Episode 163

Length: 56:28

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Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

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DESCRIPTION: There are themes and then there are themes. And then there are themes. But…what if those are all the same game? This week, Erin and Ryan talk about reskinning games. When is it worth it and when is it a money grab? Can it be both?

GUESTS: None

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES – (0:28):

• Clans of Caledonia by Karma Games (BGG Link)
• Otys by Pearl Games / Asmodee (BGG Link)
• Merlin by Queen Games (BGG Link)
• The North Sea Runesaga (Shipwrights, Raiders, and Explorers of the North Sea by Garphill Games / Renegade Game Studios (BGG Link)

QUICK TOPICS – (17:28):

• We discuss our thoughts on the second multi-day Granite Game Summit, a local convention with plenty of good things going for it.

FEATURED TOPIC – (23:10):

• A reskin is when you take an existing game and either change the mechanics very little (or not at all) but give it a new setting, theme, etc. We parse through several areas of their existence, including areas such as?
  • Why are reskins even a thing? Are there any equivalents in other industries?
  • What’s the difference between adaptation and reskin?
  • Why do publishers reskin a game?
  • When is a reskin worth it and when is it a cash grab?
  • What about reskins that bring a game in line with an existing IP?
  • How do consumers feel about reskins generally?

PLUGS – (55:09):

• The 2017 Laurel Nominees are in full swing! We even have a couple of contests going on for the Socializer and Striker winners announced so far (and probably a third by now). Check them out!
• We’re also raffling off a copy of Draconis Invasion to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two – or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is “Swing!” by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.