(#1 - #13) Introduction, and Environment
50 Fun Things to Take Game-Playing to New Levels!
I have known Sara and her husband Dave, the co-founders of Anrias Games for several years. Most recently, we have done some collaborations between Anrias Games and 50 Fun Things®, a movement I created to foster fulfillment, joy and connection.
In April, I hosted an interactive 50 Fun Things® Facebook Live session where we brainstormed ideas for inviting more play into our lives. A big part of this discussion centered on playing games. I picked out 50 ideas to improve or add novelty to your gaming experience. As a guest contributor to the Anrias Games' blog, I'll share these ideas with you. I hope these ideas will give you even more appreciation for games.
Games get us to think strategically and creatively. They open up our imaginations and teach us new skills. They inspire our collaborative team-spirit while also fueling our competitive side. I've broken them down into ten categories that align with how we approach game-playing. We will start with the first two categories of Introduction and Environment. I’ll share the other ideas in future guest blog posts. Here are ideas 1-13:
Introduction: (the story behind the game, introduction of characters, the setting of time or place, etc.)
1. Create a time capsule for young ones or your grandchildren that includes a favorite game from now and/or from your childhood.
2. Have a themed marathon session where your food, game and a movie all share the theme.
3. Don't have enough players for a game you'd like to play? Set a place for your pet or a "ghost" player at the table to be a silent partner. Consider whether the "ghost" player has a personality or strategy they'll be using. Take turns for them and move their pieces.
4. Imagine and give a backstory to your playing piece for board game.
5. Have potluck snacks for your game night. Ask each player to bring a favorite snack from their childhood and share the story behind it.
Environment: (Give consideration to the setting in which you will be playing)
6. Figure out the time period for when a classic game was invented. Ask players to attend in attire from that time period, to use lingo as if they lived in that time period and/or provide snacks and beverages reminiscent of that era.
7. Make signs and put themed decorations for your windows and yard to welcome game players.
8. Temporarily re-arrange furniture to be most conducive for game playing.
9. Set up a special area in your home especially for game-playing!
10. Have gaming happy hours. Perhaps provide a signature drink inspired by the game you'll be playing.
11. Find games you can play outdoors. Pretend you are on an international vacation and play a game like Bocce Ball or Chess at an outdoor picnic table.
12. Play "mood music" that fits the feel of the games you are playing.
13. Games you can dress up to play! Thanks to Sara for this great suggestion: "When I promote our Witch Door Game based on Trick and Treating, I tell parents the kids can play while dressing up. This leads me to think about what other board games you could play dressed up. The Clue game, classic detective game, is a great choice to play in a dress up mode. The characters make it easy to have either easy or complex costumes from items you have around the house because they are color based."
Research shows that play supports our well-being, reduces stress, increases our brain function, skill-building, sense of connection and much more. Why not get creative and intentional with how you incorporate games into your life?
Which ideas will you use? Please share your ideas as a comment to the blog.
Coming in the next blog post to take your game playing to new levels: Goal and Contents
Witch Door.
Teresa Thomas is a speaker, facilitator and author whose focus is on catalyzing mutually beneficial connections for joy and fulfillment personally and professionally. She is the creator of 50 Fun Things®, a movement and tool which motivates people to dream and take action to live joy-filled lives.
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