You’ve probably heard board games describe a game as a filler game, but what really is it? Well, in short, it’s a quick game that can be played before or after a long game, or while waiting for others to arrive, but our explanation goes further.
You’ve probably heard the term filler game bandied around before. Like many throwaway terms in any hobby, it can be – and often is – used derogatively. It can mean someone is saying a game isn’t worth playing because it’s “just” a filler game. It’s not a “real game”, it’s just something people play before getting to the real stuff, to pass some time while they’re being indecisive. It’s true, I am incredibly indecisive and love so many of the games I’ve been introduced to in the bit of the night before the longer games begin.
Filler games are the flavour-filled starters, moreish snacks and luscious desserts of the gaming world. They might be party games or strategy games, card games or board games, but the one thing they have in common is that you can set them up, teach them, and play them quickly. The general consensus seems to be that a filler game is anything that lasts half an hour or less. It’s quite likely you’ll find people playing them at the start of a social night as they wait to see who else is arriving before choosing something longer. In fact, sticking with the food theme, some people might prefer a tapas-style smorgasbord of games to make up their entire night. One heavy, meaty main course might not always be what you fancy.
There are many overlaps between the definitions of a light game and a filler game. It’s difficult to get heavy mechanics to fit in a half-hour playtime. Some filler games do offer some excellent strategic choices and show off mechanics that might be used as part of a longer game. Sushi Go, for example, makes use of picking and passing a hand of cards. This is the main gameplay here, but it is something implemented as part of other games.
The wonderful thing about filler games is that there are so many games to play, and you can explore game after game in one session. And I’m not talking quantity over quality. Yes, there are some filler games that might not be very good, just as there are long games that don’t hit the spot. Exploring and delving into different filler games gives you the knowledge you need to play bigger games, as well as often being exciting and fun experiences in their own right.
There’s only one rule in Fluxx. Do what it says on the cards. It’s a simple thing at the start, when all you do is draw a card and play a card. A few turns in, when you’ve got six new rules, including things you can do before a go or instead of a go. It’s a slightly unreliable filled in that a game can last two turns or, if all the stars align, keep going for what feels like two hours.
This is a game that sometimes lands and sometimes absolutely does not. Cards have numbers and the challenge is for the team to play all the cards in exactly the right order. Not all cards are in play. Oh, and you can’t talk about what you have. When a group buys into The Mind it’s exhilarating to watch. The silent communication and understanding between different players bring a group closer together. If they don’t get it, you’re in for a long few minutes.
Kingdomino is a lovely tile placement game whose mechanics are pretty much that of the game it takes its name from. Pieces have two different terrains, and you want to match at least one of them and ideally design large groups of matching areas. It’s very easy to pick up, and as players work on their own boards, it never feels very competitive. Tiles are placed in order, meaning that a player who chooses a better tile will be later in the play order.