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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dire Bare" data-source="post: 9580573" data-attributes="member: 18182">Tabletop games used to be a niche market, even so-called "family" games like Monopoly. Most board, card, and RPG games were inexpensively produced and more affordable.I don't miss those times.Today, tabletop gaming is a more accepted part of society and valued more than it was in the past. This comes along with the need for publishers to create more quality and attractive games that cost significantly more to produce.I'm good with that.Of course, out of control inflation and shipping costs are also causing prices to rise, and it's going to get worse with the USA's impending trade wars with China and other nations. That's not good.I (mostly) only purchase "pretty games" now, even though my budget is limited. To me, the artwork and presentation is part of the experience and increases my enjoyment of the game sitting on my tabletop. Of course, a game's presentation does not mean the game itself is well-designed and fun . . . but if the publishers are putting in the work and producing a professional, attractive game product, I'm more inclined to trust the game design is going to be fun as well. I usually wait for reviews to roll in before pulling the trigger on a new board game for my shelf.I don't own a lot of board games, but tend to spend a lot on the few I have. I've spent a LOT of money on "Return to Dark Tower" and absolutely love that game. I've even purchased fan made accessories on Etsy for the game!With RPGs, most of my purchases are digital. I still want good art in the RPG books I buy, but I'm more willing to take a chance on a smaller developer with a smaller art budget. But the physical books that go on my shelf? I want those to be beautiful as well as useful and fun.And there are still games aimed at the lower end of pricing, games that are a lot of fun. I own quite a few card games that are one-and-done, come in a small box, are well presented but not dripping with full-color art, didn't cost that much, play fast and quick . . . and are great for casual gaming when you don't have time (or the energy) for the massive board games.</blockquote>

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