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What Became of . . . Synes Ernst No Fan of
Complex Games By EDWIN RUSCHITZKA
Hello Synes Ernst. You used to work as a journalist in Switzerland, with a focus on politics, and were once a board member of the Spiel des Jahres jury for quite a long time. Do you still miss those days?
Synes Ernst: It really was an exciting and highly in- teresting time. I certainly miss it sometimes, but I am pleased to have reached a healthy age that offers me other, equally exciting opportunities for realizing my full potential.
When we approached you for an interview, you were surprised to learn that you already qualified for the “veterans” section?
Well, for me, veterans are people who revel in the past. I also like to reminisce, for example about the pioneer- ing days of the Spiel des Jahres. But I’m just as curious about what’s yet to come, both in gaming and in artifi- cial intelligence.
You didn’t merely write about politics; you also shaped them yourself, and you are still active in this field. How do you go about it?
I no longer hold any political offices, apart from the chairmanship of my local party. Politics is very import- ant to me because it keeps me in touch with people from younger generations.
Apart from that, what does your everyday life look like?
I’m still on the board of trustees of a retirement and nursing home and on the board of “Spiel-Politik” (Game Politics), an association that aims to introduce young people to politics through role-playing.
Your jury membership lasted from 1982 to 2007, which was a time of new beginnings, with “German Games” such as The Settlers of Catan. Is this still the most outstanding game of the year for you?
I am very cautious about using superlatives. But Catan is probably the game that has triggered the widest pop- ular development and attracted millions of people to gaming, not least thanks to the award.
How do you perceive the work of the current jurors in comparison to your active time on the panel?
I believe that participation in the jury has become far more demanding. The range of new titles on offer today is much broader than it used to be, both in terms of number and variety of in-game challenges. Added to this, social media brings even more momentum to the environment in which the jury is operating.
Do they still ask you for advice?
There are still questions here and there about former jury times.
There are now three games of the year—for children, families, and con- noisseurs. Does this division make sense to you? And wouldn’t it be high time for an expert game of the year?
I’m generally in favor of restraint. By splitting it up, there is a risk of weak- ening the Spiel des Jahres brand. Experts always find their games, even without an award.
Has your taste in games changed? What do you still enjoy playing?
I’ve never been an absolute fan of highly complex titles where playing meant more work than fun. And my aversion
Synes Ernst (77) and wife Charlotte live in Ostermundigen near Bern, Switzerland. They have two children and six grandchildren aged between 13 and 19. Until his retirement in 2012, Ernst was editor for local, as well as national, pol- itics at various Swiss media outlets. In addition, he has been an active game reviewer since the early 1980s. In 1982, he became a member of the Spiel des Jahres jury, which he chaired from 1994 to 2004 and of which he is currently an
advisory member.
has only increased with age. But I’m always up for a card game.
Looking ahead, what do you wish for—for yourself, for politics, for the game?
For myself, I hope for health, curiosity, hap- piness, and many encounters with wonderful people. In politics, more trust in democratic institutions would be desirable. And for the game, I would like to see lots of new ideas that bring people together for fun and peace- ful interaction. (cs)
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Synes Ernst with Dorothee Heß and Joe Nikisch.
Photos: Ernst