In a survey of 440 folks not keen on board games, Nick Bentley found seven recurring themes, which he posted in a string of Tweets on May 4. Mr. Bentley is the president of Underdog Games Studio ( @underdoggames5039 ).

Those themes won’t surprise us aficionados of tabletop sports games and simulations.

All credit for my learning of this survey goes to U.K. board game design expert Chris Backe, founder of  @entrogames https://boardgamedesign.beehiiv.com/

The envelope please:

1. Too long to play
2. Too complex to play
3. Board games are boring
4. Board games make people too competitive
5.Board games aren't social
6. Too costly
7. Negative stereotypes ("geeks," "nerds")

Read Nick's entire Twitter thread here:
https://bit.ly/3VV7DJD

Nick's Google doc detailing every response to his survey:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Tz_RTQ6N6tIXGgmy7jUwfeidhiTawGJP_k0-Z7Q-uks/edit#gid=0

Summary of the seven key reasons by The Meeples Herald:
https://meeplesherald.com/news/game-designer-nick-bentley-asks-why-oh-why-dont-you-like-board-games/?fbclid=IwAR2Jz4F5wRrgWxcvRSIuUMfwAdegKPCGqHUJ3dlkX3XdsG-Jp2IXzlr9f1A

Nick Bentley's game site:
https://www.nickbentley.games/

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/5zYkwxxCl-Q
(published May 10, 2023)