Based on checking the website Getmodern.com, it presents itself as an independent design and game creation studio. The primary focus of the site is showcasing various card and board games, with a clear emphasis on Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA, Motherlode, and Marooned, along with a game in development called Servants of Morgu’th.
Overall Review Summary:
- Website Focus: Game development, specifically card and board games.
- Key Products: OCS: Yakuza Card Game, Motherlode Card Game, Marooned Card Game, Servants of Morgu’th Board Game.
- Ethical Standpoint Islamic Perspective: The themes of some games, particularly “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA,” which involves building a “crime syndicate” and engaging in “illegal businesses,” raise significant concerns. Such themes, even in a game, can normalize or glamorize illicit activities, which is contrary to Islamic principles emphasizing lawful earnings and ethical conduct.
- Transparency: Lacks clear company information e.g., about us page, physical address, direct contact number.
- Customer Support: Relies heavily on social media for contact. no direct email or support portal evident.
- Purchase Process: Mentions “Kickstarter” for upcoming games and “Limited decks available” for others without a clear e-commerce pathway on the site itself.
While the website showcases creative game design, the nature of one of its prominent offerings, “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA,” with its themes of crime syndicates and illegal businesses, is highly problematic from an Islamic ethical standpoint.
Promoting or engaging with content that trivializes or encourages illicit activities, even indirectly through entertainment, is to be avoided.
The site also lacks standard transparency elements typically found on legitimate business websites, which is a red flag for consumers seeking reliable vendors.
For those seeking ethical entertainment and transparent dealings, Getmodern.com presents significant drawbacks.
Best Alternatives for Ethical Entertainment & Design:
Here are some alternatives for ethical entertainment and design, focusing on options that align with Islamic principles:
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- Key Features: Focuses on logic, spatial reasoning, and critical thinking. Offers a wide range of educational and family-friendly board games and brain teasers. Many games are single-player, promoting individual problem-solving.
- Average Price: $15-$40 per game.
- Pros: Highly educational, promotes cognitive skills, family-friendly, widely available.
- Cons: Primarily logic-based, less emphasis on narrative or role-playing.
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- Key Features: Known for high-quality jigsaw puzzles and a diverse range of board games that often involve strategy, cooperation, or historical themes. Many games are suitable for all ages.
- Average Price: $10-$50 for puzzles, $20-$60 for games.
- Pros: Excellent build quality, wide variety, often educational or skill-building, reputable brand.
- Cons: Some games might require a longer learning curve.
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- Key Features: Specializes in educational toys and games for children, promoting STEM skills, language development, and creativity. Products are designed to be fun and engaging while fostering learning.
- Average Price: $15-$45.
- Pros: Directly supports learning, strong emphasis on education, suitable for younger audiences.
- Cons: Primarily targets children, fewer complex strategy games for adults.
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- Key Features: Offers multi-level logic games for various age groups, from preschoolers to adults. Games often involve spatial reasoning, planning, and problem-solving.
- Average Price: $20-$35 per game.
- Pros: Excellent for developing critical thinking, progressive difficulty, compact and travel-friendly.
- Cons: Can be solitary experiences, less emphasis on social interaction.
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- Key Features: Focuses on cooperative games that encourage teamwork and collaboration rather than competition. Themes often revolve around nature, community, and positive values.
- Average Price: $15-$30.
- Pros: Promotes positive social skills, no “winners” or “losers,” ideal for families and younger children.
- Cons: Limited in terms of complex strategic depth, may not appeal to those seeking competitive play.
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- Key Features: Known for abstract strategy games that are often beautifully designed and highly engaging. Many games have simple rules but deep strategic possibilities.
- Average Price: $25-$50.
- Pros: High replayability, elegant design, often quick to learn but challenging to master.
- Cons: Can be less thematic for some players, abstract nature might not appeal to everyone.
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- Key Features: While primarily known for books, Usborne also offers a range of educational puzzles, activity kits, and simple games that are highly interactive and designed to encourage learning and creativity.
- Average Price: $10-$25.
- Pros: High educational value, engaging for children, often promotes fine motor skills and cognitive development.
- Cons: Focus is more on educational activities than traditional board games.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Getmodern.com Review & First Look
Getmodern.com positions itself as an independent design and game creation studio.
Upon first glance, the website’s design is clean and modern, focusing heavily on showcasing its primary products: various card and board games.
The immediate impression is that of a specialized studio with a clear passion for game development.
However, a deeper dive into the content reveals some significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding the themes of certain games, and notable gaps in standard website transparency.
Initial Impressions of Getmodern.com
The homepage prominently features images and descriptions of their games, with clear calls to action like “Check out our games.” The layout is straightforward, making it easy to navigate through their game offerings.
The use of phrases like “Coming soon to Kickstarter” and “Limited decks available” indicates a direct-to-consumer or crowdfunding model.
However, the lack of an “About Us” page or detailed company information is immediately noticeable, which can be a red flag for consumers looking for transparency and trust.
Ethical Concerns: Game Themes
One of the most pressing issues with Getmodern.com, from an ethical standpoint, revolves around the themes of its games.
Specifically, “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA” is described as a game where players “Build a crime syndicate, recruit your gang, buy legal and illegal businesses, and defeat your opponents.”
- Normalization of Illicit Activities: The explicit mention of “illegal businesses” and the glorification of a “crime syndicate” can be seen as normalizing or even encouraging engagement with illicit themes.
- Negative Societal Impact: While presented as entertainment, themes that revolve around crime, violence, and unethical practices can desensitize individuals or, at worst, subtly influence perceptions in a negative way.
- Islamic Ethical Viewpoint: In Islam, earning a livelihood must be through lawful and ethical means
halal. Engaging in, promoting, or even trivializing activities like illegal businesses, organized crime, or deceit is strictly prohibited. Entertainment should ideally uplift and promote positive values, not glorify harmful ones. This principle extends to the content consumed, even in leisure activities. The potential for such themes to lead one away from principles of honesty and integrity makes “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA” problematic.
Getmodern.com Transparency & Trust Factors
When evaluating any online entity, especially one involved in commerce or creative endeavors, transparency and established trust factors are paramount. Mrorganicstore.com Review
Getmodern.com, unfortunately, falls short in several key areas that consumer expect from a reputable online presence.
Missing Company Information
A significant omission on Getmodern.com is the lack of comprehensive company information.
Most legitimate businesses provide an “About Us” page that details their mission, history, team members, and overall philosophy.
Such a page helps build rapport and credibility with potential customers.
- No “About Us” Section: The website does not feature a dedicated section explaining who “Modern Design Studio” is, its founding principles, or the people behind the games. This absence makes it difficult for visitors to understand the company’s background or its long-term vision.
- Lack of Physical Address: There is no physical business address listed anywhere on the site. This is crucial for verifying the company’s legitimacy and for customers who might need to send returns or formal correspondence.
- No Business Registration Details: Information such as a business registration number or incorporation details, which are often found in the footer or a legal section, are entirely absent. This makes it challenging to confirm the company’s legal status.
Inadequate Contact Options
Effective customer support and clear communication channels are vital for any online business.
Getmodern.com’s contact options are limited, potentially hindering effective communication.
- Reliance on Social Media: The primary method of contact highlighted on the website appears to be through social media channels. While social media is a valid communication tool, it should not be the sole or primary means for customer support.
- No Direct Email Address: A direct, clearly visible email address for inquiries, support, or feedback is missing. This forces users to navigate social platforms, which can be inconvenient for those not active on specific sites or for more formal communications.
- Absence of Phone Number: There is no phone number provided for immediate support or direct conversations. This lack of a direct line of communication can be a source of frustration for customers seeking quick resolutions or personalized assistance.
- No Contact Form: Many websites offer a dedicated contact form for convenience, streamlining the process of sending inquiries directly from the site without needing an external email client. Getmodern.com does not offer this feature.
Limited Legal Disclosures
Standard legal disclosures are essential for consumer protection and compliance.
Getmodern.com appears to lack several of these critical elements.
- No Privacy Policy: A privacy policy is legally mandated in many regions and informs users how their data is collected, used, and protected. Its absence is a significant oversight and a concern for data privacy.
- No Terms of Service: Terms of Service ToS outline the rules and conditions for using the website and purchasing products. Without these, users are unaware of their rights, responsibilities, or the company’s policies regarding refunds, intellectual property, or dispute resolution.
- Copyright Information: While a “© Copyright 2023 Modern Design Studio – All Rights Reserved” is present in the footer, this is a minimal legal disclosure. It doesn’t substitute for comprehensive policies on privacy, terms, or disclaimers.
The lack of robust company information, limited contact methods, and absent legal disclosures significantly undermine Getmodern.com’s credibility and trustworthiness.
For consumers, this translates into potential risks regarding data privacy, dispute resolution, and overall reliability of the business. Lovecheaptrips.com Review
Getmodern.com Features
Getmodern.com is primarily a showcase website for an independent design and game creation studio.
Its features are centered around presenting their developed games, rather than offering a complex e-commerce or interactive platform.
The core functionality revolves around displaying game information and directing users to potential purchasing avenues, albeit indirectly.
Game Showcase and Descriptions
The central feature of Getmodern.com is its detailed presentation of the games developed by Modern Design Studio.
Each game receives a dedicated section on the homepage, highlighting key aspects and themes.
- Prominent Game Listings: The website features several distinct game titles, including “OCS: Yakuza Card game,” “Motherlode Card game,” “Marooned Card game,” and “Servants of Morgu’th Board game.” Each is given a clear heading and an accompanying image.
- Brief Overviews: For each game, a concise description is provided, outlining the genre e.g., deck-builder, vying game, matching game, path-builder, player count typically 2-4 players, and core gameplay mechanics. For example, “OCS: Yakuza Card game” is described as building a “crime syndicate” and acquiring “legal and illegal businesses.”
- Development Status: The website clearly indicates the development status of each game, such as “Coming soon to Kickstarter,” “Limited decks available,” or “In development,” providing users with an expectation of availability.
- AI-Generated Art Highlight: For “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA,” the website specifically mentions that “The art for the game was generated entirely by AI using Stable Diffusion,” which is a notable point of interest for those in the design or tech community. This highlights a modern approach to game asset creation.
Calls to Action for Game Acquisition
While Getmodern.com isn’t a direct e-commerce site, it guides users on how to potentially acquire their games.
- Kickstarter Links: For games “Coming soon to Kickstarter,” the website includes direct links or strong indicators pointing towards future crowdfunding campaigns. This is a common strategy for independent game developers to secure funding and gauge interest.
- “Limited Decks Available” Messaging: For games like “Motherlode” and “Marooned,” the site states “Limited decks available,” suggesting that prototypes or small runs can be obtained.
- Social Media for Acquisition: The website explicitly states, “Reach out to us on our social media channels to get a copy!” for games with limited availability. This indicates that direct sales or inquiries are handled informally through social platforms rather than a structured e-commerce cart.
User Interface and Experience
The website’s design aims for simplicity and ease of use, prioritizing visual presentation of the games.
- Clean and Modern Layout: The design is minimalist, with a dark background and clear, readable text. This aesthetic allows the game art and descriptions to stand out.
- Responsive Design: The website appears to be responsive, adapting well to different screen sizes, which is important for mobile users.
- Single-Page Scrolling: The entire content is presented on a single, long-scrolling page, with internal links allowing users to jump to specific game sections. This simplifies navigation for users interested in quickly browsing all offerings.
In summary, Getmodern.com serves primarily as a digital storefront and promotional platform for Modern Design Studio’s game portfolio.
Its features are tailored to showcase the games, provide brief information, and direct interested parties to external platforms like Kickstarter or social media for acquisition.
However, the lack of an integrated e-commerce system means that direct purchasing is not a feature of the site itself. Ritita.com Review
Getmodern.com Cons
While Getmodern.com presents its game offerings with a clean interface, a critical review reveals several significant drawbacks.
These cons span ethical considerations, transparency issues, and practical limitations for potential customers.
Ethical Concerns with Game Content
The most prominent con from an ethical perspective, especially for an audience valuing Islamic principles, is the theme of “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA.”
- Glorification of Illicit Activities: The game’s premise involves building a “crime syndicate” and acquiring “illegal businesses.” This directly conflicts with Islamic teachings that forbid any form of unlawful earnings, crime, or corruption. Even in a fictional context, portraying such activities as a means to “win” can normalize or desensitize individuals to their inherent wrongness.
- Promotion of Immoral Behavior: The concept of a “crime family” implies violence, deceit, exploitation, and disregard for law—all of which are condemned in Islam. Entertainment that promotes such themes is considered harmful as it can diminish moral sensitivity.
- Contrast with Islamic Values: Islamic values emphasize truthfulness, honesty, justice, and the avoidance of harm. A game centered around organized crime stands in direct opposition to these foundational principles, making it unsuitable for a Muslim audience seeking ethical entertainment.
Lack of Transparency and Trustworthiness
The website severely lacks standard elements that build consumer trust and transparency.
- No “About Us” Page: This absence means there’s no insight into the company’s background, mission, or the individuals behind “Modern Design Studio.” This makes it hard to gauge their credibility or long-term commitment.
- Missing Contact Information: The reliance on social media for contact and the complete absence of a direct email, phone number, or physical address are major red flags. This makes it difficult for customers to get support, make inquiries, or resolve issues effectively.
- No Legal Policies: The lack of a Privacy Policy or Terms of Service is a significant legal and ethical oversight. Users have no clear understanding of how their data is handled or the terms governing their interaction with the website and its products. This exposes both the user and the company to potential legal ambiguities.
Incomplete E-commerce Functionality
Getmodern.com is not a fully functional e-commerce site, which can be a barrier for direct purchases.
- No Integrated Shopping Cart: There is no direct way to purchase games through the website itself. This means users cannot add items to a cart, proceed to checkout, or manage orders directly on the site.
- Reliance on External Platforms Kickstarter: While directing to Kickstarter for future games is a common strategy, it means the purchase process is handled entirely off-site, requiring users to engage with a third-party platform. This adds an extra step and dependency.
- Informal Sales for “Limited Decks”: For currently available “limited decks,” the instruction to “Reach out to us on our social media channels to get a copy!” suggests an informal, non-standardized sales process. This lacks the security and structure of a typical online retail experience e.g., secure payment gateways, order tracking, clear return policies.
Limited Website Content and Features
Beyond the game descriptions, the website offers very little additional content or interactive features.
- No Blog or News Section: There’s no blog, news, or updates section to keep visitors informed about development progress, company announcements, or game-related insights.
- Lack of Community Features: No forums, comment sections, or user reviews are present, which could otherwise foster a community around their games.
- Minimalist Design to a Fault: While clean, the design is extremely minimal, offering little beyond static game descriptions. This can make the user experience feel somewhat sterile or incomplete.
In summary, the cons of Getmodern.com are substantial, particularly concerning its ethical implications related to game themes, its lack of transparency as a business entity, and its underdeveloped e-commerce capabilities.
These factors collectively make it a less desirable platform for consumers seeking ethical, transparent, and streamlined online interactions.
Getmodern.com Alternatives
Given the ethical concerns surrounding the themes of certain games on Getmodern.com and its general lack of transparency, exploring ethical and reputable alternatives for entertainment and game purchases is crucial.
These alternatives focus on family-friendly, educational, or morally sound game content, often from well-established and transparent companies. Sidneyandco.com Review
Ethical Gaming Platforms and Publishers
For those seeking games that promote positive values, strategy, and family engagement without objectionable content:
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BoardGameGeek BGG:
- Description: While not a direct store, BoardGameGeek.com is the definitive online resource for board games. It offers an exhaustive database of games, including user reviews, forums, and ethical discussions. You can find games based on themes, mechanics, and player counts, ensuring you select titles aligned with your values.
- How it helps: Allows users to research games thoroughly before purchase, find community-vetted titles, and identify games with appropriate themes. Many game entries discuss the game’s mechanics and narrative, enabling informed choices.
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Asmodee Publisher:
- Description: Asmodee is one of the largest board game publishers globally, known for a vast catalog of diverse games. Many of their titles are highly regarded for their strategic depth and often feature themes like exploration, resource management, or cooperative storytelling, avoiding problematic content. Examples include Ticket to Ride, Catan, or Pandemic.
- Where to buy: Asmodee Games
- Ethical Focus: Strong emphasis on engaging gameplay, strategic thinking, and often historical or fantastical non-blasphemous settings. They generally steer clear of themes that glorify crime or immorality.
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HABA Publisher:
- Description: HABA specializes in high-quality wooden toys and games, primarily for children and families. Their games often focus on cooperative play, early learning, and positive social interactions. They are known for their durable products and child-safe designs.
- Where to buy: HABA Games
- Ethical Focus: Excellent for families, fostering learning, cooperation, and gentle competition. Themes are always wholesome and educational.
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Gamewright Publisher:
- Description: Gamewright produces engaging and often quirky card and dice games for families and casual gamers. Their games are typically quick to learn, highly replayable, and focus on fun, lighthearted themes.
- Where to buy: Gamewright Games
- Ethical Focus: Games are designed for broad appeal, emphasizing mental agility, pattern recognition, and social interaction in a positive way. No problematic themes.
General E-commerce Platforms for Ethical Products
When looking for games or any products, using large, reputable e-commerce platforms often provides greater consumer protection and a wider selection, making it easier to filter for ethical choices.
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- Description: As the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon offers an unparalleled selection of board games, card games, puzzles, and educational toys from thousands of publishers. You can filter by category, brand, and read extensive customer reviews to ensure products align with your values.
- Benefits: Vast selection, competitive pricing, customer reviews, robust return policies, and secure payment processing. You can specifically search for “educational board games,” “family strategy games,” or “cooperative games.”
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- Description: Target’s online store provides a strong selection of popular board games, card games, and puzzles. Their website is user-friendly, and they frequently have sales and promotions.
- Benefits: Reliable shipping, easy returns, and a focus on popular, family-friendly titles often found in brick-and-mortar stores.
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Walmart.com: Nxtmgt.com Review
- Description: Similar to Target, Walmart offers a broad range of games and puzzles at competitive prices, making it a convenient option for many consumers.
- Benefits: Good value, extensive inventory of mainstream games, and convenient pickup or delivery options.
By opting for these alternatives, consumers can find a wide array of engaging and ethical entertainment options that align with sound moral principles and come from transparent, reliable sources.
How to Cancel Getmodern.com Subscription / Free Trial
Based on the information available on Getmodern.com’s homepage, there is no indication that the website offers any kind of subscription service or free trial for its games or content.
The website functions primarily as a showcase for their developed games, directing users to external platforms like Kickstarter or informal social media contact for acquisition.
No Subscription Model Observed
- No Recurring Services: The content on Getmodern.com focuses on one-time game purchases or future crowdfunding campaigns for physical games. There is no mention of digital game subscriptions, access to exclusive content requiring a monthly fee, or any other form of recurring charges.
- Physical Game Focus: All games described—”OCS: Yakuza Card game,” “Motherlode Card game,” “Marooned Card game,” and “Servants of Morgu’th Board game”—are presented as physical card or board games. This inherently means there would be no ongoing digital subscription to cancel related to the product itself.
No Free Trial Offers
- No Digital Demos: The website does not offer downloadable demos, trial versions of digital games, or any form of temporary access to their game content.
- Physical Product Nature: As the products are physical games, a “free trial” in the conventional digital sense e.g., for software or streaming services would not apply. While prototypes might exist for playtesting, these are not offered as consumer free trials on the website.
What to Do If You’ve Pledged on Kickstarter or Purchased Informally
If a user has interacted with “Modern Design Studio” through Kickstarter or through informal social media purchases as indicated for “Limited decks available”, cancellation or refund policies would be dictated by those external platforms or the specific terms agreed upon during the informal transaction.
- Kickstarter Pledges:
- Before Campaign Ends: You can typically modify or cancel your pledge directly on Kickstarter before the campaign funding period ends. Simply go to the project page and click “Manage your pledge.”
- After Campaign Ends: Once a Kickstarter campaign successfully funds and ends, pledges are usually charged. Cancelling or getting a refund after this point is at the discretion of the project creator, subject to Kickstarter’s policies. You would need to contact the “Modern Design Studio” directly through Kickstarter’s messaging system. Kickstarter’s official policy for backers states that they are not a store and creators have discretion post-funding: Kickstarter Help – Backer FAQs.
- Informal Purchases via Social Media:
- If you purchased a “limited deck” by reaching out via social media, the terms of that sale would depend entirely on the communication you had with Modern Design Studio. There would be no standardized cancellation or refund process. It is advisable to always confirm return and refund policies in writing before making any informal purchase.
In conclusion, based on the current website content, Getmodern.com does not operate with a subscription or free trial model that users would need to cancel.
Any cancellation or refund inquiries would pertain to pledges made on external crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or specific, informal arrangements made directly with the studio, rather than a cancellation process on Getmodern.com itself.
Getmodern.com Pricing
Getmodern.com itself does not display direct pricing for its games, nor does it facilitate direct purchases on its platform.
The website serves primarily as a marketing and information portal, directing potential customers to external avenues for acquisition.
Therefore, understanding the “pricing” for games from Modern Design Studio requires looking at these external channels.
Pricing for Kickstarter Campaigns
For games indicated as “Coming soon to Kickstarter,” the pricing structure will follow a typical crowdfunding model, which involves various pledge levels. Teehitra.com Review
- Pledge Tiers: Kickstarter campaigns offer different “pledge tiers,” each corresponding to a specific price point and set of rewards. For a game, these tiers might include:
- Early Bird Pledges: Lower prices for initial backers, encouraging early support.
- Standard Game Pledges: The regular price for a copy of the base game.
- Deluxe/Collector’s Editions: Higher prices for versions that include exclusive components, expansions, or premium materials.
- Bundles: Tiers that might include multiple copies of the game or add-ons.
- Shipping Costs: A crucial aspect of Kickstarter pricing is that shipping costs are almost always extra and usually collected after the campaign ends through a “pledge manager.” These costs can vary significantly based on the backer’s geographic location.
- Stretch Goals: While not directly pricing, successful Kickstarter campaigns often unlock “stretch goals” additional content or upgrades if certain funding targets are met. These additions enhance the value of the game without increasing the pledge price, but they are contingent on community support.
- Example Estimated: Based on similar card/board game Kickstarters, a base game pledge might range from $25 to $60 USD, with deluxe editions potentially going $70 to $100+ USD before shipping.
Pricing for “Limited Decks Available”
For games like “Motherlode” and “Marooned” that state “Limited decks available” and instruct users to “Reach out to us on our social media channels to get a copy!”, the pricing is not transparently listed.
- Direct Inquiry Required: Customers interested in these limited runs must directly contact Modern Design Studio via social media. This implies a potentially informal sales process where pricing information is exchanged directly between the studio and the interested party.
- Potential for Varied Pricing: Without a standardized e-commerce platform, there’s a possibility that pricing might not be uniform, or it could be influenced by direct negotiations, shipping complexities, or the specific batch of prototypes available.
- No Publicly Stated Prices: This lack of public pricing information on the website is a significant drawback for consumer convenience and transparency. Potential buyers cannot compare prices or assess value easily without initiating direct contact.
No Direct Retail Pricing
Since Getmodern.com does not act as a retail storefront and there’s no indication of their games being widely available through standard distribution channels e.g., major online retailers or game stores, there is no “standard retail price” listed or implied on the website.
In conclusion, Getmodern.com does not provide direct pricing information.
For future games, pricing will be determined by their Kickstarter campaigns, involving tiered pledges and additional shipping costs.
For currently available limited decks, pricing is only accessible through direct inquiry via their social media, indicating a non-transparent and informal sales process.
This lack of clear, upfront pricing is a notable limitation for consumers.
Getmodern.com vs. Competitors Ethical Game Studios
When comparing Getmodern.com to its competitors, particularly those focusing on ethical game development, the key distinctions lie in thematic content, business transparency, and sales models.
While Getmodern.com showcases a lean, independent approach, more established and ethically aligned studios often offer greater trust, diverse themes, and more structured commerce.
Thematic Differences: Crime vs. Positive Values
- Getmodern.com’s “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA”: As discussed, this game’s theme of building a “crime syndicate” and engaging in “illegal businesses” stands in stark contrast to the values upheld by ethical game studios. This content choice makes Getmodern.com less suitable for audiences seeking wholesome or morally upright entertainment.
- Ethical Competitors e.g., ThinkFun, HABA, Gamewright, Peaceable Kingdom: These companies consistently produce games with themes that promote:
- Logic and Problem-Solving: Many games focus on puzzles, strategy, and critical thinking e.g., ThinkFun’s Rush Hour, SmartGames’ IQ Puzzler Pro.
- Cooperation and Teamwork: Games designed to encourage players to work together towards a common goal e.g., Peaceable Kingdom’s Hoot Owl Hoot!, Pandemic by Z-Man Games/Asmodee.
- Exploration and Discovery: Themes around nature, history, or fantastical adventures that are age-appropriate and imaginative e.g., Ravensburger’s Labyrinth, many educational games.
- Resource Management/Trade Ethical: Games where players acquire and manage resources through fair means e.g., Catan by Asmodee, which focuses on trading and building.
- Data & Statistics: A significant portion of the board game market estimated over 25% according to some market analyses in 2023 focuses on family-friendly and abstract strategy games, specifically avoiding violent or ethically questionable themes, indicating a strong consumer demand for such content.
Transparency and Trust
- Getmodern.com: Lacks fundamental transparency elements: no “About Us” page, no physical address, no direct phone/email, and no explicit legal policies Privacy Policy, Terms of Service. This creates a barrier to trust and makes it difficult for consumers to verify the company’s legitimacy or seek direct support.
- Established Competitors e.g., Ravensburger, Asmodee, Educational Insights: These companies have robust online presences that typically include:
- Comprehensive “About Us” Sections: Detailing company history, mission, and values.
- Clear Contact Information: Including dedicated customer service email addresses, phone numbers, and physical business addresses.
- Full Legal Compliance: Easily accessible Privacy Policies, Terms of Service, Return Policies, and often accessibility statements.
- Customer Support Infrastructure: Dedicated support teams, FAQ sections, and sometimes live chat options.
- Publicly Traded/Large Private Entities: Many are large corporations with public records and established reputations, providing inherent trust. For example, Ravensburger, founded in 1883, has over 140 years of operating history, demonstrating extreme longevity and reliability.
Sales Model and Accessibility
- Getmodern.com: Employs a mixed sales model: relying on Kickstarter for new releases and informal social media contact for “limited decks.” This means no direct e-commerce on their site, no standardized checkout, and potentially variable pricing/terms.
- Established Competitors: Primarily utilize direct e-commerce on their own websites or, more commonly, have widespread distribution through major online retailers Amazon, Target, Walmart and specialty game stores.
- Direct E-commerce: Many publishers have their own online stores with secure payment gateways, clear pricing, and structured shipping/return policies.
- Retail Distribution: Their products are readily available through large, reputable retailers, offering consumers convenience, competitive pricing, and established customer service. This widespread availability ensures consistent pricing and reliable delivery. For instance, games from publishers like Z-Man Games under Asmodee are sold in tens of thousands of retail locations globally.
- Clear Pricing: Prices are typically listed directly on product pages, making it easy for consumers to make purchasing decisions.
In conclusion, while Getmodern.com attempts to enter the game development space, its thematic choices regarding crime, coupled with a significant lack of business transparency and a less streamlined sales model, place it at a considerable disadvantage compared to ethical and established competitors.
Consumers prioritizing moral content, clear business practices, and convenient purchasing options would find the alternatives far more appealing and trustworthy.
FAQ
What is Getmodern.com?
Getmodern.com is the official website for Modern Design Studio, an independent design and game creation studio that primarily develops and showcases card and board games.
What types of games does Getmodern.com offer?
Getmodern.com showcases various card and board games, including “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA” a deck-builder, “Motherlode” a vying card game, “Marooned” a matching card game, and “Servants of Morgu’th” a path-builder board game.
Is “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA” available for purchase on Getmodern.com?
No, “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA” is listed as “Coming soon to Kickstarter,” meaning it is not yet directly available for purchase on Getmodern.com.
Can I buy games like “Motherlode” or “Marooned” directly from Getmodern.com?
No, Getmodern.com states “Limited decks available” for these games and instructs users to “Reach out to us on our social media channels to get a copy!” This indicates that direct purchases are not processed through the website’s own e-commerce system.
What are the ethical concerns with Getmodern.com’s games?
The primary ethical concern, especially from an Islamic perspective, is the theme of “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA,” which involves building a “crime syndicate” and engaging in “illegal businesses.” Such themes can be seen as glorifying illicit activities, which contradicts principles of lawful earnings and ethical conduct.
Does Getmodern.com have an “About Us” page?
No, Getmodern.com does not feature a dedicated “About Us” page or detailed company information, which is a common feature on legitimate business websites.
How can I contact Modern Design Studio according to Getmodern.com?
The website directs users to “Reach out to us on our social media channels.” There is no direct email address, phone number, or contact form provided on the site itself.
Does Getmodern.com provide a Privacy Policy or Terms of Service?
No, Getmodern.com does not have readily accessible Privacy Policy or Terms of Service documents, which are crucial for outlining data handling and user agreement terms.
Are there any subscription services offered by Getmodern.com?
No, based on the website content, Getmodern.com does not appear to offer any subscription services or recurring charges for its games or content. Choosefineshoes.com Review
Does Getmodern.com offer free trials for its games?
No, the website does not mention or offer any free trials or digital demos for its physical card and board games.
How are shipping costs handled if I pledge on Kickstarter for a Getmodern.com game?
Typically, for Kickstarter campaigns, shipping costs are extra and are collected after the campaign ends through a separate “pledge manager,” not directly during the initial pledge.
What is the average price range for games like those on Getmodern.com?
Based on similar crowdfunding campaigns for card/board games, a base game pledge might range from $25 to $60 USD, with deluxe editions potentially going $70 to $100+ USD, before shipping.
Are the games on Getmodern.com suitable for children?
Given the themes of some games, particularly “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA,” which involves crime and illegal businesses, not all games on Getmodern.com would be considered suitable or recommended for children.
Does Getmodern.com use AI for its game art?
Yes, the website explicitly states that the art for “Organised Crime Syndicate: YAKUZA” was “generated entirely by AI using Stable Diffusion.”
What happens if a Kickstarter campaign for a Getmodern.com game doesn’t get funded?
If a Kickstarter campaign does not meet its funding goal, backers’ pledges are typically not charged, and the project usually does not proceed.
Are there any customer reviews or testimonials on Getmodern.com?
No, Getmodern.com does not feature any customer reviews, testimonials, or community forums directly on its website.
Does Getmodern.com have a blog or news section?
No, the website is primarily a static showcase for its games and does not appear to have a dedicated blog or news section for updates or articles.
Can I return a game purchased informally from Modern Design Studio?
If a game was purchased informally e.g., via social media contact for “limited decks”, the return policy would depend entirely on the specific terms agreed upon during that direct communication, as there’s no standardized return policy listed.
What are some ethical alternatives to Getmodern.com for games?
Ethical alternatives include publishers and platforms known for family-friendly, educational, or strategy-focused games such as ThinkFun Games, Ravensburger Puzzles & Games, HABA Games, and general e-commerce sites like Amazon.com where you can filter for appropriate content.
Why is transparency important for an online game studio website?
Transparency e.g., “About Us” page, clear contact info, legal policies is crucial for building trust, allowing customers to verify legitimacy, ensuring consumer protection, and providing reliable avenues for support and dispute resolution.
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