Personal Space (2020) Board Game

Personal Space is a card game designed by Marty Cobb and released in in 2020. It is a solo/solitaire game that falls under the categories of dice, print & play, and card games. The game is known for its unique gameplay mechanics involving dice rolling and paper-and-pencil elements.

Game Components of Personal Space

Personal Space includes a variety of components:

A hand-numbered planet board

A sticker sheet for customizing the planet

Papers for tracking information

A card featuring a unique alien character

Dice and cubes for minigames

Geographic feature stickers for resource generation

QR codes for interactive elements and random results.

How To Setup Personal Space

Setting up Personal Space is relatively quick. Players start by rolling dice to determine the placement of stickers on their planet board, including their character’s house, workplace, and geographic features. This initial setup prepares the player’s personalized planet for the first session. Players also join the official Discord server for additional resources and community interaction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Sessions: Each session represents a day in the life of the character, with a limit of one session per day based on the honor system.

Minigames: Players engage in various minigames related to their job, resource collection, and hobbies, using dice rolling and cube manipulation.

Resource Management: Players manage resources, possessions, and money, using QR codes for some interactions.

Goals: Players set personal goals for each session, which can vary widely and have no direct rewards or penalties.

Community Interaction: Players interact through the Discord server, sharing experiences and participating in events and tournaments.

Player Experience

Playing Personal Space feels personal and intimate, with a strong focus on community interaction despite being a solo game. The game starts small and expands over time with new content, events, and hobbies. Players enjoy the freedom to choose their activities and set personal goals, which adds a sense of importance and engagement. The community aspect is central, with players sharing their experiences and supporting each other through the Discord server.

Pros

Unique Experience: Offers a unique blend of RPG, sandbox, and minigame elements.

Community Engagement: Active and supportive community through the Discord server.

Personalization: Highly customizable with each player’s experience being unique.

Expanding Content: Continuous updates and new content keep the game fresh.

No Win/Loss Condition: Focuses on enjoyment rather than competitive outcomes.

Cons

Complexity: Initial setup and rules can be overwhelming.

Dependence on Honor System: Relies on players to follow rules without cheating.

Information Overload: A lot of information to absorb, especially for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Personal Space

Personal Space is ideal for players who enjoy solo gaming experiences, are looking for a deep and engaging game with a strong community aspect, and appreciate the freedom to create their own goals and adventures. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy sandbox games and are comfortable with a game that evolves over time. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking quick, simple games or those who prefer competitive multiplayer experiences.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.