Frequently Asked Questions
This page addresses common questions about BoardStill's purpose, scope, and editorial approach. We hope these answers provide clarity about our focus on the theory and practice of solo board gaming.
What is the focus of BoardStill?
BoardStill is dedicated to the study and analysis of solo board gaming experiences, with particular emphasis on game mechanics, design principles, and the cultural context of solitary play. Our content examines single-player tabletop games as sophisticated systems that reflect broader intellectual and cultural patterns.
Does BoardStill only cover card-based solitaire games?
No. While we acknowledge the cultural significance of traditional card solitaire games, our primary focus is on the broader category of single-player board games. This includes abstract strategy games, puzzles, solo modes in modern board games, and dedicated solo board game designs.
What is your editorial approach?
BoardStill takes an analytical, descriptive approach to its subject matter. Our content aims to be informative and educational rather than persuasive or promotional. We examine games as cultural artifacts and design systems worthy of serious study, maintaining an objective stance that prioritizes clarity and insight over subjective evaluation.
Why does BoardStill not include interactive elements?
The design of BoardStill reflects our focus on thoughtful, contemplative engagement with complex ideas. The site is intentionally minimalist, emphasizing content over interactivity to create a reading experience that parallels the focused nature of solo board gaming itself.
How do you select games for analysis?
Our analysis focuses on games that demonstrate significant innovation in solo design, historical importance, or that exemplify particular mechanical or thematic approaches. We examine both contemporary designs and historical examples, with particular attention to games that have influenced the evolution of single-player experiences.
What distinguishes board game solitaire from digital single-player games?
Board game solitaire experiences differ from digital games in several key aspects: the tactile engagement with physical components, the requirement for players to manually implement rules and procedures, the absence of hidden information (beyond randomized elements), and the specific design constraints of physical systems. These differences create distinctive cognitive and experiential qualities that are central to our analysis.