BoardGameGeek (BGG) is the leading online community and database for board game enthusiasts. Founded in 2000 by Scott Alden and Eric Martin, the website has grown to become an essential platform for people interested in board games, tabletop games, and related hobbies. BGG serves as a comprehensive resource, offering information, reviews, ratings, and forums to support board game enthusiasts of all levels.
Key Details About BoardGameGeek:
- Overview:
- Founders: Scott Alden and Eric Martin.
- Launch Year: 2000.
- Purpose: To create a comprehensive online platform for board game enthusiasts to discover, review, rate, and discuss board games.
- Headquarters: BoardGameGeek is primarily a digital platform and does not have a physical headquarters, but it has a significant presence in the board game community.
- Content and Features:
- Game Database:
- BGG hosts an extensive database of board games, card games, and tabletop RPGs. This includes information such as game rules, publisher details, designer credits, and play mechanics.
- User Reviews and Ratings:
- Users can rate games, write detailed reviews, and contribute their own perspectives on gameplay and game quality.
- Forums and Discussions:
- Active forums and discussion boards where users can ask questions, share insights, and discuss various topics related to board gaming, from strategy tips to game recommendations.
- Game Collections:
- Users can create and manage personal collections of games, track which games they own, wish to buy, or have played.
- Game News and Updates:
- Provides news on the latest board game releases, industry updates, conventions, and upcoming events.
- GeekLists:
- A feature that allows users to create and share lists related to board gaming topics, such as “Top 10 Games for Two Players” or “Best Strategy Games.”
- Conventions and Events:
- Information and discussions about popular board gaming conventions such as Gen Con, Essen Spiel, and Origins Game Fair.
- Resource and Media Hub:
- Offers access to game expansions, files, photos, and even video tutorials and playthroughs.
- Game Database:
- Audience:
- Board Game Enthusiasts: Attracts a wide range of users, from casual players to hardcore board game collectors and enthusiasts.
- Game Designers and Publishers: BGG is also a place for game designers and publishers to promote their games, gather feedback, and engage with the community.
- Collectors: The site serves as a valuable tool for collectors looking to track and manage their game libraries.
- Membership and Pricing:
- Free Membership:
- Basic membership allows users to access most of the site’s features, including game databases, forums, and user reviews.
- Geek Gold and Supporter Membership:
- Users can purchase Geek Gold (virtual currency) to support the site, which can be used to reward content creators or access premium features.
- The Supporter Membership grants users additional features such as enhanced site customization and recognition within the community.
- Contributions and Crowdfunding:
- Users and game creators can contribute to the site through donations or by using BGG’s crowdfunding platform to support specific projects.
- Free Membership:
- Reputation:
- BoardGameGeek is widely recognized as the most authoritative and comprehensive resource for board game information, offering reliable content and a strong community presence.
- It is often used by game designers and developers for market research and feedback, making it a central hub in the board gaming industry.
- Global Reach:
- While primarily serving English-speaking users, BoardGameGeek has an international user base. The site supports discussions and contributions from users around the world.
- The database includes games from various countries and languages, catering to a diverse and global audience.
- Mobile Accessibility:
- While BoardGameGeek is primarily used through a web browser, there are unofficial apps and third-party tools that offer a more mobile-friendly experience for accessing BGG’s content.
- Users can also use their mobile devices to access game details, track their collections, and read reviews.
- Community Engagement:
- User Contributions:
- Users can add games to the database, update existing content, and submit user-created content such as photos, reviews, and rule clarifications.
- Online Polls and Voting:
- The community can participate in polls and voting to rank games in various categories, such as “Top 100 Board Games of All Time.”
- Social Features:
- Users can follow other members, join groups, and take part in discussions related to specific interests, such as game mechanics, types of games, or gaming strategies.
- Board Game Geek Store:
- BGG operates an online store where users can purchase board games, expansions, and related merchandise.
- User Contributions:
- Partnerships and Collaborations:
- Collaborates with game publishers, designers, and board game conventions to feature new games, provide promotional content, and host contests and giveaways.
- Works with gaming industry leaders to ensure its content remains relevant and up-to-date.
- Competitors:
- BoardGameAtlas, BGG’s database rival that also features a game database and user-generated content.
- Tabletopia and Tabletop Simulator for online board game play and development.
- Kickstarter for funding new game projects, although BGG does not directly compete, it often features and discusses crowdfunded games.
Unique Features:
- Comprehensive Game Database: The most detailed and expansive collection of board games available online.
- Community-Driven Content: Users contribute significantly to the platform by adding game details, images, reviews, and more.
- GeekLists and Forums: Provide a way for users to interact, share opinions, and create collaborative lists on various board game topics.
- Conventions and Events Coverage: Offers information on major conventions and live coverage of events in the board gaming world.
Summary:
BoardGameGeek is an indispensable resource for board game enthusiasts and industry professionals, providing a wealth of information, community support, and resources. Whether you are a casual gamer or a dedicated collector, BGG is the perfect place to find reliable game information, read reviews, discuss strategies, and connect with other board game lovers. Explore it at www.boardgamegeek.com.
