It might seem strange to some readers, but there are people who do not consider Spiel Essen the fixed star of modern board gaming. It’s been occasionally described as frenzied shopping binge or consumption overload. It’s usually done to distinguish it from events in which games are celebrated and predominantly played. It’s tempting to go along with such a separation. As if putting commerce and joy of play as opposites would speak of a wise and idealistic view of gaming. I find these arguments reductive and romanticising. Not least of all, because they’re often put up from a position of privilege.

Still, the arguments can be persuasive, because they draw on an idea that resonates with many of us. Play means relaxation, it means friendships and the feeling of time well spent with others. In opposition to that money usually comes in form of labour, and all the constraints that come with it. It seems profane and almost indecent to want to merge the two.

But as with all service work, that exists to enhance other people’s time, it is built on people’s labour. It is only right and fair, that people in this line of work should be able to make a living from it. For that, it needs people who will pay for those services. There may even be times when a particularly large number of people would want to pay for their work. Tourism has specific peak seasons, depending on the region. In gastronomy it might be the weekends. In gaming it’s usually around Christmas and at large gaming fairs. Which obviously also includes the largest gaming fair.

An international board game fair is obviously the place where the work of those people directly translates into revenue. Commerce and play don’t exist in natural opposition to each other. Ideally, they complement each other. The size, diversity and impact of modern games wouldn’t be what it is today, had it not been for the economic benefit this cultural practice and its components provide.

Acknowledging this economic reality shouldn’t be mistaken as a celebration of it. We have to retain our critical perspective, when play (as a cultural practice or as a pastime) gets monetized. If the profit incentive is continually given the highest priority, it will happen at the cost of the cultural value that people place on games and the reason why thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Essen each year. The more prices are increased, the narrower the group of players who can participate in play. From private gaming groups, to public meetings all the way to big events. Nothing is gained if only the financially independent and privileged have access to play and gaming events.

Because despite the constant claims, playing games is not a luxury that you have to be able to afford. It’s a way to enrich our lives, when we share it with friends and family. Just as we do with any other part of culture, we can get excited about. Culture must never become a luxury.

And now Spiel Essen is almost here. Along with tens of thousands of other enthusiasts, I will be walking through the halls soon. And like previous years there is an overwhelming number of games to be amazed by, to try out and to buy, as well. To be clear, I am not above any of those things. My impulse control will be considerably less firm than it is when I am browsing the shelves at my local game story. New, colourful and playful games will certainly ignite the almost childlike excitement for playing games as they always do. But I do aim to find the right balance.

Of course, I will want to take my favourites and the most intriguing looking designs home with me. But I also want to appreciate the moments, when I get to sit down with players from all over the world and just enjoy playing games together. I don’t want to lose sight of how much work, creativity and craftsmanship goes into these games. Above all, I don’t want to forget, that play isn’t something that you can have or put on display in your shelves. It is something, that we do. Preferably with others, but if necessary alone. But what I value most is playing, not buying. It’s the in-depth engagement with what play offers, not the certainty of finally owning all the promos and expansions of any one game I have.

This is where I find myself right now. And maybe others do, too.