Why Do People Hate On Stonemaier Games

Today's board game rambling video is centering on Stonemaier Games. And in particuliar why some folk just seem to hate on them as much as possible. Don't worry though, I come back with a few reasons why people seem to enjoy them as well.

[carlagiannioudis]

I do not understand either why people hate on Jamey. I am guessing it is jealousy of his success? He does so much for the hobby and I can not think of another publisher/designer who highlights other games like he does. I highly respect him and his games and always look forward to his weekly videos as he always talks passionately about his games and mostly other games, other designers, and also other content creators. He is such a positive upbeat person, and in my opinion is one of the best ambassador's for the hobby. I just hate to hear that some talk badly about him. Why do we need to tear people down? If you don't like a game just carry on and promote the ones you do like. These designers are artists, this is their craft, so we should just celebrate them and their talents, otherwise us gamers would have no hobby. Even if I don't like a game I still respect the mechanics and design of it.

[miseryguts]

I became a Stonemaier Champion because I like the way the company does business. I love Jamey's openness about everything they do. He really does go above and beyond to try to help customers. I like some of their games and have bought them and there are some I don't think I'd like (usually based on theme) so I don't buy those. Their production quality is excellent. I like that they don't announce a game until it's ready to ship. I pity those spiteful, sad individuals who rate Stonemaier Games as a 1 just because they're made by Stonemaier. These people need to grow up and take a long, hard look at themselves.

[sharonlee]

In Australia we call it the ‘Tall Poppy’ syndrome. When someone is doing well you want to chop them down for no real reason other than they are doing better than you (or nicer) than you. A lot of it comes from envy. Jamie seems like a decent and genuine guy who has time for people and the industry. He has been able to bring his skills and passion into his company and his product. Some people just can’t stand it when others are successful. I would rather have the board gaming world over run with people like Jamie than a lot of the other ‘types’ that seem to have a very loud voice in the gaming world.

[boardgamepretzel]

These are the types of videos I think you shine in. You are reasonable, encouraging, and enjoyable to listen to. I like a few of their games but wouldn't say I'm really a fan of them but it always baffled me why people are so insistent on bringing them down.

[Ian-R-Wilz]

I’m just finding this video. I’m a Champion and recently an Ambassador. I love everything about SM. Their games rule my solo collection and they all hit for me. Some more than others but I enjoy them all. They constantly put out very good/great games. Jamey is one of the most transparent and active owners and does a lot for the board game community. His weekly live streams and rolling realms live plays along with his many blog posts is great. He communicates with the board game community.

[PamWD]

My husband and I have never found anything with Tapestry or Scythe to be unbalanced, so we never made the changes Jamey came out with. Played Tapestry about 10 or so times and absolutely love it. I, too, don't understand why people hate on games that other people enjoy. I'll never understand it. Do I like all of the games from his comapny? No, I don't, but I do like a lot of them. I've never met Jamey, but he does seem to be a nice person, and he puts out some fantastic games.

[andrewclifton]

Stonemaier games have great production value. The bling factor definitely helps get the game to the table for my wife. Scythe is her favorite game. Personally I'm indifferent to the bling. I'm happy pushing colored cubes in Dominant species. Then again I grew up playing risk where the armies were Roman numerals

[LastCallForShaw.v]

It is very tough to hate a guy who constantly tries to help build up the community with his weekly videos, blog post, and consistent information of new board games from other creators, but of course people will still try to make up a reason for the hate.

[StevenStJohn-kjeb]

Scythe was my first love, but I like what you said about Jamey Stegmaier talking about non-SM Games on his channel. There's quite a few games on my shelf that I got interested first because he talked up the game on his channel (Orleans, Fantasy Realms, Hanamikoji, Clank In Space). He is also pretty generous in supporting Kickstarter projects and other content creators.

[sirguy]

Great video! Basically- “haters gotta hate”

[dsquaredgames]

So proud to be a Stonemaier Champion and Ambassador. I have a whole shelf of all of the games. I have met Jamey, played games with him, and had dinner with him. He's awesome!

[bethezebra]

Appreciate Jamey and his games a lot, though it turns me off when he brings politics into gaming. Thankfully that's rarely so far.

[MerrillWhiteKalEl]

Makes no sense to me, they makes some excellent games, and do some great things for the industry. Jamey does a ton of outreach and goodwill to advance board games. Probably similar to sports. People love to hate the Yankees, Dodgers, Lakers, Cowboys that typically are consistent good teams. I view this the same when people hate on Stonemaier and CMON etc.

[CarlToonist]

I agree with you, people should not be trying to "balance" the popularity of a game - it's popularity, that's the point of it. Use your energy to vote up the games you enjoy, not to tear down someone else's opinion.

[RobertKonigsberg]

On a more serious note, I thought your video was really thoughtful, if short on dog. That gained my interest. The substantial comments gained my subscription. This channel seems worth my time.

[jonio]

Thank you! I have wondered about this for awhile. I've only played a few of their games but I really like what I've played.

[bestatstartrek]

The fact that he is reachable and available to the public speaks volumes

[El-guhi]

I’m actually not a fan of stonemaier games but am thrilled that a small operation has made it mainstream in the hobby, and that so many people from everywhere love their games. I also appreciate that stegmaier himself is so supportive of other small publishers and content creators. He’s a great success story.

[imchaotix]

Man you’re one of the realest people on here like actuallylol channel because at the end of the day, they are just board games and you want to have fun with the people you’re playing with. When I play video faces online I’m super competitive and want to win every time, but that’s against people I don’t know. When I’m playing with friends I just want everyone to have a good time and it doesn’t matter what the board game is
Side note- I’m also very new to this board gaming niche of people and I can honestly say the people who leave reviews like 1s and stuff are miserable inside. You can’t convince me that these are normal people that have lives because board games were essentially created to create social memories between each other. How has a hobby you’re so interested in made you so spiteful that you have to be so snobby about everything you love. This goes for every single type of hobby that exists and we all know them as gatekeepers basically.

[JokinJoe]

I love their games. I don’t really care what others think, because to me presentation is HALF of the game. Without presentation a game is just math which is boring.