Foreword: Awaken Realms’ two most recent games suffered from severe printing errors, forcing players to search online for fixes, only to find the usual PDF errata lists with no offer of printable replacements. After pressing the company, a representative admitted there were no plans for errata packs. Frustrated by this disregard, and anti-consumer trend, I’m calling for change to ensure players get the complete games they paid for.

The Errata Crisis

Board games are a cherished form of entertainment, fostering creativity, strategy, and social connection. In recent years, the board game industry has seen a boom in production, with crowdfunding platforms and rapid release schedules leading to more frequent errors. The increasing prevalence of errata—errors in rulebooks, card text, and game components—has undermined the trust and enjoyment of players worldwide. These issues range from minor typos to game-breaking mistakes that render components unusable, rules unclear, or a campaign unplayable. 

Currently, the only "fix" provided by most publishers is a PDF of discovered errata, which players must seek out on the publisher’s website. These PDFs do not include printable replacements, leaving players to resolve issues themselves. This is inadequate and places an unfair burden on consumers who have already invested in these games.

The Problem:

1. Diminished Player Experience: Errata disrupts gameplay, causing confusion, frustration, and delays as players resolve discrepancies.
2. Financial Burden on Consumers: Players pay premium prices for games, only to face errors requiring additional time, effort, or money to correct.
3. Reduced Resale Value: Errata makes games harder to resell, as potential buyers are deterred by known errors and incomplete or flawed components.
4. Lack of Accountability: Publishers rarely provide physical corrections, relying on PDF lists that shift responsibility to players.
5. Erosion of Trust: Repeated errata issues damage confidence in publishers, especially smaller companies or crowdfunded projects.

Our Demand:

We urge board game publishers to take responsibility for errors in their products by implementing the following:

1. Create Official Errata Packs: Produce affordable, physical errata packs containing corrected cards, tokens, rulebooks, or other components necessary to fix errors in published games.
2. Ensure Accessibility: Make errata packs available through official websites, local game stores, or print-on-demand services at a reasonable cost, with clear instructions for obtaining them.
3. Improve Quality Control: Invest in robust pre-production testing and proofreading to minimize errata before games reach the market.
4. Transparent Communication: Publish a clear timeline for errata pack releases, detailing when corrections will be available to players. Post notices about errata on all social media platforms used by the publisher (e.g., X, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) to ensure players are promptly informed.
5. Support for Legacy and Out-of-Print Games: Commit to providing errata solutions for older titles, ensuring all games remain playable and enjoyable.

Why This Matters:

By addressing errata proactively, publishers can demonstrate their commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and the long-term health of the board game industry. Errata packs would:

Restore trust between publishers and players.

Enhance the longevity and replayability of games.

Support the growing community of board game enthusiasts who invest significant time and money in the hobby.

Set a new standard for accountability and professionalism in the industry.

Call to Action:

We, the board game community, pledge to support publishers who take meaningful steps to address errata and improve quality control. We will prioritize companies that value their customers by providing errata packs and transparent communication. Conversely, we will hold accountable those who fail to address these issues, through our purchasing decisions and public feedback.