Family Games and Complexity

Family Games and Complexity

Games designed for families are usually less complex than games designed for hobby game players. That will surprise nobody. But the reason for this may not be what you think. The general assumption is that family games need to be easier so that children can understand...
8 Reasons to Keep Games on Show

8 Reasons to Keep Games on Show

This is a clip from The Board Game Family by Ellie Dix. Your games don’t all need to be hidden away in a cupboard. Out of sight really can be out of mind. You may not want the bulk out on display, but having a few games and puzzles easily accessible and in full view...
Dopamine: The cheat

Dopamine: The cheat

I’m trying to give up eating sugary snacks. I’ve been a serial dieter/overeater for over 20 years and this new mission is part of a seemingly endless battle to get some control. To aid my attempts, someone recommended I read The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman...
Murder!

Murder!

This is a clip from The Board Game Family by Ellie Dix. From party games like Wink-Murder and Murder in the Dark to board games such as Cluedo, crime and killing have always been popular themes. You may have tried a murder mystery evening with a group of friends or...
Family Board Gaming Rituals

Family Board Gaming Rituals

This is a clip from The Board Game Family. To elevate board gaming to a fundamental part of the family identity, introduce some rituals. These rituals can be low-key and designed to make everyone happy and comfortable, or they could be quite elaborate and designed to...