Thread by @JacCCMF, Playing 18xx, from one women’s experience. Here are my stream of conscious [...]

Playing 18xx, from one women’s experience. Here are my stream of conscious thoughts on being a women who plays 18xx.

I love 18xx games! I also love the art, style & look of them, but definitely care more about the functionality than aesthetic.

so my thoughts... (1/16?)

The art & style drew me to train games. I wanted to try 18xx, but I was intimidated. I remember a gamer telling me about this 18xx group in OC & when they meet. This guy said “the group welcome newbies. They are patient, you just have to be willing to sit for 4+ hours for a game”

I was captivated by the art of 18xx (the look of the board & components) & concentration of the players as they intently stared at the board. I wanted to play, but didn’t for so long! (I try to personally welcome new players often because I always wanted someone to insist I try).

Once I finally learned how to play (1.5 years later), I attended that same group! It was mortifying to walk up to the door. I felt like a newbie train gamer that was also a woman & intimidated, but that is because my own anxiety. What I encountered, I would have never imagined!

I cannot rave about a more amazing group of men, & I say men because I’ve not seen another woman there. They are so welcoming to a novice 18xx player. I am treated equally, feel welcomed & not made to feel different. Everyone is kind & helpful. I’ve never been uncomfortable.

I have now been playing 18xx for 19 months. I’m absolutely addicted & the 18xx genre is my favorite game system! 49, 17, & 2p 60 are my 3 favorites!
I’ve played in multiple states, cons, events, online, & with different groups. There are different styles, preferences, & etiquette

Due to my experiences in gaming (hobby, causal, euro), I am always a little defensive with a new group of people. In the other hobby areas, I’ve experienced many unpleasant things (due to being a woman). However, not with the train game hobby!

Gaming, whether hobby, niche train game, or casual, all needs improvement for representation. I don’t think anyone would argue. However across multiple 18xx groups, states, cons, online - albeit anecdotal - I’ve not had any group of gamers more welcoming than the 18xx gamers!

Most people are excited women want to play! Eager to get more of them to play! More diverse people! I don’t feel 18xx gamers are gate keeping against women or an old boys club!

There are less women, POC, LGTBQ+ people represented in the 18xx hobby. However, I don’t think...

I don’t think think it is because the people in it try or want to keep those people out!!! It’s another factor! (That’s another entire rant.) What it’s NOT is the art or 18xx gamers.

I have gamed with many who are disabled, gay, bisexual, transgender, poc, & aged from 16 to 70+.

I think train gamers make the space welcome, more than other areas of gaming because they are niche, & its a smaller community & frankly everyone just wants more people to play 18xx with!

I take annoyance to someone coming to 18xx & articulating how 18xx players (or art) are keeping it some old boys club! The people outside the hobby are trying to characterize a community they are not part of. It’s not helpful to non 18xx gamers to hear this inaccurate perspective

If you’ve read this far, thanks for listening. If you want to play 18xx games online, DM me. I’m always excited to teach or play with any new players. If it’s not your thing, that’s okay too. It’s just my favorite system, & I’m happy to play/teach! I welcome you to try 18xx &...

and online 18xx play is easier than ever because @Captaintobs made this amazing site! http://18xx.games

and @ambierona makes great videos on 18xx.

This is the power couple bringing 18xx playability to your cell phone for easy daily play! 18xx is a beautiful community.

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