Markus Kropf

On September 24th, 1965, my affection for playing was put into my cradle. When we were kids, we played "Monopoly" including a credit system, until we could force the bank to go bankrupt. "Chess" was always risky, especially during German lessons. Then I was trained as a teacher, but to me it was more thrilling to spend all my money on a computer which had become affordable at that time. I started studying computer science at the University of Bern and lost big-time various games of "Go" - against a co-founder of Fata Morgana Spiele. My game addiction couldn't be stopped, the game evening every Friday became the regular, weekly highlight. I wonder if she had let me win on purpose? Anyway, Ruth became my wife. Soon, Tycho was born on June 12th, 1995 and enjoyed playing as well as Merlin, born on January 31st, 1998. Instead of Picts and Assyrians now Playmobil Romans were brought into the field. A family has to be fed, so I darted for my work, the games remained in the cupboard for longer periods. But what can be nicer than to feel the thrill for victory? And the boys become more and more smart! Just yesterday, I had been so close to win, only one piece of wood I could have used...

Hobbies:

Games (what else), comics, fantasy, cooking.

Games I would take with me to a remote island:

Kings&Things, Go, Civilization, Dschamàl, Illuminati, Taluva, Halali, 1830, Clans, Caylus, Full Métal Planète, … I just cannot finish this list.

I like playing, because...

... I can have fun together with my friends; I can dig into other worlds, I can gamble, bargain, manipulate, enjoy the game materials, and be challenged. Playing is a wonderful compensation for working in front of a screen.

Games

• 2008 Hoppladi Hopplada