#359: Top Brass

In this episode of Board Game Barrage, the hosts explore the psychological and financial dynamics of Kickstarter backing through the lens of the highly anticipated Brass Pittsburgh campaign. The episode opens with a playful simulation of how AI might perceive the hosts' personalities—Kellen as the 'agent of chaos,' Mark as the 'sharp strategist,' Nealon as the 'heavyweight specialist,' and Christina as the 'everyman enthusiast'—highlighting their distinct gaming styles and group chemistry. The hosts then discuss three recently played games: Hummingbirds, a whimsical sand-timer party game; Fendo, a minimalist abstract two-player strategy game; and Soothsayers, a tarot-themed engine-builder with deep player interaction. The core of the episode centers on the hosts' personal reflections about backing Brass Pittsburgh, with each sharing their evolving philosophies on crowdfunding. Mark, despite loving the game, ultimately decides not to back it due to concerns about collection inflation, FOMO, and the impracticality of owning multiple versions of the same game. Nealon and Kellen also express hesitation, citing economic shifts, the desire to avoid over-collection, and the realization that the thrill of backing often fades after the pledge. The conversation expands into broader themes of consumerism, the role of collectors in sustaining the board game industry, and the tension between playing games and merely collecting them. Despite their reservations, the hosts acknowledge the game's potential success and the health of the industry, while reaffirming their commitment to thoughtful, intentional game acquisition.