Watch Going Cardboard

Going Cardboard is a 2012 documentary film that explores the world of board games, particularly the subculture of German-style board games. The movie is directed and produced by Lorien Green and features Alex Yeager, a board game enthusiast and owner of a board game store in Maryland. The movie begins with a brief history of board games, tracing their origins back to ancient civilizations and their evolution over time, from the earliest forms of dice and backgammon to the modern-day games we know and play. The focus then shifts to the world of German-style board games, which have gained popularity in recent years for their innovative gameplay, unique themes, and strategic depth.

The first part of the movie explores the game design process, featuring interviews with prominent game designers such as Klaus Teuber (creator of Settlers of Catan) and Reiner Knizia (creator of Ra, Tigris & Euphrates, and many other popular board games). They talk about the inspiration behind their designs, the challenges they face in creating a successful game, and the importance of playtesting and iteration in the game design process.

Next, the movie delves into the world of board game conventions, showcasing events such as the Origins Game Fair and Gen Con, where gamers from around the world gather to play and compete in a variety of different games. The movie follows Alex Yeager as he prepares for and attends these conventions, getting a behind-the-scenes look at what makes them so popular and what draws people to them year after year.

Throughout the movie, various gamers and board game enthusiasts share their perspectives on what makes board games so appealing. Some cite the social aspect of the hobby, the opportunity to connect and interact with others over a shared interest. Others appreciate the intellectual challenge and strategic depth of games, with many pointing to German-style board games as particularly satisfying in this regard.

The movie also explores the economics of board games, looking at both the creative and business aspects of the industry. It highlights the challenges faced by independent game designers and publishers, such as the difficulty of getting their games noticed in a crowded market and the high costs of production and distribution. It also examines the impact of major players like Hasbro and Fantasy Flight Games, and how they both shape and respond to trends in the industry.

Overall, Going Cardboard is a fascinating and engaging documentary that will appeal to anyone who loves board games or is interested in the creative process behind game design. With its diverse array of interviewees, its behind-the-scenes look at the conventions and events that make up the board game community, and its exploration of the many different ways that people enjoy and appreciate these games, it offers an in-depth and compelling portrait of a subculture that is both entertaining and intellectually engaging.

Going Cardboard is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.