Today, let’s unbox the advantages of physical card games, board games, and tabletop games! For my fellow meeples who like to use such games for educational purposes or just for fun, it helps to discuss this topic for several reasons. First, we can advance our own hobby and improve it. Second, we can have a better conversation with people who have gone off the deep-end with technology. Third, we can be prepared to promote physical games in communities where they may be of great use.
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1. Human Interaction
Perhaps the reason cited most often for people playing physical games is that they offer a chance for face-to-face (as opposed to face-to-screen) interaction and communication round a table. Players can “read” their opponents facial expressions and body language during the game and enjoy their physical company.
Experienced teachers know well that social learning is one of (if not the most!) powerful form of learning and seek to tap into that power in the classroom by organizing students into different types of groups and carrying out student-centered activities. Humans are social animals and the quality of our learning deteriorates in many ways when we must learn in isolation or from a single source.
That is why I regularly set up my classrooms for small group work, games, and activities, because I recognize it is an invaluable pathway to creating a more happy and well-rounded student. Is it not true that if a person has trouble functioning in a small group, then they will have trouble functioning in the larger society as well?
2. Digital Detox
We all know what excessive screen time does to our eyes and brains… or do we? Well, just to be sure, screens emit blue light, which is particularly effective in blocking our bodies’ melatonin production, shutting down as much as 80% of it. The bad news is: the release of melatonin in our systems can be severely restricted long after we’ve turned off our screens, negatively impacting our deep sleep cycles. Shawn Stevenson, the author of Sleep Smarter, recommends we turn off all screens at least an hour and a half before bedtime.
In an age where most people spent countless hours in front of a screen, for work and for play, it may come as a welcomed relief that there are physical games to be enjoyed, which are mentally stimulating, relaxing, near at hand, do not require an expenditure of physical energy, and do not require electricity.
3. Tactile Sensation
What is it about humans that we love to shuffle cards, role dice, and move pieces? I don’t know, but it’s true. And not only that, but for some types of people, being able to physically handle objects is required for them to make sense of information. Teachers refer to these students in this category as “tactile” or “kinesthetic” learners.
In extreme cases, some people even experience intense physiological reactions simply from feeling certain textures in a condition known as tactile-emotional synesthesia, identified by neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran in 2008. Read this article called The People Who Store Emotions In Their Fingertips for more insights.
4. Objects Of Appreciation And Collectability
It’s a great feeling to gaze at the beautiful physical games you own, marvelously displayed on your shelves! To some extent, this is possible with video games, but much less so with apps, where everything is stored quite un-displayably within one’s smartphone.
And when we have such games arrayed to show and tell, it’s a fantastic conversation-starter, or even a game starter! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned a stranger into a friend just by them having seen a game of mine out on the shelf.
5. Continuing Innovation
Though many people might feel that physical games are on their way out, this article fromThe Atlantic in January 2018 proves otherwise. Author Jonathan Kay states, “U.S. sales [of board games] grew by 28 percent between the spring of 2016 and the spring of 2017.” He goes on to say that the market for board games will continue to grow because the target audience has changed to young adults. This article from The Washington Post gave echoes the same.
I attribute the explosion of unique, independent, physical games to a combination of several new developments that emerged over the past couple decades: the expiration of certain gaming patents, which kept a stranglehold on the industry for a considerable time; the rise of print-on-demand services; the establishment of crowdfunding platforms; and the opportunity to build one’s own website or online shop. All of those developments allowed indie designers like myself to take off and create styles of games never seen before. And for that reason, I think we would be remiss to say that there is nothing left physical games can offer us. Quite to the contrary, physical game designers are just getting started, and they will continue to surprise, educate, and reward us with hours of entertainment between friends and family on game night!
What benefits do you see to physical games that you might add to this list? Let us know in the comments section below!
To learn more about the advantages of language-learning card games in particular, click here.
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Good read, Matthew.
The power of games is still very much underestimated in the classroom. let’s hope this will change….. As for a communication tool, I believe it’s the best… nothing beats playing a game with a bunch of friends, or strangers for that matter. Luckily “Game Cafes” are rapidly increasing here in Japan and attendance at (board) game shows is also increasing.
If it wasn’t for my broken toe (hit my foot against the table 10 days ago) I would be going to the “Game Market” in Tokyo next weekend…
Thank you for your compliment and comment, JP! I agree that games in the classroom are underestimated and even stigmatized. Glad to hear about the spread of Game Cafes and board game conventions in Japan! In China, the subculture of such games is still in its nascent stages. You can really only find gaming conventions in the biggest of big cities. Of course, traditional games like Chinese poker, chess, go, are all around, and computer gaming is HUGE. Take care of your toe and feel better soon! –Matt
I couldn’t agree more. It’s exactly why I started a business to encourage others not only to learn a language but to get off the computer and socialize in real life. The base of the idea is to socialize over board games in our target language keeping us focused and engaged with the language without having to force conversation. This way it comes easily and naturally.
Great minds think alike! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. I’m very much looking forward to the establishment of your language-learning lounge in Ottawa, Sanorah!
It’s good when you told about the benefits of enjoying physical card games and other board games. By playing such, you can advance your hobby and improve it, as well as have a better conversation with the people around you. I am thinking of hosting a small poker game event at my home where I’ll invite some of my colleagues. I want us to have some getting-to-know more moment since we’re all busy at work and less time to really get to know each other. I hope I can find the best buy home poker games in a nice card store, so my guests will enjoy the card game to be presented in the table.
I agree with you completely! I love getting around the table with friends and family. And, growing up, my family members and I used to have poker nights. I wish you luck with yours! It’s a great idea! –Matt
I found it interesting how you mentioned how physical games can help you build important connections between family and friends because both parties need to be involved and not distracted when they play. My wife and I are in the process of building our new home and we want to make sure our grandchildren are entertained when they are around without using technology that will dull their senses. I will keep this in mind as we search for a game room company who can help us stockpile games for our grandkids!
Thanks for your reply, Ethan! I love your initiative to build ways for you and your grandkids to connect without too much technology. My dad shared a story that impressed him recently: He rode his motorcycle out into the countryside and stopped at a small filling station along the way. While taking a break there, he had a nice conversation with another driver about cycling, but noticed a group of local kids laying (yes, laying!) around the gas station, all staring into phones. In the past, kids were sent out to play all day, to forge friendships, to explore. Well, now, guess what goes with them! –Matt
I found it interesting how you mentioned how playing physical board and card games can build relationships between everyone playing because it gives you the chance to talk in person. My daughter is getting married soon and she wants to make sure she does everything she can to join our families and make it an event to remember. I will keep this in mind as we search for board games of all shapes and sizes to bring to her reception!
Thank you, Ethan, for leaving another positive comment! I strongly support the idea and I’d love to send you a coupon for one of our games if you’ll subscribe in the footer of this site!
Nice! Thanks!
You’re welcome!
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I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and
leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!