Power of Board Games

In this article, I am writing down my observations with respect to board games and the scope of learning from it. There is a need for this to be known, as the current board gaming culture has not evolved so much due to the consumer psychology and that needs to be changed.

Board games provide structure. Imagine, in today’s society, everyone at a table agreeing to participate in a social activity with a defined set of rules. The basic things like relationships and workplaces in our life lack this. That’s the power of board games.

Can we learn more from boardgames?

With so much diversity in board games, there’s almost nothing we cannot learn from board games. There is definitely a type of board game that suits your perfect break. For example, if you do not want to be a social butterfly and want to play a boardgame, do not worry, there are multiple solo player board games available in the market too (Startup High solo mode is one of the things on my to do list).

Outer space intrigues you? There are ‘games’ on it that can make you so engrossed and engaged that can make you forget about your stress, if any and give you the perfect break you need.

There are board games about your go to stress-free item too! For example, chai is a deal breaker for Indians when in stress. Sidhant Chand, an Indian board game designer and owner of Zenwood Games, has designed a game called ‘Chai Garam’ that treats you to a wonderful experience of the chai culture of the country.

I’ve always been a fan of board games but I never realised just how beneficial board games could be in general and for someone’s mental health until I started designing Startup High.

When I first started designing Startup High, I was just looking for a fun way to challenge my friends and family. But as I got deeper into the design process, I started to realise that board games could be so much more than just a way to pass the time.

How Board Games Can Break Down Problems

Board games can also be a great way to break down problems into smaller, more manageable parts. This is because board games often require players to think strategically and plan ahead. When you’re playing a board game, you have to constantly be thinking about your next move and how it will affect the outcome of the game. This can help you to develop better problem-solving skills in real life.

For example, let’s say you’re playing a board game where you have to collect resources in order to build a city. In order to win the game, you’ll need to figure out the most efficient way to collect resources and build your city. This will require you to think about things like where to place your resources, how to prioritise your goals, and how to deal with unexpected challenges.

The skills that you learn in board games can be applied to real-world problems. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem at work, you can use the strategic thinking skills that you learned in board games to come up with a solution. Or, if you’re trying to make a decision in your personal life, you can use the problem-solving skills that you learned in board games to weigh the pros and cons of each option.

So if you’re looking for a way to improve your problem-solving skills, playing board games is a great option. They’re fun, they’re challenging, and they can help you to develop the skills that you need to succeed in life.

How Board Games Can Improve Mental Health

There is a growing body of research that suggests that board games can improve mental health. For example, a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that playing board games with friends can reduce stress and anxiety. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that playing board games can improve cognitive function in older adults.

There are a number of reasons why board games can improve mental health. First, board games can provide a distraction from the stresses of everyday life. When you’re playing a board game, you’re focused on the task at hand and you’re not thinking about your problems. This can help to take your mind off of your worries and give you a break from the stresses of everyday life.

Second, board games can promote social interaction. When you’re playing a board game, you’re forced to interact with other people. This can help to improve your communication skills and make you feel more connected to others. Social interaction is important for mental health, as it can help to reduce loneliness and isolation.

Third, board games can challenge your mind. When you’re playing a board game, you’re using your problem-solving skills, memory, and attention. This can help to keep your mind sharp and improve your cognitive function. Cognitive function is important for mental health, as it can help you to stay independent and engaged in life.

Fourth, board games can be fun! Playing board games can help to relieve stress, improve your mood, and make you feel happier. Fun is important for mental health, as it can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, playing board games is a great option. They’re fun, they’re challenging, and they can help you to develop the skills that you need to succeed in life.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of board games:

• Choose games that are appropriate for your age and interests.
• Find a group of friends or family members who are also interested in playing board games.
• Set aside a specific time each week to play board games.
• Make sure that everyone is comfortable with the rules of the game.
• Be patient and understanding with each other.
• Have fun!

To all the people reading this without reading the previous articles, I am in the middle of making a startup themed board game and am documenting my progress as I move forward. I keep on discussing the various roadblocks, the attempted solutions and my next step through these articles. In this article, I have discussed more about my observations on board games rather than my game itself!

If you like the idea or would like to contribute in some way, please visit entrepi.world and reach out to us!