Interesting article in the latest issue of Tabletop Gaming magazine about the rise in counterfeit and fake board games. Press Reader link in first reply.
Here’s a link to the article “For Real?” pressreader.com/article/282054807943313
What’s happening? People are being duped into buying copies of board games that appear real, but are made with cheaper components, sometimes incorrect printing, there are even examples of games where cards with adult text has replaced the original ones, despite the game being aimed at families.
These games can appear for sale on auction sites, on marketplaces like Vinted, through some international sites, even through private sellers on Amazon. Sometimes they are given as gifts, sometimes they are sold on with the original buyer being unaware they had a fake copy.
Nowadays, many people play board games online through services like Tabletop Simulator. Counterfeit producers are mining sites like that for artwork. Sometimes they may even have access to original designs. However, pieces may be replaced by versions using cheaper components.
What does this mean if the hexagons in your new copy of Catan don’t fit together properly? Chances are it’s not just a poor redesign, but more likely you’ve ended up with a fake version of the game. It’s one of those little talked about challenges facing the board game industry.
Thomas Lancaster
@DrLancaster_1
Computer Science academic. Technology and generative AI enthusiast. Known for research into academic integrity and contract cheating.