Board games are an excellent exercise for the imagination. Thanks to them, we can easily move to another, parallel world, and there in turn impersonate a variety of characters. The important thing is that they allow games to be played at any age and provide us with plenty of benefits, whether we are five or seventy-five years old - entire generations can come together over a single game. Find out more!
Wondering why you should play board games? Well, there are many reasons. Below we briefly describe only the most important ones, as it would be difficult to cover them all in one article. Learn about the benefits that board games provide for children, adults as well as businesses.
Board games' advantages
Board games are first and foremost associated with great fun. And rightly so! They allow us to relax, provide a feeling of relaxation and often make us laugh at the same time. This in turn contributes to the production of those precious endorphins! An interesting fact is that they not only induce feelings of happiness, but also lower blood pressure. So if you have problems with high blood pressure, then... nothing but play!
Board games - ideal for having fun and eliminating stress
What's more, research shows that board games reduce the level of stress you feel - on the one hand, as we have already mentioned, they help you relax and provide a moment's respite from your daily responsibilities, while on the other hand, they allow you to forget your worries and transport you to another, fantastic universe. When we return from it, we are often filled with new energy and fresh, brilliant ideas. And this is just the beginning!
Board games teach logical thinking and in a way "force" us to do mental gymnastics. This is because they develop the ability to analyse and synthesise the information obtained. Thanks to this, we can achieve our goals in the game. This form of entertainment often also involves looking for the best solution to a problem. We can learn to combine facts and draw constructive conclusions from them. Let's face it - when playing board games, the mind is working at top speed, which in turn has a huge impact on the development of intelligence.
In addition, board games develop the ability to see cause and effect and to understand the consequences of decisions. They teach us to anticipate the behaviour of other players and to think several steps ahead. They develop critical thinking skills and often verbal and communication skills as well. It is also important that - by playing board games - we get to know ourselves better. We can see what goes well and what doesn't, which makes it easier to work on our weaknesses.
Playing games together is also a great opportunity for a parent to observe their child - for example to see if they are perceptive, have manual dexterity and are able to draw the right conclusions. Remember that the skills learnt through games are then transferred to the real world.
Board games - excellent for learning logical thinking
Board games help children to concentrate better. What's more, many titles allow them to exercise their memory and develop their cognitive abilities. This is because they build up new perceptual patterns in our minds that go beyond previously known thought paths. Many board games even enable the development of emotional intelligence - this is because some of them are dedicated to empathy, for example.
Children who play board games also become more patient. In addition, they learn to obey the rules and acquire a lot of knowledge about the world, e.g. history, geography, chemistry or biology. Games designed for young children teach them counting or spelling, thereby developing their numerical and language skills. Games for older children, on the other hand, show them, for example, the basic principles of economics or engineering. As you can see, board games are extremely educational - all you need to do is match them to your age (some titles can even be played by two-year-olds) and interests. This makes them an excellent way to explore the world in many different ways! It is also worth noting that, by teaching combinatorial skills (in the positive sense of the word), games help develop invention and imagination.
Board games - great for developing memory, concentration and imagination
Do board games develop the strategic sense? As it turns out, yes! If we want to defeat an opponent, it is not uncommon for us to create a plan of action in our head and then meticulously implement it. This skill, in turn, can come in handy for us at school or university, when we are preparing for matriculation, sessions or other exams. Similarly, it works at work, when developing complex projects. At such times, it is also useful to have a strong drive towards a goal - a skill that is also developed when playing board games.
Board games - excellent for developing the strategic sense
Many board games require certain motor skills, related to lifting and carrying specific pieces. This, in turn, makes these types of games improve dexterity and manual skills - both in children and people with disabilities (physical or mental), as well as in older people and patients recovering from accidents. As for older people, researchers have shown that playing board games reduces the risk of cognitive decline and therefore the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Board games as a way to improve fitness
In a world where we are surrounded by an excess of screens, entertainment without electronic devices seems to be at a premium. So if you want to get your child away from the phone, tablet, computer or TV, board games are the way to go! If you choose the right titles for your little one, it will certainly be difficult to pull him or her away from them. :)
Shared games - entertainment without screens
Playing board games is a great way to spend free time with friends or family, as they are great for integrating people. By definition, they require real company and it would be rather difficult to enjoy them alone. Many sets are perfect for almost any age group, so you can sit down at the table not only with your classmates, but also with your mum, dad, aunts or uncles. So if you have no idea what to do with your family at Christmas, getting together at the board will be a hit! Emotional games allow for great integration... unlike discussions about politics. :)
Why else is it worth playing board games with the whole family? Because it is an excellent opportunity for the child to observe adult attitudes. In this way, they can learn how they should behave in the event of both victory and defeat - dealing with the emotions that accompany us in such situations. At the same time, winning often can contribute to raising self-esteem and confidence in one's own abilities. In this way, a child can also develop greater self-confidence.
It is also worth noting that board games make it easier to meet new people, for example at various conventions, fairs, festivals or tournaments. What is more, the people who take part in such events usually have similar passions and interests. Not surprisingly, adults themselves are increasingly choosing to spend their time in this way, arranging to meet up with friends for a "weekend game".
Board games - good for strengthening relationships
Board games are increasingly being used in companies as a form of employee integration. Creating a cohesive team with a positive atmosphere has many benefits for companies - it is easier to spend time in the office among people who like each other, and when employees are less stressed, they are more productive. Of course, it doesn't work that a one-off game of board games will create a fantastic team - this is a long-term process, but board games can help with this - they teach teamwork skills, among other things. What's more, it is said that nothing brings people together like the common desire to beat your opponent.
Board games and team building
More and more companies are using board games as gadgets to promote the company. It turns out that customers who receive such gifts are happy to use them, advertising the brand to their friends. What's more, they do it completely free of charge! What is important is that this is not pushy advertising, so it does not influence negative brand associations - on the contrary, they are then very positive.
With a simple board game, your company can reach new target groups. You can also be sure that players will be reminded of your company every time they play. Which board games do businesses opt for? Well, sometimes they develop a completely new game, but more often they sign a well-known formula with their corporate logo. And both these types of board games work brilliantly!
Board games as a form of promotion
Dreaming of creating your own board game? Great!
At Puzzle Factory, we'll be happy to help you do just that. All you have to do is come up with an idea - we'll make it happen. Whether the game is to be used to promote your company or designed as a gift for a loved one, we will be happy to take on the challenge. We will prepare for you both the game board and its box, as well as all kinds of accessories - dice, cards, pawns or even tokens. Would you like to find out more? Manufacture of custom-made board games? Get in touch with us!