After the Convention: A Gamer’s Reflection and Roadmap

It seems the hangover of excitement and joy still hasn’t faded, even a week after the board game convention. On this gloomy afternoon (thanks to the brooding clouds), I found myself doing what I love most—daydreaming about board games and scheming how to infect others with this joy.

Of course, there’s a not-so-secret selfish motive too: the more future players I nurture, the more I’ll have at my disposal for the game nights.

I’m penning down my reflections and a quick analysis of my current collection.

My Current Collection

As of now, I own 12 board games:

  • Onitama
  • Sequence
  • Five Tribes
  • Splendor
  • Dixit
  • Wingspan
  • Talisman
  • Azul
  • Catan
  • Ticket to Ride
  • Heat
  • Sleeping Gods

  • Most Played: Catan and Five Tribes
  • Personal Favourite: Five Tribes (currently)
  • Still Unplayed: Sleeping Gods (just unpacked and silently judging me)

Below is some quick data analysis

Notably, I realized—I need more homegrown Indian games in this lineup. Any recommendations? Hit me up.

Mechanism-Based Categorization

TTOX Finds & Game Night Glimpses

Yes, I gave in and bought a few games at the TTOX convention. Honestly, I was just pretending to be on a budget.

Also, hosting post-TTOX game nights with kids has been pure magic.

I think its enough of my bragging, added some useful information in the subsequent sections.

Best Beginner-Friendly Games (From My Shelf)

If you’re looking to introduce friends or family to the hobby, these are great starting points:

  • Catan – Trading, building, and backstabbing, all in one neat hexagonal world
  • Azul – Gorgeous and addictive tile-laying with simple rules
  • Ticket to Ride – Route-building across countries with light strategy
  • Dixit – Whimsical art meets storytelling and deduction
  • Splendor – Elegant economic gameplay, perfect for short bursts

Where to Buy Board Games in India

A few reliable online stores I discovered at the convention:

Accessories? Check out Hextasy – they’ve got some delightful stuff for organizers.

Future Plans: From Casual Host to Game Master

Here’s what I’m setting out to do:

  • Become a Game Master – Confident in rules, smooth in storytelling, generous in facilitation
  • Improve my articulation – Explain rules better, weave narratives, and guide players without becoming a mini-tyrant
  • Monthly Game Nights for Kids – Spark curiosity early (and sneak in learning)
  • Monthly Game Nights for Friends – Subtly trap them into lifelong tabletop love
  • Launch “The Great Catan Showdown” in August – Family edition, bragging rights included

I’m publishing these plans here to keep myself accountable. Recently, ChatGPT roasted me with the line: “A builder who sketches blueprints forever.” It was a bullseye straight hit to my ego—and now I’m on a mission to prove it wrong and win back a little of its admiration 😛

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