Issue #2: Space to Play
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. This issue was inspired by Brian Amin’s submission (last one in this issue): a documentary about the growing board game subculture. It reminded me of the value of play in a world often defined by productivity. In the entries, I hope you find interesting spaces to play to help your inner child come home. - Sabrina
Game of the Month
"I love simple games; they’re easy to pick up and even easier to share. However, I started worrying that all simple games were doomed to be clones. These games by .i proved how silly that worry was."
— Sabrina
Description:
In 2025, .i created and published a simple and unique game every month. Each offers a refreshing twist on classic game genres with charming graphics and an even more charming original soundtrack.
A Fool for Pool
"Cool little browser based single player game that mashes 2048 with pool"
— Maxx
Description:
It’s 8 Ball Pool with a Suika Game mod, need I say more? Okay, I will. It is very very fun and I am terrible at it.
Riding the Rebus
"I love little games you can play on the internet and this is one of them! It reminds me of playing games online during school :)"
— Eva S.
Description:
Silly Little Codes is a daily rebus puzzle using symbols to represent words or phrases.
Thar’s Been a Murdah
"You get to act as a detective and really think out cases! The website is layed out nicely, is easy to understand and it really gets you thinking!"
— Space
Description:
Murdle is a murder-mystery puzzle series with books, daily mysteries, and even a whimsical tarot card reading. If you enjoy logic puzzles wrapped in a Gravity Falls cute-sinister aesthetic, you’ll love the murdle!
Can you Count the Ways?
"The Wordle of Math"
— Matthew
Description:
You must calculate the values 1 through 10 using only basic math operations and 4 numbers that change on a daily basis.
A-maze-ing
"These Java mazes are fun and simple"
— Retro addict
Description:
This eclectic selection of wayfinding puzzles has been online for decades but the games still feel fresh (and incredibly challenging).
This One Scared Me Tbh
"Way To Go (PC only) is a fun little experience or sort-of game; in the words of its creators, it is “a walk through strange country—strange, familiar, remembered, forgotten… the trees will change their shape, and the sky will widen. And you will fly.” (see www.aatoaa.com/waytogo)"
— 𝕶𝖎𝖓𝖌𝙶𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚗𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚗!
Description:
This haunting (but not scary) game takes you on a journey, lulls you into a world, and then hands over the steering wheel. Despite a short run time (~6 minutes) and simple mechanics, it made me feel uneasy, curious, fright, wonder, and - of course - existential.
Process through Play
"i made this game to facilitate conversations around grief and loss. i think it's still underappreciated"
— jubnuggets
Description:
This card game provides a framework to process. It might seem odd to include given the lighthearted nature of the rest of the issue, but I think play is more than having fun.
A Sweet Documentary
"I just watched it this year! It's a great documentary that covers stories from the very large and growing board game communities. The past couple years, I've also have wonderfully fell into this community and have found it so interesting what the act of play can do for adults"
— Brian Amin
Description:
Games have been a part of humanity since the beginning. This charming documentary follows the players, celebrities, and designers in the board game subculture. (If you’re Canadian, it’s on Crave!)