I started writing a blog around reviews and feedback. 250 words later, I realized the blog I actually wanted to write was about a peculiar phenomenon I’ve been observing in BGG reviews and demo comments. Some folks will play a game with us, then comment that they enjoyed it but wish rule X was different. The polite version of me listens intently, but my actual internal reaction is always “then play that way”.
Far Away: Corporate Espionage has a new behavior module for the alien creatures. In the lore, they are controlled by a nanobot AI. These days, the term “AI” has become overused and dripping with connotations skewed based on how much of your net worth is tied to a tech company. While I hold the controversial view that board games are not “art”, board games are one of the mediums that stand to be affected by the recent surge in AI technologies, much like illustration, graphic design, and writing. Generative AIs can create card art, write manuals, and make advertisements, all in service of Cherry Picked’s goals. Those are also things humans do. Given the tension around these AIs, I wanted to describe how CPG views generative AI and plans to use some of these tools.
I try to avoid sharing personal life details through Cherry Picked. The mentality of “being your brand” doesn’t appeal to me. Influencer culture makes me yearn for a technological dark age. Moreover, it’s never satisfying to see a Kickstarter project delayed due to slowly unfolding personal drama. I want people to see CPG as a professional entity and that veneer erodes when Alex Jerabek’s problems surface. However, it’s clear CPG is less active following the Hair of the Dog launch and I feel like I owe an explanation. I debated how to post this and want to frame it in the context of other past blogs: a transparent post about the company that hopefully serves as educational insight for other game developers. Four months ago, I had my first kid. It’s been tough to find time for CPG, but the real limiting factor is energy.
