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.
Between our Tabletop Simulator mod and the world opening back up, we’re able to get more playtesting reps with Hair of the Dog. It’s great to see people loving the concept and trying to pet all the pups. We want to make this game real and get to Kickstarting it, but there are a couple of design issues to tackle first. Hair of the Dog needs to be both enjoyable at all player counts and have that undeniable Cherry Picked feeling.
