Logan from the Acadiana Board Gamers discord reminisces about his first year in board gaming and the friendships made along the way
Board Game Gumbo is pleased to present a two-part series of posts from Logan Lannoo, one of the local gamers here in Acadiana and founder of the Acadiana Board Gamers Discord. Logan is one of our newest members of the group, who just discovered the world of hobby board gaming in 2023. In this post, Logan shares his “origin story” in board gaming. Look for part two, where Logan gives a recap of all of the gaming in 2023.
By Logan Lannoo
Unveiling Cajun Charms and Cardboard Adventures: A Year in the World of Board Gaming
By Logan Lannoo
Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Logan Lannoo, and I am here to chat about my first complete year in this amazing hobby we all love, board gaming. Growing up Cajun in the heart of Louisiana, my exposure to board gaming was very sporadic, like the unpredictable rhythms of a Zydeco band.
But fate had its own plans.
One evening last November, with the aroma of roux in my gumbo pot swirling in my kitchen, I discovered a world brimming with the same warmth and conviviality that defines our Cajun gatherings. As my family gathered around the table, dice clattering and cards exchanging hands, we were introduced to a hobby I had only glimpsed as a child — board gaming.
Little did I know that one night of camaraderie, strategic play, and competition would spark a passion that would provide me with a year of captivating discoveries.
Join me as I reminisce about my inaugural year in the eclectic and enthralling world of board gaming—a journey that intertwined the jovial spirit of our Cajun heritage with the intricate tapestry of games, laughter, and cherished friendships.
Discovering the World of Board Gaming:
The path to discovering the world of board gaming was not just a personal exploration but a deliberate quest to foster connections within my family. As a father of two young children, Amelie (9) and Elijah (6), I felt a need to break away from the screens that had permeated our daily lives and resurrect the cherished tradition of uninterrupted family time.
Reflecting on my own childhood, where evenings were spent gathered around the dinner table engaged in conversation and bonding, I yearned to create a similar atmosphere for my family. I wondered how to stop the ever encroaching digital distractions that threatened to sever our precious family connections. Fortunately, during a routine trip to our local Target, I chanced upon the burgeoning board game section. The expansive shelves, perhaps spurred by the collective stay-at-home period of the pandemic, intrigued me. I decided to test the waters.
I selected a game—Wingspan by Stonemaier Games—and orchestrated a typical Cajun gathering as the setting to introduce the game to our family and friends: a simmering pot of gumbo and the company of my wife, Melanie, and our dear friend, Molly. Wingspan, resplendent with its colorful birds and engaging components, was the perfect entry in our inaugural foray into this new realm.
Playing Wingspan with friends led to playing Ticket to Ride with the kids. Soon, we expanded into even more genres and mechanics. With each new game, I marveled at the incredible diversity on offer—each game presenting fresh challenges to conquer. We navigated dungeons and strategized across the galaxies as a family, each game night unfolding as a new adventure.
As the nights blended together, I found myself absorbed in the strategic intricacies of worker placement, the excitement of deck-building, and the immersive storytelling of narrative-driven games. Each play heightened my appreciation for the artistry and depth of board gaming. Through this lens, I discovered a multifaceted realm—a realm that not only entertained but also ignited the flames of curiosity and creativity within me, enriching our family’s shared moments in immeasurable ways.
The Journey Begins: Early Experiences
One of the most rewarding aspects of our game nights was introducing my children, Amelie and Elijah, to the staple games of our hobby. Watching their joy while laying down railways in Ticket to Ride or assembling a superhero squad in Splendor: Marvel was immensely gratifying. Our family game nights were entertainment, of course, but they were also invaluable tools for nurturing strategic thinking, honing decision-making skills, and fostering healthy competition among us.
However, managing the complexity of games that could engage both adults and younger players was a challenge. Finding that delicate balance became a learning curve—a quest to discover games that resonated with both generations, ensuring everyone felt included and enthusiastic. I also had to take into account my work-related travels. I longed to find engaging games that were also portable and catered to solo play.
But the real turning point in my gaming journey arrived with a decision to delve into heavier games, specifically Lost Ruins of Arnak. It was time to leap into deeper waters.
Christmas 2022 delivered two intriguing games to my collection — Starship Captains and Ark Nova. Eager to explore these titles, I reached out to local board gaming enthusiasts via Facebook. This solitary request was a pivotal moment, as within minutes, the warm embrace of the gaming community unfolded, and I was invited to a meet other gamers at a local game store. Venturing to Anubis for the first time to meet a stranger for a game taught me to anticipate the unexpected. The experience was exhilarating, leading to newfound friendships and a blossoming interest in heavier games.
The ripple effect from that single Facebook post reached beyond the gaming community. A chance connection emerged when a gaming mom, seeing the post, reached out to my wife, Melanie. This unexpected outreach resulted in an invitation to learn Ark Nova, creating a delightful social opportunity. As we stumbled through our first play, mistakes were made, lessons learned, and friendships cemented—ultimately leading to a memorable game night and the birth of a lasting friendship with her husband, Doug.
Subsequent interactions further solidified my sense of belonging in the gaming community. Encounters with fellow Acadiana gamers like Jeremy, Doug, and others blossomed into meaningful friendships, expanding my horizons and introducing me to a weekly gaming group.
Transitioning from a casual gaming dynamic to a close-knit gaming circle marked a pivotal transformation in my board gaming journey. These interactions broadened my horizons, exposing me to new games, diverse playstyles, and fostering connections within the larger board gaming community.
These early experiences laid the foundation I needed to appreciate the landscape of board gaming. There were new games to explore, strategies to master, and even better, friends to cherish.
Exploring Diversity in Games
I talked about starting with Ticket To Ride and Splendor: Marvel, solid foundations for our family’s gaming exploration. But we kept progressing from there. We discovered worker placement games like Viticulture. We played narrative-driven games like Oathsworn, crafting our own epic tales around the table. I stumbled across Button Shy’s compact games, which led me to even deeper solo experiences with titles like Marvel Champions and the remarkable Final Girl series.
The themes I discovered in these plays have resonated with me deeply. Exploring ancient ruins or manning starships piloted by sentient bees transported our play group beyond the tabletop into realms of adventure, mystery, and imagination.
The Acadiana game community delivered even more game experiences to broaden my horizons. Through these wonderful local gamers, I discovered a plethora of games with new-to-me game mechanics and themes — some whimsical like The Quacks of Quedlinburg, others intense and strategic like Darwin’s Journey. Each game served as a portal to new experiences, and every session unfolded as a remarkable journey, enriching my understanding of themes, mechanics, and storytelling.
Community and Connections
Speaking of those gamers, one of the most remarkable facets of my board gaming journey has been the sense of community fostered by this vibrant and welcoming world. What began as a personal exploration soon evolved into a network of connections, friendships, and a shared passion for tabletop adventures. Whether through local meetups, online forums, or chance encounters, the warmth and camaraderie within the gaming community were palpable.
The transformative power of these connections unfolded in unexpected ways. I told you about that simple Facebook post, seeking a teacher for Starship Captains, but that initial meeting was a pivotal moment this year. The welcoming I received from BJ and the subsequent meet up with Mitchell and BJ at Anubis set the wheels of friendship in motion, and marked the beginning of a larger gaming family.
I met Doug, who graciously shared his love for Ark Nova with me. I met Jeremy, too, whose engaging teaching style and camaraderie brightened our gaming sessions. I gamed with BJ and his family in the Gumbo Pot. I even attended my first ever board game convention, the Southern Board Game Festival, which served as a hub for forging even more lasting connections. Tabletop Gaming transcended mere leisure — it became a conduit for social interaction, fostering meaningful relationships.
The profound impact of these connections extended beyond the gaming table. Encounters with individuals like Mitchell, Doug, Jeremy, and many others not only enriched my gaming experiences but also blossomed into genuine friendships. The shared joy of victory, the strategizing in cooperative games, and the laughter amidst defeats knit us together, creating enduring bonds.
Moreover, the inclusivity within the gaming community was heartening. It was a space where differences dissolved, and the love for games acted as a unifying force. Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and strategies, further enriched our gaming sessions.
As the gaming nights transitioned from mere play sessions to gatherings of friends, the true essence of board gaming became apparent — the connections between people across ages, professions, and backgrounds through a shared love for games. The community that we formed transformed what I thought was just an individual pursuit into a collective journey of friendship.
In part two, I will share some highlights of this year in gaming.?See ya real soon!
— Logan
