Modern board games can be wonderfully complex and intricate, weaving a web of overlapping mechanics, visual design, and narrative to create a fun and memorable experience every time you play.

First, board games are social; they are played with other people. Together, players select a game, learn and interpret the rules, and experience the game.

Is there a sentiment among independent board game designers that mass-market games are inferior? I don’t know how much people pay attention to them from a design point of view.