Lifestyle Choices

During the discussion which followed a recent column about classic board games, the subject of whether or not “lifestyle games” should be included came up. The term was used as a descriptor for games which some gamers follow to the exclusion of most other titles, usually because they have an appeal beyond that of simply playing the game itself such as collectability or modeling. I found this an interesting point to raise because mentally I never lump these games in with board games, whether they actually have a board or not. And yet examining these games casts, I think, an interesting light on the current state of the gaming hobby.