Pros and cons of creating engaging games
Creating a board game is an adventure. Making it interesting, meaningful, with narrative and soul… that’s another matter.
At Culture Games, we bet on games that not only entertain, but also connect with culture, territory, and memory. Easy? Not at all. Rewarding? Without a doubt.
Today, we want to share, unfiltered, the pros and cons of creating interesting games, at least from our experience as a small, independent, and scrappy publisher.
PROS
1. You touch on topics that matter
When you choose to tell real stories, traditions, or cultural episodes, you connect with people who value what you do. You're not just releasing another game: you're creating something that represents a community.
2. Your game has identity
Interesting games stand out. They have personality. They have depth. They may be modest in production, but they stay in the memory of those who play them.
3. Conversation is created
A well-thought-out game invites discussion after playing. About what happened, what they learned, what they felt. And for us, that is worth more than a thousand reviews.
4. Creatively satisfying
There's nothing like seeing someone get excited about a card, a decision, or a scene that you carefully designed. Creating with purpose gives back much more than it costs.
CONS
1. It's hard to fit into the market
If your game isn't "trendy," it's harder to reach stores, distribution, and events. You have to fight for every space, visibility, and opportunity.
2. Documentation takes a long time
Creating games with historical or cultural depth is not quick. It requires research, validating sources, talking to experts. And that time isn't always seen... or paid for.
3. Not everyone understands it
Some people only look for mechanics, speed, or "epic things." A narrative, cultural, or local game might not be appealing at first glance if there isn't a playful education behind it.
4. Production is limited
Making games in small runs, with editorial care and custom art, costs more per unit. And that makes it harder to compete on price with larger publishers.
So? Is it worth it?
For us, yes. Creating interesting games is slower, harder, and sometimes more frustrating...
But also more profound, more exciting, and more human.
Because at the end of the day, we're not selling cards:
we're telling stories, valuing what's ours, and creating real moments between real people.
And that, no con can bring down.
