How big is TOO BIG for a PnP game?

The more I indulge in print and play games, the more it dawns on me that it's not just one hobby. It's kind of two.

For some folks, the joy is in the build; cutting, sleeving, laminating, corner-rounding, maybe even breaking out some fancy tools. For others, the real thrill begins once the game actually hits the table. Building and playing can be two completely different passions. And that's perfectly alright.

I’ve played my fair share of heavy-build and light-build games, and I’m happy with both. There’s something undeniably satisfying about finishing a chunky build and admiring the end result.

But if I’m being honest (and this issue is all about honesty), if I had to lean one way, I know where I land.

I’ve got a clear affinity for light-build PnP games.

Why? Because they get me to the game faster.

And maybe that makes me more of a gamer than a crafter. I’m fine owning that. One of the biggest joys I get from print-and-play games is how quickly I can go from “that looks interesting” to “okay, let’s play.” Fewer steps between curiosity and gameplay.

We’ve seen publishers fully lean into this idea. Shiny Pigeon Games, for example, has put out titles that are basically assembly-free. Print, and you’re immediately in the action.

When I designed my first PnP, Escape the Living Library, I sort of followed the same philosophy. One page. Minimal fuss. The goal was simple: remove as many obstacles as possible between the player and the experience.

Now, to be clear, this isn’t me saying zero-assembly games are the only “correct” way to do it. Not at all. But heavy-build games do come with trade-offs.

They take time.

They often require some crafting confidence and skill.

Sometimes they need tools not everyone has lying around.

And that can become a real bottleneck. Not a deal-breaker, just a hurdle. One that can quietly stop a game from ever making it to the table.

Again, this is just my point of view. Your ideal PnP experience might look completely different, and that’s exactly why I wanted to turn this issue into a conversation rather than a verdict.

👇 Cast your vote below! I’ll share results on my next issue.

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