Session 5
Open Play

Join us for our final night of games of the semester. We’ll play your favorites or something new that we didn’t play during our themed game nights. As usual, we’ll begin play at 6:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 9:00 p.m. or so. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

Session 5
Who’s Still Standing

Join us for the conclusion of our Aces and Eights adventure. Who has survived the wilds of the American West? What has happened to our characters? If you’d like to know, join us as we finish our first RPG campaign at the Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play. If you’re interested in playing in the Spring Semester please contact either Lawler or Smith and we’ll get you set up to play with us.

Session 4
Post War America: The Suburbs and Cold War

Join us to explore the history of Suburbs, the post war era, and the Cold War in America as we play “Manhattan Project,” “Welcome To Centerville,” and “Welcome To…. We’ll begin play at 6:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 9:00 p.m. or so. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

Session 4
Campaign continues

Here we go again… Some of us may have been taken down in a gunfight, others might have been jailed in a heist, but we continue. If you’d like to join us to see how this turns out, you’re welcome to come watch as we continue our campaign.

Session 3
Campaign Continues

We’ll continue our campaign hopefully we’re all still alive at this point. Even if you’re not playing please join us to watch us explore the tropes of the American West.

Session 2
Colonial America and the Early Republic:

Join us to explore the history of Colonial and Revolutionary America and the Early Republic as we play “1775,” “Founding Fathers,” “Freedom,” and “King Phillip’s War.” We’ll begin play at 6:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 9:00 p.m. or so. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

Session 2
Our Campaign Begins

We begin our adventure in Aces and Eights.

Session 1
World History:

Join us to explore ideas of empire, pre-Columbian civilizations, and cross cultural exchange as we play “Through the Ages,” “Teotihuacan: City of Gods,” “Rising Sun,” and “Princes of Florence.” We’ll begin play at 6:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 9:00 p.m. or so. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

Through the Ages is a civilization building game. Each player attempts to build the best civilization through careful resource management, discovering new technologies, electing the right leaders, building wonders and maintaining a strong military. Weakness in any area can be exploited by your opponents. The game takes place throughout the ages beginning in the age of antiquity and ending in the modern age.

In Teotihuacan: City of Gods, each player commands a force of worker dice, which grow in strength with every move. On your turn, you move a worker around a modular board, always choosing one of two areas of the location tile you land on: one offering you an action (and a worker upgrade), the other providing you with a powerful bonus.

We may also play Princes of Florence and Rising Sun

Session 1
Rolling Characters and Introductions

Join us to play the counterfactual history RPG Aces and Eights. According to their website Aces and Eights is “Through the gunsmoke and over the slumped corpse of a gambler, beyond the sprawl of grazing buffalo on the high plains, above the din of a saloon in full swing, and farther than the blue sky atop the open range lies the Shattered Frontier of the Aces & Eights game. A game about the daring adventures and everyday lives of people in the Old West, Aces & Eights lets you tell the tale of the West that could have been, in your own words, deeds and history...” On the first night we’ll roll characters and introduce the game to all who are playing. While you’re welcome to join us for this campaign be forewarned that unlike our table top games, RPGs are reliant on a consistent player group and we’ll need our group to commit to all nights of the campaign. If you can’t commit to the group you’re welcome to come watch us play (it’s still fun). If you want to commit and join us for play please email either Lawler or Smith to let them know you’re interested.

Introductory Session

Come join Professors Lawler and Smith this semester to play table top games with historical narratives/themes. This semester we are going to run game sessions on Tuesdays at lunch time and in the evening on Thursdays (see attached schedule). The themes this year games include world history, colonial America and Early Republic, the American West, and the suburbs and Cold War history. Each session will begin with a fun and simple game that generally follows the monthly theme. After that, we will begin play of one or two (depending on turnout) of the listed games for each session. We had a lot of fun last semester playing and discussing the historical uses and meaning of each game. And don’t worry if you come late or can’t stay the whole time, you can always join in or play another game at the Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.

Industrialization and the Age of Machines

In the last of our themed sessions will look at how the Industrial age is represented in games. We’ll be playing Brass: Birmingham and Scythe. We’ll begin play at 5:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 8:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

Brass. Birmingham tells the story of competing entrepreneurs in Birmingham during the industrial revolution, between the years of 1770-1870.

Scythe is an engine-building game set in an alternate-history 1920s period. It is a time of farming and war, broken hearts and rusted gears, innovation and valor. In Scythe, each player represents a character from one of five factions of Eastern Europe who are attempting to earn their fortune and claim their faction's stake in the land around the mysterious Factory. Players conquer territory, enlist new recruits, reap resources, gain villagers, build structures, and activate monstrous mechs.

Industrialization and the Age of Machines

In the last of our themed sessions will look at how the Industrial age is represented in games. We’ll be playing Brass: Birmingham and Scythe. We’ll begin play at 11:00a.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 2:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

Brass. Birmingham tells the story of competing entrepreneurs in Birmingham during the industrial revolution, between the years of 1770-1870.

Scythe is an engine-building game set in an alternate-history 1920s period. It is a time of farming and war, broken hearts and rusted gears, innovation and valor. In Scythe, each player represents a character from one of five factions of Eastern Europe who are attempting to earn their fortune and claim their faction's stake in the land around the mysterious Factory. Players conquer territory, enlist new recruits, reap resources, gain villagers, build structures, and activate monstrous mechs.

Medieval/Middle Ages History

Join us as we continue to explore the history of the Middle Ages in table top gaming looking at how China and Europe are represented during this period. We’ll start by playing Architects of the West Kingdom and Gugong. We’ll begin play at 5:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 8:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

“Architects of the West Kingdom is set at the end of the Carolingian Empire, circa 850 AD. As royal architects, players compete to impress their King and maintain their noble status by constructing various landmarks throughout his newly appointed domain. Players need to collect raw materials, hire apprentices, and keep a watchful eye on their workforce. These are treacherous times, and rival architects will stop at nothing to slow your progress. Will you remain virtuous, or be found in the company of thieves and black marketeers?”

In Gùgōng “players take on the role of powerful Chinese families trying to gain influence and power by exchanging gifts with Officials. The gift cards you offer as a player have to be of a higher value than the one you receive, forcing you to make strategic choices regarding which actions you want to take each turn. You will travel around China, sail down the Grand Canal, purchase precious jade, help construct the Great Wall, secure advantages through decrees, influence the game through intrigue, and ultimately, receive an audience with the emperor. If only 1 player succeeds in doing so, he wins. If several players succeed, the player with the most VPs among those players wins the game.”

Medieval/Middle Ages History

Join us as we continue to explore the history of the Middle Ages in table top gaming looking at how China and Europe are represented during this period. We’ll start by playing Architects of the West Kingdom and Gugong. We’ll begin play at 11:00a.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 2:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

“Architects of the West Kingdom is set at the end of the Carolingian Empire, circa 850 AD. As royal architects, players compete to impress their King and maintain their noble status by constructing various landmarks throughout his newly appointed domain. Players need to collect raw materials, hire apprentices, and keep a watchful eye on their workforce. These are treacherous times, and rival architects will stop at nothing to slow your progress. Will you remain virtuous, or be found in the company of thieves and black marketeers?”

In Gùgōng “players take on the role of powerful Chinese families trying to gain influence and power by exchanging gifts with Officials. The gift cards you offer as a player have to be of a higher value than the one you receive, forcing you to make strategic choices regarding which actions you want to take each turn. You will travel around China, sail down the Grand Canal, purchase precious jade, help construct the Great Wall, secure advantages through decrees, influence the game through intrigue, and ultimately, receive an audience with the emperor. If only 1 player succeeds in doing so, he wins. If several players succeed, the player with the most VPs among those players wins the game.”

Medieval/Middle Ages History

For the next four sessions we’ll explore the history of the Middle Ages in table top gaming looking at how China and Europe are represented during this period. We’ll start by playing Architects of the West Kingdom and Gugong. We’ll begin play at 5:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 8:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

“Architects of the West Kingdom is set at the end of the Carolingian Empire, circa 850 AD. As royal architects, players compete to impress their King and maintain their noble status by constructing various landmarks throughout his newly appointed domain. Players need to collect raw materials, hire apprentices, and keep a watchful eye on their workforce. These are treacherous times, and rival architects will stop at nothing to slow your progress. Will you remain virtuous, or be found in the company of thieves and black marketeers?”

In Gùgōng “players take on the role of powerful Chinese families trying to gain influence and power by exchanging gifts with Officials. The gift cards you offer as a player have to be of a higher value than the one you receive, forcing you to make strategic choices regarding which actions you want to take each turn. You will travel around China, sail down the Grand Canal, purchase precious jade, help construct the Great Wall, secure advantages through decrees, influence the game through intrigue, and ultimately, receive an audience with the emperor. If only 1 player succeeds in doing so, he wins. If several players succeed, the player with the most VPs among those players wins the game.”

Medieval/Middle Ages History

For the next four sessions we’ll explore the history of the Middle Ages in table top gaming looking at how China and Europe are represented during this period. We’ll start by playing Architects of the West Kingdom and Gugong. We’ll begin play at 11:00a.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 2:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

“Architects of the West Kingdom is set at the end of the Carolingian Empire, circa 850 AD. As royal architects, players compete to impress their King and maintain their noble status by constructing various landmarks throughout his newly appointed domain. Players need to collect raw materials, hire apprentices, and keep a watchful eye on their workforce. These are treacherous times, and rival architects will stop at nothing to slow your progress. Will you remain virtuous, or be found in the company of thieves and black marketeers?”

In Gùgōng “players take on the role of powerful Chinese families trying to gain influence and power by exchanging gifts with Officials. The gift cards you offer as a player have to be of a higher value than the one you receive, forcing you to make strategic choices regarding which actions you want to take each turn. You will travel around China, sail down the Grand Canal, purchase precious jade, help construct the Great Wall, secure advantages through decrees, influence the game through intrigue, and ultimately, receive an audience with the emperor. If only 1 player succeeds in doing so, he wins. If several players succeed, the player with the most VPs among those players wins the game.”

World History in a Different Context

Join us as we continue our second session of world history themed games where we explore the Japanese empire and sport history in Europe. We’ll continue play of Rising Sun and Flamme Rouge. We’ll begin play at 5:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 8:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

According to the box, “ Rising Sun is a game about honor, negotiation, and warfare in a feudal Japan where the ancient gods (kami) have returned to rebuild the empire.

Flamme Rouge is a bit of a stretch but we can still play it critically. It is a fast-paced, tactical bicycle racing game where each player controls a team of two riders: a Rouleur and a Sprinteur. The players’ goal is to be the first to cross the finish line with one of their riders. Players move their riders forward by drawing and playing cards from that riders specific deck, depleting it as they go. Use slipstreams to avoid exhaustion and position your team for a well timed sprint for the win.

World History in a Different Context

Join us as we continue our second session of world history themed games where we explore the Japanese empire and sport history in Europe. We’ll continue play of Rising Sun and Flamme Rouge. We’ll begin play at 11:00a.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 2:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

According to the box, “ Rising Sun is a game about honor, negotiation, and warfare in a feudal Japan where the ancient gods (kami) have returned to rebuild the empire.

Flamme Rouge is a bit of a stretch but we can still play it critically. It is a fast-paced, tactical bicycle racing game where each player controls a team of two riders: a Rouleur and a Sprinteur. The players’ goal is to be the first to cross the finish line with one of their riders. Players move their riders forward by drawing and playing cards from that riders specific deck, depleting it as they go. Use slipstreams to avoid exhaustion and position your team for a well timed sprint for the win.

World History in a Different Context

Join us for our second session of world history themed games where we explore the Japanese empire and sport history in Europe. For the next four meetings, we’ll play Rising Sun and Flamme Rouge. We’ll begin play at 5:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 8:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

According to the box, “ Rising Sun is a game about honor, negotiation, and warfare in a feudal Japan where the ancient gods (kami) have returned to rebuild the empire.

Flamme Rouge is a bit of a stretch but we can still play it critically. It is a fast-paced, tactical bicycle racing game where each player controls a team of two riders: a Rouleur and a Sprinteur. The players’ goal is to be the first to cross the finish line with one of their riders. Players move their riders forward by drawing and playing cards from that riders specific deck, depleting it as they go. Use slipstreams to avoid exhaustion and position your team for a well timed sprint for the win.

World History in a Different Context

Join us for our second session of world history themed games where we explore the Japanese empire and sport history in Europe. For the next four meetings, we’ll play Rising Sun and Flamme Rouge. We’ll begin play at 11:00a.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 2:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

According to the box, “ Rising Sun is a game about honor, negotiation, and warfare in a feudal Japan where the ancient gods (kami) have returned to rebuild the empire.

Flamme Rouge is a bit of a stretch but we can still play it critically. It is a fast-paced, tactical bicycle racing game where each player controls a team of two riders: a Rouleur and a Sprinteur. The players’ goal is to be the first to cross the finish line with one of their riders. Players move their riders forward by drawing and playing cards from that riders specific deck, depleting it as they go. Use slipstreams to avoid exhaustion and position your team for a well timed sprint for the win.

World History and Empire

Join us as we continue to explore ideas of empire, pre-Columbian civilizations, and cross cultural exchange in our second play through of “Through the Ages,” “Teotihuacan: City of Gods,” and “Coimbra.” We’ll begin play at 5:00 p.m.. and play through as many of the games as we can until 8:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

Through the Ages is a civilization building game. Each player attempts to build the best civilization through careful resource management, discovering new technologies, electing the right leaders, building wonders and maintaining a strong military. Weakness in any area can be exploited by your opponents. The game takes place throughout the ages beginning in the age of antiquity and ending in the modern age.

In Teotihuacan: City of Gods, each player commands a force of worker dice, which grow in strength with every move. On your turn, you move a worker around a modular board, always choosing one of two areas of the location tile you land on: one offering you an action (and a worker upgrade), the other providing you with a powerful bonus

Coimbra In the 15th and 16th century, Portugal is thriving under its leading role during the Age of Discovery. Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the city of Coimbra serves as a cultural center of the country. As the head of one of Coimbra's oldest houses, you seek to earn prestige by deepening relationships with nearby monasteries or funding expeditions of the era. To reach this goal, you must vie for the favors of the city's most influential citizens, even if you must offer a bit of coin or some protective detail.

World History and Empire

Join us to continue our exploration ideas of empire, pre-Columbian civilizations, and cross cultural exchange as we continue our play of “Through the Ages,” “Teotihuacan: City of Gods,” and “Coimbra.” We’ll begin play at 11:00a.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 2:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

Through the Ages is a civilization building game. Each player attempts to build the best civilization through careful resource management, discovering new technologies, electing the right leaders, building wonders and maintaining a strong military. Weakness in any area can be exploited by your opponents. The game takes place throughout the ages beginning in the age of antiquity and ending in the modern age.

In Teotihuacan: City of Gods, each player commands a force of worker dice, which grow in strength with every move. On your turn, you move a worker around a modular board, always choosing one of two areas of the location tile you land on: one offering you an action (and a worker upgrade), the other providing you with a powerful bonus

Coimbra In the 15th and 16th century, Portugal is thriving under its leading role during the Age of Discovery. Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the city of Coimbra serves as a cultural center of the country. As the head of one of Coimbra's oldest houses, you seek to earn prestige by deepening relationships with nearby monasteries or funding expeditions of the era. To reach this goal, you must vie for the favors of the city's most influential citizens, even if you must offer a bit of coin or some protective detail.

World History and Empire

Join us to explore ideas of empire, pre-Columbian civilizations, and cross cultural exchange as we play “Through the Ages,” “Teotihuacan: City of Gods,” and “Coimbra.” We’ll begin play at 5:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 8:00 p.m. or so. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

Through the Ages is a civilization building game. Each player attempts to build the best civilization through careful resource management, discovering new technologies, electing the right leaders, building wonders and maintaining a strong military. Weakness in any area can be exploited by your opponents. The game takes place throughout the ages beginning in the age of antiquity and ending in the modern age.

In Teotihuacan: City of Gods, each player commands a force of worker dice, which grow in strength with every move. On your turn, you move a worker around a modular board, always choosing one of two areas of the location tile you land on: one offering you an action (and a worker upgrade), the other providing you with a powerful bonus.

Introduction Session

Come join Professors Lawler and Smith this semester to play table top games with historical narratives/themes. This semester we are going to run game sessions on Tuesdays at lunch time and in the evening on Thursdays (see attached schedule). The themes this year games include world history, Medieval/Middle ages history and Industrialization. Each session will begin with a fun and simple game that generally follows the monthly theme. After that, we will begin play of one or two (depending on turnout) of the listed games for each session. We had a lot of fun last semester playing and discussing the historical uses and meaning of each game. And don’t worry if you come late or can’t stay the whole time, you can always join in or play another game at the Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.

On the first night will play a round easy to learn and really fun history games like Nuked, Bang!, Salem 1692. Just bring yourself and a friend or two and we’ll teach you how to play!

White Flight and the Urban Suburban Divide

In our final themed game series we’ll explore issues of white flight and urban/suburban development as it’s represented in board games. We’ll start with “Welcome To,” where players compete to build the perfect suburb. Then move on to “Welcome to Centerville,” a game that engages players in city management and finally we’ll sit down to play “Urban Sprawl,” where players work at urban management and growth without destroying their cities. Will you create a vibrant metropolis or will your city crumble into obscurity while residents flee to the suburb?

We meet at 5:00 p.m. in FO2-209. In order to move things along we ask that you consult a play through video for these games on youtube and familiarize yourself with game play. We’ll explain the rules but it’s helpful if everyone has some knowledge of the games.

White Flight and the Urban Suburban Divide

In our final themed game series we’ll explore issues of white flight and urban/suburban development as it’s represented in board games. We’ll start with “Welcome To,” where players compete to build the perfect suburb. Then move on to “Welcome to Centerville,” a game that engages players in city management and finally we’ll sit down to play “Urban Sprawl,” where players work at urban management and growth without destroying their cities. Will you create a vibrant metropolis or will your city crumble into obscurity while residents flee to the suburb?

We meet at 5:00 p.m. in FO2-209. In order to move things along we ask that you consult a play through video for these games on youtube and familiarize yourself with game play. We’ll explain the rules but it’s helpful if everyone has some knowledge of the games.

Frontiers and the American West

Join us on the eve of Red Dead Redemption II’s release as we explore the mythic American west as represented by boardgames! We’ll start the evening with a simple Spaghetti Western style shoot’em up called “Bang!” Where players assume the roles of outlaw, renegade, deputy, or sheriff in oder to tame or maintain the “Wild West.” Things will get more serious as we play “Northern Pacific” where players compete and invest in the Railroad as it brings “civilization” and “eastern elites” to spoil the West. If railroads are not your thing sit down and enjoy “Western Legends” or “Chaparral” where you’ll compete for infamy in the west either as a historic outlaw or in competition with other players to grow your ranch or mine on the frontier.

We meet at 5:00 p.m. in FO2-209. In order to move things along we ask that you consult a play through video for these games on youtube and familiarize yourself with game play. We’ll explain the rules but it’s helpful if everyone has some knowledge of the games.

Nationalism and Colonialism in Boardgames Continued…

Please note the DATE CHANGE. We’ll convene on October 2nd. Join us again to play “The Grizzled” a World War I trench co-op game where players work together to survive the trenches of the Western Front. We’ll also play “Princes of Florence,” a game where players assume the roles of Florentine Princes in the Renaissance and compete with each other to design their own villas and encourage artists to create great works of prestige. If flouncing through Florence is not your thing, how about taking on the role of one America’s “Founding Fathers” in a game that casts players as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention where you compete for the most influence on the outcome of the new Constitution and try to get Washington to bend your way.

We meet at 5:00 p.m. in FO2-209. In order to move things along we ask that you consult a play through video for these games on youtube and familiarize yourself with game play. We’ll explain the rules but it’s helpful if everyone has some knowledge of the games.

Nationalism and Colonialism in Boardgames

Join us to play “The Grizzled” a World War I trench co-op game where players work together to survive the trenches of the Western Front. We’ll also play “Princes of Florence,” a game where players assume the roles of Florentine Princes in the Renaissance and compete with each other to design their own villas and encourage artists to create great works of prestige. If flouncing through Florence is not your thing, how about taking on the role of one America’s “Founding Fathers” in a game that casts players as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention where you compete for the most influence on the outcome of the new Constitution and try to get Washington to bend your way.

We meet at 5:00 p.m. in FO2-209. In order to move things along we ask that you consult a play through video for these games on youtube and familiarize yourself with game play. We’ll explain the rules but it’s helpful if everyone has some knowledge of the games.

Inaugural meeting of the CSULB History Games Club

We'll discuss the club, ideas for games and organize meeting dates.  Playing: Bang! and Secret Hitler as warm-up games.