We all love the thrill of a well-crafted board game, the camaraderie of friends gathered around the table, and the tactile pleasure of moving pieces across a beautifully designed board. But have you ever stopped to consider the environmental impact of how our favorite games are made?
In an age where sustainability is more crucial than ever, it's time for the board gaming community to take a closer look at the materials used in our beloved games. Enter Apocalypso by Topshot Games—a bright example of how an idea of making small changes to sustainable practices can coexist with practical game design.
IMPACT: Traditional board games often rely heavily on plastic components, from miniatures to dice to card sleeves. While plastic is often cheaper and more durable, its environmental footprint is significant. The production of plastic requires fossil fuels, contributes to pollution, and often results in non-biodegradable waste. I’m sure we all know but it’s worth mentioning that not all plastics can be recycled. As the board gaming industry continues to grow at such a rapid pace, so does its contribution to these environmental issues.
Apocalypso, the latest offering from Topshot Games, represents a shift towards a more sustainable future in board gaming. This game is made entirely from wooden materials—no plastic was used in its production. Let’s dive into what makes Apocalypso a standout in sustainable game design.
Wooden Components: Every piece in Apocalypso, is made of wooden components. Dice, Tokens, and a simple sheet of paper for the instructions. Wood is a renewable resource, and when sourced responsibly, it has a much lower environmental impact compared to plastic. Additionally, wooden components add a tactile warmth and aesthetic appeal that plastic often lacks. Also, when factoring in shipping costs from overseas manufacturers. Wood is significantly lighter than plastic. So where you could pay a bit more in manufacturing, you could save that on shipping costs. This was the exact case for Apocalypso. We ended up saving money on our shipping due to the reduced weight.
Packaging and Beyond: Even the packaging of Apocalypso reflects its eco-conscious design. The game comes in a sturdy, recyclable cardboard box, with no plastic wrap. The use of cellophane is becoming less widely used in packaging and with our game it was an easy decision not to request cellophane. What’s in the box? Well, you’ll find instructions printed on a single sheet of paper and a layout that eliminates the need for plastic inserts. A carboard box to house the tokens and the wooden dice / tokens as mentioned earlier. By no means is this revolutionary. However, reducing or removing the use of plastics into the environment is certainly part of Globe = Home ethos here at Topshot Games.
Choosing games like Apocalypso is more than just a nod to environmental consciousness—it’s a step towards a more sustainable future for the entire board gaming industry. Here’s why it matters on a broader scale:
Reducing Plastic Waste: By supporting games that use alternative materials, we can help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by the industry.
Encouraging Responsible Sourcing: Games made from responsibly sourced wood and other eco-friendly materials encourage sustainable forestry practices and help protect our planet’s resources. Ask your manufacturer what they do to ensure they are playing a part in this.
Setting a Trend: When popular games adopt sustainable practices, it sets a trend that can influence other publishers and designers to follow suit.
Enhancing the Gaming Experience: Sustainable materials like wood can enhance the gaming experience, providing a different aesthetic quality that plastic often cannot match.
How You Can Make a Difference: As publishers and or gamers, we have the power to drive change through our purchasing decisions. By choosing games like Apocalypso and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability, we can help shape the future of board gaming. Here are a few steps you can take:
Research: Look for games that use eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes.
Support: Purchase games from companies committed to sustainability, even if it means spending a bit more.
Spread the Word: Share your passion for sustainable gaming with your friends and the broader community. The more people are aware, the greater the impact we can have.
Conclusion: Apocalypso by Topshot Games is certainly not the first nor will it be the last to use zero plastic. However, it shows that with creativity and commitment, it’s possible to design and manufacture games that are both fun to play and kind to the planet. As the board gaming community, let’s embrace this green revolution and make a positive impact on our world, one game at a time.
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