‘Golden generation’ of board games spreads to Rochdale as new club formed

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Passionate gamers in Rochdale are being encouraged to share their hobby with others with a new club set to launch in the town centre.

Scott Moore, 48, is looking for fellow players to join Board Gamers at Shelly B’s café, Rochdale.

He explained the growing popularity of board games in popular culture is helping to spread interest in the hobby.

“It’s still quite a niche thing but it’s been described as being in a sort of golden age at the moment,” he said.

“You have people like Wil Wheaton with his Tabletop programme on YouTube, and people in the Big Bang Theory playing similar games - it’s getting a bit more of a mention.

“Games are much more interesting now too, they’re not as boring as they used to be with things like Monopoly.

“You look at them and see that they are well-designed, they’ve got really nice components, and there are different themes.”

Scott, who lives in Bacup but works in Rochdale, explained his passion for gaming has existed since he was younger and playing board games allows for better social interaction than computer games.

“I’ve been into board games since I was a kid. I played with family and friends,” he explained.

“I played a lot of computer games, a lot of online stuff and I have just got tired of it. There just seems to be so much drama, it’s more interesting playing with real people.

“It means you can go out and meet different faces and play these games.

“People gravitate towards people. I used to spend hours sat in front of the computer and you’re just not really interacting with anyone.

“You could be in a raid with several other people, on your headset talking to them, but it’s not the same.

“The internet has helped a lot - there’s a lot of good stuff on YouTube and there are podcasts out about gaming.”

Although not normally open on a Saturday, Shelly B’s has agreed to open for the group and Scott is searching for more gamers to provide extra custom.

The inaugural meeting is on Saturday 16 March, 10am-2pm, in Shelly B's Cafe, 36 Drake Street, Rochdale, OL16 1NU.

The group hope to meet on most Saturdays, playing games ranging from Agricola and Carcassone to Alien Frontiers and Battlestar Galactica.

The club is open to all whether new to the hobby or seasoned gamers. There is no fee.

Parking is free on a Saturday,  the Metrolink runs to the train station about a 5 minute walk away. The bus station is also just a few minutes walk away.

For more information visit http://boardgamersatrochdale.enjin.com