Board games come in all sorts of styles, but two major categories stand out. You’ve probably heard the debates about Ameritrash vs Eurogames, which usually boil down to different design philosophies. Eurogames emphasize strategy, resource management, and indirect competition, while Amerigames focus more on immersive themes, luck, and player conflict.
Both design styles have taken the world by storm, and many modern games combine the best of both. Let’s break down the differences between European and American board games and see what makes each one stand out.
What Are Eurogames?
Despite the name, Eurogames, or Euro-style games, aren’t limited to Europe. Many games that fall into this category are made by designers from all over the world. In fact, some games that fall under the definition of Eurogames, like Obsession and Viticulture, were made by American designers.
The term “Eurogame” refers more to the design philosophy. Originally called German-style board games, they focus heavily on strategy, resource management, and careful planning rather than storytelling or chance.
Core Characteristics of Eurogames
Mechanics-Focused and Skill-Based
In Eurogames, mechanics often come first, with the theme being secondary, or sometimes just “pasted on.” For example, in Catan, the theme of settling an island is present, but the main focus is on gathering resources and trading with other players to build up your settlement.
Mechanics like resource management allow players to focus on long-term tactics. Other common elements in Eurogames include worker placement and engine-building, with players managing resources to gain the upper hand.
Eurogames also highlight deliberate decision-making. These games often prioritize player skill, where planning ahead is crucial to success. Compared to Amerigames, in Euro-style games you won’t need to rely on luck to win. Your skill and planning are what lead you to victory, not the roll of a die.
Limited Player Interaction
Unlike many Amerigames, Eurogames usually feature little to no player elimination or direct conflict. You won’t be attacking each other’s armies or blowing up planets. Typically, players interact indirectly—setting prices or positioning on the map. The goal is often to score points by building engines or managing resources better than your opponents.
The next time you sit down to choose a game to play, think about the differences between Eurogames vs Amerigames and how each game encourages you to take a different approach.
Here are examples of some well-known Eurogames:
Brass Birmingham: Set during the Industrial Revolution, players must skillfully manage resources and build networks in a tight economy. Every decision counts in this Eurogame gem focused on long-term strategy.
Catan: Trade wisely and build settlements as you compete to dominate the island. This classic Eurogame shines through its focus on resource management and negotiation between players, as well as strategic building and roadmapping.
Obsession: Step into the Victorian era where you host grand events and manage your estate’s reputation. In true Eurogame fashion, the game revolves around strategic planning and room building and the tactical deployment and management of one’s staff and guests.
Rebirth: Rebuild castles and develop civilizations through tactical gameplay, focusing on long-term planning and building efficiency—a hallmark of Eurogame design.
Ticket to Ride: Compete to build train routes, with the player with the most expansive and efficient train lines to complete tickets and personal goals. The best rail tycoon comes out on top.
What Are Amerigames?
Amerigames, also called thematic games, focus on immersive stories, detailed settings, and direct player conflict. These games often feature dice rolling, character roles, and heavy use of miniatures to bring the theme to life.
Although the term “Amerigame” originated from American design philosophies, it doesn’t mean that all Amerigames are made in the U.S. Many are produced worldwide, including in Europe, but they follow a thematic, narrative-driven style.
The term “Ameritrash” is also used in hobby board gaming communities, but it’s become somewhat controversial. “Ameritrash” was originally coined as a derogatory label by fans who viewed these games as more chaotic, more luck-dependent, and less skill-based when compared to Eurogames. However, as Amerigames grew in popularity, the label became less stigmatized. Many players now use the term “thematic games” or simply “Amerigames” to reflect a more positive view.
Though some still debate the merits of Ameritrash vs Eurogames, the reality is that the two genres offer very different experiences.
Let’s now take a look at the key characteristics of Amerigames:
Core Characteristics of Amerigames
Rich Themes and Narratives
One main difference between European and American board games is that Amerigames emphasize immersive, theme-heavy gameplay. Expect detailed storytelling filled with direct conflict and a strong narrative where players assume roles—like a team of survivors in Zombicide or explorers in Betrayal at House on the Hill. Many Amerigames also use intricate miniatures to enhance the game’s thematic richness.
Compared to Euro-style games, Amerigames prioritize theme over mechanics. The story drives the gameplay; mechanics are often designed to serve the narrative, even if they’re not as finely tuned as in Eurogames.
Direct Conflict and Randomness
At the core of Amerigames are dice rolls, randomness, and player elimination. You might be knocked out early or end up rolling poorly in combat, but that’s part of the thrill! Direct combat is common, with players going head-to-head or working against each other in high-stakes confrontations.
Whether through dice rolls or random card draws, no two games are the same. This unpredictability adds tension, making every playthrough unique. Although this might frustrate some players looking for strategy, it guarantees that Amerigames are packed with surprises.
Below are some examples of Amerigames:
Arkham Horror: Dive into the Lovecraftian myth as you battle cosmic horrors in this thematic adventure. With dice-driven combat and rich narrative, it’s an Amerigame through and through.
Betrayal at House on the Hill: Explore a haunted mansion, but beware—the game twists as one player betrays the group. Its strong narrative and unexpected twists embody the spirit of Amerigames.
Dead of Winter: Survive a post-apocalyptic world filled with tension, where betrayal is always a possibility. This Amerigame thrives on story-driven gameplay and unpredictable outcomes.
Twilight Imperium: Control a galactic empire through warfare, diplomacy, and trade. The combination of epic storytelling and complex strategy makes it a standout in the Amerigame genre.
Zombicide: Face an endless horde of zombies in this cooperative survival game. Fast-paced and combat-heavy, Zombicide fully embraces the thematic, dice-rolling chaos of Amerigames.
As a quick summary—when comparing Ameritrash vs Eurogames, Amerigames offer more thematic immersion and randomness, while Eurogames focus on strategy and calculated decision-making.
The Evolution of Hybrid Games
Modern board games have started to blur the line between Eurogames and Amerigames, mixing strategic depth with rich storytelling. They pull together Eurogame mechanics like resource management and pair them with the action and conflict found in Amerigames, making for an experience that’s both clever and thrilling. It’s the best of both styles rolled into one.
Take Scythe, for example. It combines the careful planning of a Eurogame with the aggressive gameplay often found in Amerigames. The game also elegantly integrates the theme of an alternate-history, coal-punk inspired arms race into its mechanics. This combination creates a dynamic experience where strategy meets a hint of drama.
The area control game Ankh: Gods of Egypt employs a similar balancing act between strategy-dependent mechanics, theme, and aggressive interaction. While all the mechanics are straight-to-the-point, streamlined, and devoid of randomness, the game features player-vs-player mechanics and lets its theme shine throughout.
Another standout is Bark Avenue. At first glance, it seems like a classic Eurogame with time management and efficiency mechanics. But as you try to walk several dogs at once, unexpected events and challenges add an Amerigame-like element of surprise. It’s a game that keeps you on your toes, blending thoughtful strategy with thematic twists.
Amerigames vs Eurogames: Which One is Better?
Which game type is better? It all comes down to your gaming style. Eurogames deliver precise, strategic challenges, while Amerigames immerse you in deep, thematic adventures. But with the rise of hybrid games, you can get the best of both worlds without needing to pick sides.In the end, it’s a matter of preference.
Whether you love planning every move or diving into epic battles, there’s a game out there just for you. Explore both styles, discover new favorites, and enjoy whatever keeps the excitement rolling during game night!
