hobby is to learn to be better people – note that video games don’t do this."

CALL TO ACTION:

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