Time to Move On: Why These Overdone Trends in Board Games Are Stale and Need to Stop

    DUEL

    The rise of "Duel" versions of popular board games has become an increasingly common, yet tiring trend in the tabletop industry. While it's understandable that some players enjoy having a streamlined, dedicated 2-player version of a game, it feels like this trend has been overdone to the point where it’s more of a money grab than an innovative design choice. Rather than simply offering a set of rules or a variant for two players, companies are releasing entire new versions of games labeled as "Duel." These releases often don’t bring anything particularly new to the table besides a narrower focus on head-to-head gameplay. The result is a market flooded with redundant versions of the same game, contributing to unnecessary consumer fatigue.

What’s frustrating is that many of these games could easily be adapted for two players without needing an entirely new edition. Designers have the ability to incorporate flexible, balanced rule tweaks into their games, allowing the core experience to be enjoyed by any player count—yet instead, we see an emphasis on releasing duplicate versions. This undermines the creativity of game designers and detracts from the spirit of innovation that should define the tabletop space. By focusing on the "Duel" label as a sales tactic, the industry risks overshadowing games that might otherwise stand out for their uniqueness.

Instead of chasing the quick win with "Duel" versions, designers should focus on creating games that can be enjoyed by a wider audience, no matter the player count. Adapting games to be easily scalable and adding alternative play options would allow everyone to enjoy the experience, from solo players to larger groups. The future of board games should be about versatility, creativity, and genuine innovation—something that goes beyond the simple gimmick of slapping "Duel" on a box and calling it a day.



    Legacy

    Legacy games, once a fresh and exciting trend in the world of board games, have quickly become overdone and are starting to feel more like a marketing gimmick than an innovative gaming experience. At their core, legacy games offer a unique, evolving story where your decisions impact the game permanently, creating a sense of personal ownership and progression. However, this very concept is also what limits the fun and replayability of these games. Once you’ve completed a legacy game, that’s it — it’s done. You can’t go back and experience it again in the same way, as the game is forever altered by your decisions, stickers, and added components. This means you’re essentially buying a game with a built-in expiration date.

What’s even more frustrating is the restriction of play. Legacy games often require a dedicated group of players, as the ongoing story and decisions rely heavily on a consistent player base. This creates a barrier for casual gamers or anyone who might want to mix up their gaming circle. If you want to dive into a new legacy game, you’ll need to gather the same group of people for multiple sessions, which can be a challenge for busy schedules or shifting social dynamics.

Instead of continuing to churn out legacy versions of popular games, board game companies should be focusing on creating fresh, innovative titles that are designed for both repeatable enjoyment and flexibility in player count. Legacy games may have been a fun novelty a few years ago, but the limitations they impose make them feel stale now. It’s time to leave the legacy trend behind and move toward more adaptable, engaging games that don’t require a one-time commitment or restrict your gaming experience. Let’s embrace the future of board gaming with titles that offer endless fun without the expiration date.



    Cards Against Humanity

    The "Cards Against Humanity" trend has overstayed its welcome, and what was once a hilarious and edgy party game has now become stale and unoriginal. Initially, the shock value of its dark humor and irreverent jokes was a breath of fresh air for gamers looking for something out of the ordinary. But now, years into the trend, the humor feels tired, repetitive, and, honestly, more forced than funny. The same tired jokes, built on the idea of being "edgy" for the sake of it, just don’t have the same impact anymore. It’s like hearing the same punchline over and over—what was once a guilty pleasure has turned into a predictable routine.

Even more frustrating is how the market keeps churning out more versions of these types of games, all playing off the same formula. From holiday editions to pop culture spin-offs, it’s clear that "Cards Against Humanity" and similar games are now more about capitalizing on an established brand than pushing any real creative boundaries. While these games are fun at a party—let’s face it, a group of people laughing at absurd cards will always have some appeal—they quickly lose their charm. The shock factor wears off, and the novelty fades when you realize you're playing the same game, just with different jokes.

In the end, there are far more enjoyable party games that bring a breath of fresh air and more interactive fun. Games with better mechanics, more engaging themes, and humor that doesn’t rely on shock value will leave a longer-lasting impression and create more memorable moments. The "Cards Against Humanity" trend has had its time, but it's time to move on and embrace the next wave of party games that can stand the test of time without relying on recycled, "edgy" jokes.



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