From a European standpoint, this discussion just shows how much the mainstream narrative in the US, in general, is still so connected with its Puritan roots. Not wanting to talk about something does not make that certain thing disappear, it only shows a degree of immaturity (like a kid..."let's not talk about this, it makes me feel bad") and lack of confrontation over a given subject. It's the controversial subjects that actually create real debates and a constructive dialectics. Just my 2 european cents.

So a game like Scarface 1920 when you play gangsters is okay but a game when you plays stripper is not ? ....

Games about: colonization, exploitation, war, murder , drug lords 😊 Strippers 😠

If Kingdom Death is fine, I'm not sure why this would be beyond the pale. It seems very weird that strippers - women who intentionally strip - is too much, but a game entirely about sexploitation & bloodgore, is fine and gets covered a lot. Games where you play Jack the Ripper though? There's several, murdering the strippers is fine apparently! It seems lopsided. That people are angry about this particular game existing is just wild to me. I get not wanting to play it - I don't particularly and I didn't back it - but the anger to it just seems so weirdly puritanical.

Thanks Alex, you’re one of the few who gave a thoughtful reply privately and I’m glad that the dialogue is now public. I understand if a single reviewer has a family friendly channel, but it’s a bit harder to accept when 90%+ of reviewers selectively apply that reasoning to Nightshift. When so few voices cover the game, the impact of a single reviewer deliberately misinterpreting the rules, skipping most key mechanics and using sensationalist controversy for views is especially disappointing. Thankfully we have managed to get a couple of channels happy to do a play through so people can see an unbiased representation (releasing soon), however I’m conscious that many people don’t have time to watch that and remain reliant on reviewers. It’s been unexpectedly challenging to say the least!

Sounds like a very American conversation. Gore, blood and splatter are fine but beware if one nipple is visible 😂

I guess the concern is that if you start editing out certain board games (I'm specifically thinking of your To Back or Not To Back Series, not your other content), you stop being a reliable resource for learning about ongoing kickstarter campaigns. So even if you're uncomfortable about the subject matter, if it's large enough to warrant coverage, I would cover it and let people make their own judgments. As noted, this view only applies to To Back or Not to Back. What you choose to review, unbox etc. has no impact upon your credibility. As an aside, the reality is that most of your audience is fine with this game existing. With most things online, it's usually a vocal fringe minority yelling into the void.

I want Leisure Suit Larry the Board Game!

If you added swords to the figures with no other changes to a high fantasy rpg no one woulda batted an eye. Now that they're in a setting where they belong, there's pearl clutching.

Sounds like an American bias. There is a lot less prudish reaction to sex as a topic in continental Europe in my experience. But I do appreciate you spending the time to think about it and articulate your thoughts.

The main point is: it is made by an ex dancer to fight the Stigma surrounding by a certain humour (that isnt childish but realistic-sarcastic). It is your choice obviously, but as someone covering board games it is your job to cover them. Like you said, many other games you covered have sensibilities. this is a double standard you should work on. A CW on every such games would be fine enough and doesnt incapacitates the viewer in their choice. The problem is: with not directly talking about it, you arent helping the Stigma and "part" of the problem. I backed it as i like the look, mechanics and feel obviously, but also cause many of my friends are s*x workers and I almost did it myself. I know the stigma and stories, so it was cool to see this come about. And yeah, it was successful, but videos like those or their absence show how much it is needed. Kudos for making a video at all, but I hope you rethink it. It is a missed chance. little info for people that dont know: you play as the dancers, so it is not a client simulation.

not knowing anything about the game until this video, i sorta expected it to include nudity, but (at least after a cursory glance at the KS page) there isn't any. and the artwork isn't any worse than something like Middara. so really, it's just the topic itself that's "taboo." but like Alex mentioned, it does seem like a double standard that some folks take issue with exotic dancing when they don't with way more graphic/vulgar/violent/insensitive topics in board games. anyway. your channel, your choice to cover the games you want to cover. i appreciate you sharing your self reflection (lol i almost typed "shelf reflection") on the topic. :)

While I understand people who won't buy this game because they feel it doesn't suit them or feel offended, I believe the people whose job is to cover games should not fall into the same category, they should just put a disclaimer at the start and review it as any other game

There is a double standard at work here, although I appreciate your explanation as to why you chose not to cover this game. I fail to understand where the Overton Window boundaries exist where a game like John Company is critically acclaimed but a game with adult themes won't be covered by many popular reviewers. Both are based on exploitation and the pursuit of profit. So be it. I'm happy that the designer has found a suitable audience willing to explore this theme, and think it both funny and thematic that the Collector's Edition will arrive with a "discreet box sleeve". Well done, madame! Incidentally, this is NOT the first game to broach this kind of topic: I backed and received Lap Dance (Artipia Games, 2015), OrgasMe! (Michael Neumann, 2016) and Consentacle (Naomi Clark, 2018). The gameplay was meh, and I have since traded/sold the games except Consentacle (which had some very specific parameters that were part of the designers intent). I appreciate your sensibilities and opinions, Alex, but on this topic I would politely disagree with you. 🖖

The point "there are loads of games about murder/violence but adult content and people lose their minds" is the exact reason why people shouldn't be angry about this game. Makes no sense at all. It's the equivalent of when you watch UFC and they bleep out swearing. People's values make no sense.

I 100% think you overestimated your audience's bias towards this theme/game. I wouldn't say it's unfair, the moral minority is quite vocal and it's a real concern for content creators. Obviusly if you personally don't want to cover a game then don't, but if your only hesitation is audience reception I'd say trust us on the next one. Or put out a community poll ahead of time! Always happy to participate in one of those.

Haha yeah inconsistant is right. Everyone covered scarface 1920 where you could have brothels and sell "madams" for profit but now the game where you have to play as the stripper is too far? Guess its just cause its the main aspect of the game and not in the peripheral. Okay to play as the exploiter not the exploited? Anyways jist a thought i have no problem woth either game and scarface is alot of fun

I guess at least you have the integrity to explain why you are not covering the game. But, the sheer hypocrisy. A society and culture that openly embraces guns and often gratuitous violence on screen. But then reflexively censors swearing and anything 'inappropriately' sexual in order to 'protect the children'. To be honest, I'm increasingly tempted to support the game and its creator just to make a stand against this type of utter bullshit (not censored very much on purpose).

This is fair commentary. Some of it is definitely content creators’s fear of pushback and being cancelled. I support board games with adult themes if they are indeed good games.

A pet peeve of mine is when Canadian content creators use American metrics. Canada ≠ America, and even saying North American preferences is way too vague when it comes to sexual themes. Utah and Québec are on two VERY different wavelengths 😅. I'm not dissing on American values btw.

Not every game is for everyone. I was surprised that you didn't discuss that this being designed by someone from an underrepresented group. Her perspective focused on the game from making money as a business. Board games have exploited women between mechanics (e.g., Letters from White Chapel) to art (e.g., Lords of Hellas) without anyone saying anything. While an adult-oriented theme, it gives the women agency to make money and includes diverse body types in its player pieces and diversity in its patrons. I'm grateful for smaller KZfaq channels for covering games like Night Shift, Gay Sauna, Dick Sits, etc. Games with LGBTQ+ themes get a lot less coverage as they also tend to be risque. The one mainstream game I did not like was Puerto Rico for its white washing of slavery. Again, not every game is for everyone. As the industry matures, there will be more divisive games as more diverse folks bring their unique ideas to the table. I'm here for it as it would be incredibly boring to only have Mediterranean trading, fantasy and space games.

Taking a cursory look at the KS, I don't think anyone is going to be sexually aroused by playing this game. In my profession, I have spoken to women who have done sex work in a wide range of activities. Their stories seem similar to what this game appears to portray. There seems to be a message behind the game. We play games that tell stories, and this game tells a story, too. Looking at the customer art for the game of nightshift, I was struck thinking, "Ugh... this is who I'd have to entertain??". It makes you think about the women who do this for a job. Games can make us think, and not playing this game made me think.

Still playing Pandemic? I’m sure that’s a bit close to home for some people now. I looked at this game and was tempted by the KS but in the end decided I didn’t need more games at the moment. There does seem to be a prudishness against adult themes compared to violence. I can understand as a channel wanting to not cover this because of having an audience which is focused on younger people. But let’s be very careful about refusing to cover certain things. I think this video is well done and appreciate that you’re talking about the topic. There is no right answer and all anybody can do is choose what’s right for them, but that choice should always be available.

From what I've seen, it isn't really an "adult" game, it's just a game about strippers. I would happily watch a video review about it just like any other. If someone isn't interested, can't they just not watch the review? The block against this game stained me as very bizarre and puritanical, esp since the designer is a former stripper.

I think the game looks fine. I think I personally wouldnt play it because I play with kids or people who would not care for the adult theme but I have absolutely no issues with it being on the market. I see no issues with reviewers passing on it for the same reasons...just a taste thing. You are a family man, it wouldnt really make sense for you to cover this. That said, I do always get surprised at how many Americans are so easily flustered over sex and totally ok with guns violence and school shooting and so on so forth. It feels like a weird disease from a Canadian point of view. Must be a religious thing. Catholic religion has pretty much always shamed sexuality while partaking casually in violence.

4300+ backers seem to not care what others think and are quite happy to support the project.

I have no problem with this game existing and one of my friends is backing it. I would probably play it. But I don’t really have an issue with the theme. I find it so weird that people freak out about nudity and not violence

Have you asked Meg what she tought ?

It’s your channel. Review whatever you want, but don’t blame the audience. The audience doesn’t need to be handled with kid gloves. They choose whether to click on your videos or not. If it’s a personal reason, cool. Views and engagement with let you know if your audience likes the content or not.

Excluding this video, you need to add photos to games you are discussing. I’m always doing research to know what you’re talking about

Its the same bias that is directed at real life adult entertainers .... why do we do that? The people that work in the industry are just as human as anyone else.

This topic is where people become the most judgmental, condescending, condemning, and non-tolerant of other’s opinions, views and values. It is not for anyone to say what someone should or shouldn’t except.

Boardgame reviewers exist because of boardgamers who buy and play boardgames. This is obviously a boardgame that boardgamers are wanting. It’s not some weird campaign with 23 backers. Elvis was too provocative at one point too. Look where we are now. (This coming from someone not backing and having no interest in this game)

It seems to have a lot of heart behind it, and the theme is fresh. That counts for a lot with me. A bit lighter than I'm interested in as a game, but I'm happy to see it doing well. And there is a massive audience out there that aren't following typical game reviewers. While I don't personally see any issue with the topic, and support reducing stigma around it, I agree people should be able to choose whatever fits their interests and audience. What it highlights for me is the importance of having a diverse landscape of channels and reviewers. If it's true that most people chose not to cover it that is sad to me. The best coverage I've seen has been by women, and I hope some smaller channels have fun with it.

Ask Professor Meg if she want to give it a try.

Really looking forward to the next set of random questions!

I think its great that you admit you have a bias against this while simultaneously admitting that you dont know why. That honesty is appreciated. It truly is odd that so many Americans freak out over a nipple but love Grand Theft Auto; outraged by skin but entertained by slaughter.

There are plenty of games where women are objectified which people don't complain much about, but make a game where a woman is in control of their body, and it's apparently crossed a line.

I haven't looked at the game at all so take my opinion as you want. As an European I don't think I know a single person that would care about this. If you (or any content creator) don't want to review it because it goes against your beliefs or you want to keep the channel child friendly I get it but someone stating that this game shouldn't exist purely because of its theme is completely asinine and I will automatically assume you live in the USA if you make this comment.

To say "Anyone who would play this game, I would never want to sit down at a table and play with them." is a pretty bold statement, and feels very judgmental. Maybe that isn't exactly what you meant, but dang. And maybe the better boundary pushing question would be people examining their own biases around this. Why is it ok for kids to see violence all over the place which is just normalizing hate, divide and literally hurting other people, while it isn't ok for kids to see nudity, which when it comes down to it is basically about love, understanding and recognition? Which to the statement of "This bad thing is fine so this other bad thing should be fine", but as I (someone who was born and grew up in north america) view it, violence is bad, there is almost no way in which violence is a positive for society. While nudity on the other hand, is not. It is only viewed as bad, but when viewed respectfully (which our society isn't great at) it is very hard for it to be a negative for society. I appreciate you talking about it at all!

I’ve been keenly watching the conversation around this, as I’m working with a group developing a game that’s not on the same theme but in the same general area. TBH I’m a little jealous of the attention it’s getting but also grateful to its designer for wading in and both taking the brunt of the shocked-shocked-I-tell-you reactions and blazing a path. I’m obviously on the side of the argument where I’d rather see more games from this perspective, about things grownups can discuss, than more games about lopping heads off monsters in sexy chainmail thongs. (The adventurers in the thongs, not the monsters. Maybe also the monsters.) That said, I’d never get into a huff about a reviewer choosing to or not wanting to review something-you aren’t my employee-though I appreciate it when channels like No Pun Included confront uncomfortable topics head on and thoughtfully, and that makes me loyal to the channel. And if I don’t like a channel’s philosophy, I don’t watch it, it’s simple.

To each their own, including you, Alex. I have no problem with it, personally. But if I did, I can choose not to see it by just turning my head and playing another game...the way I do with all the horror and zombie games. 😆

Appreciate you opening the discussion and sharing your thoughts on this

I did ask if you were going to cover this game well before it was released and you said it wasn’t your cup of tea. I was disappointed but seeing how well the campaign is going it wasn’t needed. Being a fan of her humorous books and art I was always going to buy it. Would be interesting to see a poll on people backing if they are existing or new to the scene. Being someone who visits clubs and works as a tradie nothing in this game will be a surprise and looking forward to having a laugh playing.

Really like your nuanced view on this topic. Still think it's wild that you pretty much consciously decide not to act on this nuanced view and have a differing opinion. Still, cool video!

Thanks for mentioning in the poll podcast. I had skipped over this podcast because I was not interested in Night Shift. However, I did enjoy the conversation. I think it is important to keep asking what is not O.K. and why. The answer is not as important as the need to keep asking the question.

It's so North-American to not wanting to cover a theme around adult-topics (like nudity), while it's more then common for most North-American to indulge themselves with violence and blood-shed. Why all the anxiety for nudity? It's a shame that content creators have decided not to give attention to this game, probably being scared for bad comments. I would love to see more unique and rare themes like this being presented then gore slasher thematic board games of which more then thousands. Apart from this I think it's good you covered this Alex and I am happy for exotic cancer the campaign is doing well.

Appreciate the video and you discussing the topic.

I think most KZfaqrs determined that there would be a backlash and as a result, less views and unsubscribes. And at the end of the day, it's about the bottom line.

I appreciate this post. It seems fair to discuss content sensitivity. You give a very thoughtful and considerate deliberation of the topic.

idk why adult content in board games matter... who the hell cares, its mostly an adult hobby when you really start to dive deep into it anyway.... man the fact that this even a topic is ridiculous

This game doesnt bother me at all.

What I find fascinating is Nightshift has done very well, nearly 5,000 backers now, and that's with hardly any coverage or support from reviewers. Whatever Exotic Cancer has done clearly worked. Nightshift is exactly what Kickstarter should be about, someone who had an idea, worked on it and then wanted to crowdfund it. We've become accustomed to big publishers using Kickstarter as a production line for games, it's refreshing to see something that's not that at all. I've also seen plenty of comments from women who are backing this, former dancers, current dancers, and more. I think Nightshift is appealing to a completely different audience to the usual board game space and it's interesting to see.

I'm excited for this game. I'm disappointed it's not being covered more, but it's not surprising to me. Truthfully I don't care as a backer because I will hopefully enjoy it regardless of other people's feelings. We can all enjoy our own stuff.

This is why europeans laugh at americans.

Good on you for reflecting on this and taking time to analyze your feelings and ideas on a complicated topic. As a European living in Canada, I am 1. stoked to find out that you're Canadian 2. amazed at the number of people in the comments acting like being uncomfortable with sex work is solely an American thing.

I think questioning one’s consistency across themes is important. I also find the glorification of an “inappropriate” theme, however one may define that, is also a major sticking point. For example, violence in a game may be represented as violence against an evil force, violence as a necessary evil, the sinister enjoyment of partaking in violent acts, etc. Further, a player may even have to take on the role of a violent character however is it teaching a lesson on violence directly or indirectly such as witnessing the damage it causes, simulating its negative effects, or is it simply glorifying it as a good and encouraging its use in real life? In other words, the specific way the theme is represented is a major consideration for at least myself and may explain why some of my board game choices may on the surface appear somewhat inconsistent.

I'm glad to hear that this game was made by an exotic dancer

The game doesn't feature explicit nudity. I'm more comfortable with this theme than with curse words. I'm not personally interested in Nightshift the same way I'm not interested in a lot of different themes, but I do think it's been unfairly treated by board game media in terms of coverage. I wish people would show less grotesque horror, cut the curse words, and be open to respectful games like Nightshift. This game seems way more appropriate than exploitative sexualization that shows up in various fantasy games (especially).

People can like what they like and dislike what they don't. That doesn't mean everyone else has to hold the same values. That's ok. It's not for you. With this game and others, it becomes a morality question, and everyone looks at things differently

I did a video on Nightshift and it got me 250,000+ views and tons of new subscribers!

Actually as a part of Ontable - Board news (50k subs on YT) i covered it few times in Polish :)

If this is the line in the sand then we really need to move the line. Agreed. And in your own way you are giving this game exposure.

I would have liked you to have covered Nightshift objectively in a preview and your crowd funding videos.

I have no issue with strip clubs, or games themed about it, having said that im not backing the game. In NZ prostitution is legal so that's a whole different level to teasing that stripclubs provide.

You aren't listening to The Secret Cabal then, if you are not hearing about this.

I find the board game Hobby is filled with the type of people that love to just hear their own voice. Too many people want to be a victim or feel like complaining. It's quite pathetic. Choosing not to cover a product because the topic is sex, is downright cringy. I've seen every theme imaginable from the grotesque, to the Absurd when it comes to board games. And people draw the line when it comes to sexuality ? straight up embarrassing. Card against Humanity has become one of the most popular party games in the world. And it thrives off the offensive. 🤷🏽‍♂️ But stripping =bad.. ? I should add that you handle this video well. And you're right to bring up the fact that no one is covering a game with 400,000 in crowdfunding

Not all things that are morally questionable are equitable.

From what I’ve heard and people I’ve talked to, most people have no problem with it as a game whether or not they would be interested in playing it, like you said. I think the reason why most creators declined to cover it was simple because it would have a good chance to hurt their channel because of the algorithm & the internet. Unfortunately. Even though most people in real life are probably fine with it.

There are other board games and video games that cover themes that are much more taboo and dark. I couldn’t care less if someone covered it. It’s a game. If the reviewer chooses to or not is up to them. If it’s not a game for you, like many games that don’t hook us, move on if you’re disinterested or sensitive to it. Also, just because someone reviews or plays a game that’s controversial or covers taboo subjects should NOT lead to accusations or criticism. Critical thinking is important, we should live in a world where people can interpret situations in context rather than reacting with rigid, black-and-white thinking that may lead to unnecessary upset or misunderstanding.

alex, really appreciate you addressing this and your willingness to grapple with these issues and include us in the conversation. For me, the idea of harming guides much of my morality, so games the celebrate violence, exploitation, and the suffering of others are morally reprehensible. I still play them myself because I'm subject to the same bias that most of us are (though i would never play that Prison Architect game you referenced). I wasn't clear from your video if your issue with night shift was that the feel like the theme is exploitative, that it deals with an industry in which women (typically) undress for the gratification of men, or something else. Would you mind clarifying? I suppose i find it troubling that board game reviewers would choose to effectively boycott a game about strippers while not batting an eye about games that glorify violence and sadism. I think it stems from our cultural bias that often celebrates 'heroic' violence in superhero and war movies while viewing women expressing their sexuality as somehow beyond the pale. If it's about women being exploited by the male gaze, I suppose i would like to here from folks who work professionally as strippers to hear if the majority of them feel exploited themselves. Either way, i appreciate you bringing the subject matter up rather than simply avoiding it altogether. Best!

From a wider perspective, everybody SHOULD have and follow their own moral code. It isn't inconsistent to follow your own moral code, but when you're asking yourself if our society has a moral line in the sand that is too far to cross, that is subjecting yourself to some arbitrary collective moral code. Just follow your own code. Nightshift has every right to exist, but that doesn't mean that reviewers ought to feel compelled to cover it if they don't feel like it. As a reviewer, if you WANT to cover it, but don't cover it because you are fearful of backlash, then that is a moral wuandey that you need to navigate for yourself, based on your own moral values.

A difficult conversation, well covered.

It"s odd that people dismiss and/or hide something that drives human behavior to such a substantial degree. I'm not quite convinced that it's a wise career, but female seduction and the charm of female beauty are undeniably an aspect of life. How about wearing makeup? If women have a problem with being admired for looks, why wear any? I have a psychological view, I don't care much about the theme or the game, but do you really have to get all riled up about an exotic dancer game? Why not get upset about the nude female Greek statues? Or the fact that people are born naked? Or have sexual impulses? I am not a backer, but I don't see the problem.

Thank you for mentioning the game, i really like the idea. and i would like to point out that we live in times, where children have access to the internet and grow up with "adult" videos. i would argue that this game has a more respectful approach to the nightlife scene, as it invites the players to see the perspective of the dancers. talking about creative new conceps is what kickstarter is all about, isnt it?

The moment I saw this game, I want it immediately - but with ancient Japan setting. Geishas double as assassin and informer etc.

This is no longer a game for me. Back when I was younger I worked for a while as a DJ in strip club. I would have picked up the game back then as I would have had a group that was interested in playing it. Just like I no longer have the old game Passout as I no longer have a group of Young Adults that found that drinking game amusing. Am I offended by the game looking at the Kickstarter? No, if anything I find it being handled properly and accurately by a person that used to be in that line of work. Good on them. I'd play it, if at a con. But it wouldn't get tabled by my gaming group, so not buying it.

I appreciate this video. I am one of the all in backers for Nightshift. I agree that it is a hard topic. After talking to Exotic Cancer on the Discord for the game I was impressed that she was not making a NSFW version or add on like a slew of Kickstarter campaigns I have witnessed. Her point of the game is to empower sex workers instead of demeaning them. As a person who have seen friends turn to that type of work whether for or horrible economic situation in parts of Canada or they just enjoy the type of work or they have fallen to the drug epidemic I am all for empowering them. It is not a profession to look down on which is a typical North American attitude. I’m glad this game is starting conversations. We are too desensitized to violence here that a bare breast causes more of a stir on tv than a school shooting these days. Sad comment on society I believe.

I think everyone is allowed to their opinion and everyone's tolerance is different. What I find mind blowing though is the need to gate keep. Why can't any one enjoy something that you find offensive? Why should it be taboo and hidden? Something everyone should learn at some point is that the world doesn't resolve around you. You are allowed to feel the way you feel, can you stop imposing your view on others. This applies to everything even beyond board game and hobby.

A board game is a board game, it should be covered.

I’ve generally subscribed to the motto that if I can see the insides of a person in violent media or medical work, why would I be offended by the surface level of the body. I don’t mind Night Shift existing but it’s not a theme I am interested in playing either.

I think it's reasonable to choose to not play particular games or categories of game; based on personal preference. That implies there are likely games that a person would thus not be able to review: though they may still have an opinion. I find it interesting, that of a quoted 30 requests to review _Nightshift_ only 2 did so. I find it interesting that in the USofA, schoolchildren are drilled in hiding from murderers invading schools, while those same murderous weapons are readily available to all & sundry. I find it interesting that in the USofA, media include graphic scenes of 'blood & gore', yet gentle 'bedroom' scenes are blurred out. Are there parallels?

I find that people like to get upset about things for the sake of being upset about something, as if it gives them purpose. I don't care about the game's theme. It doesn't affect me in any way. People need to focus on bigger issues.

I feel like a lot of the detractors of Nightshift just dismiss it immediately as "smut" without really giving it further thought - which is totally okay, but then attempting to negatively affect the game over that opinion becomes un-okay (i.e., the review bombing, negative posts / comments). It's not "smut" for "smut's" sake, the designer has a larger message with the design, using the game to encourage empathy and fight the stigma against exotic dancers and sex workers in general - which again, that's okay if that's not your thing, but its not just "smut" for shock value... there's a purpose. Additionally, I do wonder about the point about the rather large success of the campaign despite all the reviewers that are declining to review it - what's that say about relevancy of reviewers in general?

The theme doesn’t interest me personally, but it isn’t nearly as offensive as Cards Against Humanity or Secret Hitler, which each somehow achieved mass-market appeal.

If something isn't for you as a gamer ignore it and move on, very easily done. Not everything needs to be drama or content.

It all comes back to people being too conservative. In 10-20 years this type of game will be more accepted and people will care less than they do now.

While I would have liked it the best if you had just covered Nightshift, I do very much appreciate you at least talking about the game and subject this way. To each their own, and I understand and respect your decision, even if I don't agree with it. But at least you're open and honest about it! So big thumbs up! Oh and an edit to answer your question about who the backers are. I'm backing it, just a normal hobby board gamer, because I'm intrigued by the theme and mostly because I really like the fact it's made by someone from the industry in stead of some guys making a game about exotic dancers. That makes all the difference to me. If it was just a game about objectifying woman I would stay far far away, but this feels reapectful, well thought out and I think its cool to see something like this represented in board gaming! Oh, and I'm european, that might explain it as well :p

I appreciate your consideration and also respect your decision to draw lines for your channel. Your family friendly reviews are what initially attracted me to your channel, and I actually watched your channel less once Meg came on board as she swears most often (despite the fact that I like her insights/opinions on games). You can't please everyone, and I still watch all your solo presented content. I'm glad this game exists for people who may be interested in it, and I think, like many things, standards and comfort levels will start change towards acceptance as we see more of it. Society is slowly homogenizing with the increasing and easing of sharing of information, hopefully and seemingly towards mostly positive evolutions.

While I agree with a lot of what you said, the comparison being made is built on a false premise that equal degrees of violence is the same as equal degrees of sex. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything that some people wouldn’t bat an eye at violence while those same people are less comfortable with topics related to sex. One big difference is that sex is generally a private act among humans. Violence, especially as a part of nature happens more regularly and out in the open.

I remember watching Will Wheaton rename the slaves in Five Tribes to helpers because it was objectionable. Assassination he is apparently fine with. Or a conversation I had with someone upset that MB Ragnarok had a bare breast on a non sexual pose because he wanted to play with his young son. MB:R where gods have mortals and monsters fight in a war and kill each other for the god to gain power. People lack perspective, consistency, and especially in the board game space seem to like to complain when a game clearly isn’t for them.

I backed it just to support them. Maybe it’ll help her stay out of that lifestyle herself. Could be fun to play as a party game if it’s super light. There’s always house rules to make it fun or change if we want to. I’m sick of this weak era we’re in double standards galore.

I think the point you touched on an important aspect of the conversation. The level of abstraction. We may be ok with board games about violence and colonization because the theme is abstracted. If the game had graphic art of death or had slavery it would not get very far. A game like Nightshift might be more welcomed if it didn't have sexy art and the act was more abstracted. For me, I don't really get bothered by "colonization" in board games because most games aren't doing colonization perse. If the game had shackles and slave boats, I would be very reluctant to try the game out. The last thing I thought on the topic was for people to not be afraid to look at your biases and see if they should change, but be ok if you feel like they should not. I have been told that I should be ok will some music that has bad language and values but I just can't.

The takeaway is that the audience knows what they like, and reviewers shouldnt pick and choose what they should or should not like. Reviewers should review all games (to the limit of their capacity, of course) and let the audience decide if they want to back it or not. Most people don't care about the themes of games to the extent that they would complain and throw a riot. The loud minority do that, and they get a disproportionate amount of attention.

People will and should have their own preferences when it comes to game themes and mechanics. I just don’t like the idea of people vilifying the people who play games where you might not play it for those kinds of reasons. I don’t think nightshirt is a game i would play because of the theme, but I’m not going to tell others not to play it or attack people who choose to. If I play a game with colonial theme I’m fine if someone else doesn’t like the idea of it, but please don’t attack me for choosing to play it. I don’t like the idea of looking at something and labeling it “problematic” either. Preferences are fine but if something doesn’t align with your own preferences, morals, beliefs or ideas that is not enough in my opinion to label something as default bad. I’d be fine if you decided to review nightshift on the channel. I also understand that if it doesn’t align with your personal values, feel free not to. I don’t like the idea of you putting yourself in situations you’re opposed to just for the sake of the audience. Small disclaimers are good, but I don’t like belabored disclaimer when I’m reminded every few sentences that something might not be for everyone.

You're Canadian as well?! All the good boardgame KZfaqrs are it seems!

I can see your reluctance to do something that might lose you some subscribers as I doubt you will gain many just because of this coverage …little upside for the risk. However, personally, reviewers that cover it and include context around the designer and what they are looking to achieve with the game, would raise them in my esteem. Board games are for fun but they do have a role in expanding our understanding of the world. Too often that is in violent or horror or such….this game is trying to show perspective of the workers. I am not backing it as I can’t see it being played at my table but I am glad it is doing well on KS. Thanks for the discussion!

Everyone has their thing. I don't like to play most horror themed games, especially with a lot of blood & gore. Just not my bag. I think Nightshift is hilarious. I'd give it try, but I wouldn't own it.

Your own sensitivity probably... But I do understand you not covering it... The problem is that people that are upset only because this game exists are much louder then the rest of us.

I think the problem is when there's a split between those who agree and those who disagree with a certain theme. Everyone knows that killing is bad. No one is making a problem out a serial killer game because everyone knows it's wrong. It's the same thing with a battlefield type of game. The problem with this game (night) is because half the population thinks it's bad while the other side thinks it's okay. That's why it's conflictual. It's a social/political issue. No one is gonna dispute the fact that a serial killer game is bad. Does that make sense?