What are designer games

What are Family Strategy Games and Advanced Strategy Games?

Family strategy games and advanced family strategy games aren't war games, party games or abstract games. Family strategy games are also referred to as designer games, European board games or German games, as the predominant country publishing these games is Germany. The boxes are generally heavy and are packed with quality components. Boards are large and heavyweight. Pieces are often made of coloured wood and playing cards are printed on sturdy card. Apart from their production quality, there are a number of characteristics that are common to these types of games.

There is not a lot of luck, these are strategic games. Players are in control of what to do and where to go. Consistent thinking and decision making make these great educational activities.

The game play is strategic, but the mechanics are simple to learn. Most designer games can be taught in 10-30 minutes.

Most games finish in 90 minutes, some in 30-60 minutes.

They are well designed, novel and have interesting themes.

They are not elimination games. Players aren't driven out of the game. In fact at the end of the game most players are close to a win, making for some very intense finishes.

They usually have a high level of player interaction.

They are designed by people who have a great deal of talent. People like Wolfgang Kramer, Klaus Teuber, Alan Moon and Renier Knizia. These designers work hard at their craft, and are rewarded with their names on the box (just like an author or actor), and as such they attract a fan base.

Some Designer games are worth buying for the artwork alone! (And again, the artists get credit for their artwork). Franz Vohlwinkel and Doris Matthaus are 2 prolific board game artists. Franz illustrated the gorgeous art for Tikal: lush South American jungles with ancient ruins and treasures. Doris did the art for Elfenland: a beautiful fantasy fairy-tale setting with mountain top villages and lake cities. The art is really a huge part of the atmosphere in the game.

If you want player interaction, everyone involved to the end, intelligent decisions, good artwork and enjoyable playing times that promote great social or family occasions, you should try some of the new strategy games. Games have progressed and are more fun than ever before.

Discription by Yirmeyahu Avery.

Yirmeyahu's Game site has an indepth discription of German games, that featueres a good beginers guide, reviews and recommendations.