Board Game Prices

Bison · August 04, 2015, 05:35:58 PM

Generally I don't get too bent out of shape over game prices. I understand and accept that new board games run in the $40-100 range at the LGS, but man some times the game doesn't seem to justify the cost.

For example today I was looking at a copy of 1775: Rebellion (I think is the title) and was about ready to just pull the trigger and use it as the oldest's introduction to wargaming. And then I saw the price and was like no freaking way. $70 and the box was just larger than a cigar box. Unless the components are super stellar I just cannot justify the cost.

I don't even want to think about any of the FFG titles, but at least you know there are a good number of quality components to help justify the cost.

ArizonaTank · August 04, 2015, 08:48:14 PM

I've always looked at board game pricing a little differently. How many hours of enjoyment do I get from the game? If I can play a game 4 or 5 times at least, that puts it on par with going to movies. Sadly, there are some boardgames that don't really cut it by this criteria.

Bison · August 04, 2015, 10:53:22 PM

I agree with the value of entertainment. As you say compared to other activities, the price of board game will more than be made up for if it sees the table regularly. And I think that is the crux of my issue. I'm trying to be deliberate with my board game purchases not only because of the cost, but the space to store and ultimately will the game be played often enough to justify the price. I like to do research on my games. Read forums, reviews, watch let's play and unboxing videos and see how they stack up in terms of quality of components and the style of gameplay compared to similar games. However, I always get a little hesitant to pull out the card to buy a new game because of the unknown factor of "is this something X person will like enough to learn and play". And then I develop a severe analysis paralysis of hemming and hawing and 99% of the time walk away without a game. And in the end, it's the price that is hard to justify if the game doesn't go over well.

GJK · August 04, 2015, 11:15:15 PM

Interesting topic and one that I was discussing with a gaming buddy on Saturday while playing at our FLGS. We were talking about how we want to (and do) support our FLGS as there's just not that many bricks and mortar game stores that carry full lines of wargames but those prices! My friend and I discussed that we do support our store, just with reasonable purchases. For example, I spent $60 the other day buying loads of 10mm ACW mini's. I could of saved some by shopping online but with shipping (especially if some of that couldn't be bundled) the savings would of been minimal. But full price plus a little markup for overhead for some games is just too much. For example, the game "1775" that you reference: coolstuffinc.com has it for $48 new and there's sellers on the Geek with "like new" copies for $40. You're just crazy to spend nearly twice that much to get it at a store.

GroggyGrognard · August 04, 2015, 11:15:39 PM

Quote from: Bison on August 04, 2015, 05:35:58 PM
Generally I don't get too bent out of shape over game prices. I understand and accept that new board games run in the $40-100 range at the LGS, but man some times the game doesn't seem to justify the cost.

For example today I was looking at a copy of 1775: Rebellion (I think is the title) and was about ready to just pull the trigger and use it as the oldest's introduction to wargaming. And then I saw the price and was like no freaking way. $70 and the box was just larger than a cigar box. Unless the components are super stellar I just cannot justify the cost.

I don't even want to think about any of the FFG titles, but at least you know there are a good number of quality components to help justify the cost.

Bison,

I perked an interest in '1775: Rebellion' game awhile back, but never pulled the trigger in the end because of other distractions. I read once that the map is beautiful, and it was obvious that thought and consideration were put into the components overall. From pics I've seen myself of the map, it is nice looking. Noble Knight Games has a copy for $55, but admittedly it would probably be reaching for $70 after shipping.

If you're interested in the same time period, I would recommend 'Hold the Line' from Worthington Games as a great introductory wargame. I bought it a few years back with the French and Indian War expansion, and I still pull it it out and play it every few months. It's half the price of '1775: Rebellion'--around $35. Well worth the price imho.

GJK,

Oops! I forgot about the Geek site! :)

Groggy

Bison · August 04, 2015, 11:38:02 PM

There are a couple of game systems that I collect and am content to let them sit on the shelf until I can teach my boys or find a regular opponent, i.e. Combat Commander and ASL. But I don't want shelves of games in a collection that don't get played and cost me a ton of money to boot. So will they get played is a major factor.

I'm with you on the LGS GJK. Honestly I'd be more inclined to spend the money, if they actually organized game nights other than MtG and the occasional Star Wars X-wing. But they don't and it's a missed opportunity on their part as far as I'm concerned. I'd spend money on a game there if I thought if nothing else it could get occasional game play there, but I have no expectation that it will. Also you're absolutely right. I can find the same game online for $25-30 cheaper. I don't know maybe if it was $50 I would have pulled the trigger and took the risk.

ArizonaTank · August 05, 2015, 04:40:31 AM

Quote from: GroggyGrognard on August 04, 2015, 11:15:39 PM
If you're interested in the same time period, I would recommend 'Hold the Line' from Worthington Games as a great introductory wargame. I bought it a few years back with the French and Indian War expansion, and I still pull it it out and play it every few months. It's half the price of '1775: Rebellion'--around $35. Well worth the price imho.

+1 great introductory wargame.

Nefaro · August 05, 2015, 08:14:07 AM

I've not been stopping by the local game store as much as I used to, for a couple reasons.

First, the numerous games or expansions on my want list are rarely in stock when I show up. "We'll get more in next week" or "do you want us to order it for you?" just doesn't cut it for me. I can do that myself, get it delivered to my door faster and a good deal cheaper without having to spend an hour long round-trip to get it. Having things in stock is really the only advantage the brick & mortar has for me, here, because I've never spent time playing anything on their tables.

I don't mind buying occasional items from the local store, at a higher price, but they need to stock the stuff. Unfortunately, the demand has been constantly outweighing their stock orders, so it's been the norm. :-\

I also noticed price tags jump about a year ago, some being priced over suggested retail. The place is always busy when I'm there, and they have more employees than I've ever seen, so it's not like business went suddenly south.

Those two things have kinda pushed me away from shopping there lately. I plan on moving to a different city in another year or two, so hopefully new store(s) will be a bit more to my liking.

Bison · August 05, 2015, 09:46:15 AM

^ And you have a great LGS too. They run events, have a huge selection, and it's even clean. You're a grump!

I do find the "can we order it for you?" question to be annoying. Well let me think, is a 1 minute process worth $$ just so I can drive here and pick it up from you? The answer is no.

Nefaro · August 05, 2015, 10:57:32 AM

Quote from: Bison on August 05, 2015, 09:46:15 AM
^ And you have a great LGS too. They run events, have a huge selection, and it's even clean. You're a grump!

I know. I am a bitch when it comes to many things. >:D

They really are a friendly LGS and have been around for a long time for good reason. I still drop in for some impulse buying when I'm down there, once every month or two. Lately it's just been a small expansion or a few Vallejo paints, though, since all the titles on my "want soon" list haven't been in stock. Or something I saw there last time, and planned to pick up, had been sold and not replaced. :'( "It's probably for the best anyway", says my wallet.

I'll probably miss it when I move back down to Springfield. Then again, I'll have more old buddies to game against down there so that will more than make up for it.

Bison · August 05, 2015, 11:22:56 AM

If I lived a closer, I'd be there every week for one of the game night events and most likely would have picked up a nasty miniatures habit along the way.

bayonetbrant · August 05, 2015, 11:50:21 AM

Quote from: Bison on August 05, 2015, 11:22:56 AM
If I lived a closer, I'd be there every week for one of the game night events and most likely would have picked up a nasty miniatures habit along the way.

Tuesday night is minis night at Gamers Armory, just FYI. Wednesday is board games. Friday night Magic, plus weekend leagues. Used to be that Mondays were wargames, but some of the can't-make-it-on-Wednesday board gamers have started colonizing Monday nights.

Bison · August 05, 2015, 12:00:29 PM

Quote from: bayonetbrant on August 05, 2015, 11:50:21 AM
Quote from: Bison on August 05, 2015, 11:22:56 AM
If I lived a closer, I'd be there every week for one of the game night events and most likely would have picked up a nasty miniatures habit along the way.

Tuesday night is minis night at Gamers Armory, just FYI. Wednesday is board games. Friday night Magic, plus weekend leagues. Used to be that Mondays were wargames, but some of the can't-make-it-on-Wednesday board gamers have started colonizing Monday nights.

I was actually drooling over their robust gaming event schedule last night. And that's what I don't get about the LGS here. What do they lose by putting out a similar schedule? The worst that can happen is no one shows up for the event. But I suspect they'd get at least a handful of gamers and gets sales in the process. Of course one of the LGS is ran by a guy who has never heard of GMT, I nearly cried after that conversation.

Double Deuce · August 05, 2015, 12:12:04 PM

Quote from: Bison on August 05, 2015, 12:00:29 PM
I was actually drooling over their robust gaming event schedule last night. And that's what I don't get about the LGS here. What do they lose by putting out a similar schedule? The worst that can happen is no one shows up for the event. But I suspect they'd get at least a handful of gamers and gets sales in the process. Of course one of the LGS is ran by a guy who has never heard of GMT, I nearly cried after that conversation.

Can't say for others but the ones near here, although over 1 hour away and not really nearby, run things more like a toy store and not a game store. They cater to the CCG and RC car/plane crowds and only seem to keep a few wargames on hand, usually tucked away in the corner of the building.

For The Gamers Armory, I try to order all my games through them. I figure if I can't support a LGS, might as well help support someone elses especially considering the effort Scott and the others seem to put in there.

panzerde · August 05, 2015, 04:47:52 PM

Quote from: Double Deuce on August 05, 2015, 12:12:04 PM
Can't say for others but the ones near here, although over 1 hour away and not really nearby, run things more like a toy store and not a game store. They cater to the CCG and RC car/plane crowds and only seem to keep a few wargames on hand, usually tucked away in the corner of the building.

This is pretty much the deal here, too. None of the LGS have wargames anymore. There are a couple of clubs and really none of them play wargames, either. I used to pop in and try to strike up a conversation, but if it wasn't CGG or some sort of GW minis, they weren't interested. I'm the same as Nefaro and Bison - if you say "we can order it for you" you've pretty much given up any advantage of having a brick and mortar location.