Unplugging and Connecting: Multiplayer Board Games for Quality Family Time

Cooper Oliver
3 min readDec 26, 2023

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In today’s fast-paced digital world, it can be challenging to find quality time to spend with our loved ones. Between work, school, and various distractions, it’s easy for families to become disconnected. However, there is a solution that has withstood the test of time — multiplayer board games.

Board games have been a beloved pastime for generations. They offer a unique opportunity for families to come together, have fun, and foster a sense of connection. Unlike digital games, board games encourage face-to-face interaction, allowing family members to engage in meaningful conversations and create lasting memories. Let’s explore the benefits of unplugging from technology and embracing the world of board games.

Developing Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Skills

Playing strategy board games is not only entertaining but also beneficial for our cognitive development. These games require players to think critically, analyze situations, and make strategic decisions. Whether it’s planning the next move in a game of chess or devising a winning strategy in Settlers of Catan, board games provide an excellent platform for sharpening our critical thinking abilities.

According to a study, playing strategy board games enhances problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and decision-making capabilities. These skills are transferable to real-life situations, making board games an educational and enriching experience for all players, regardless of age.

Immersive Gaming Experience

While board games offer an excellent way to unplug and connect, some families may crave a more immersive gaming experience. That’s where escape rooms come into play. Escape rooms are a real-life adventure game where participants are locked in a room and must solve puzzles and clues to escape within a set time limit.

The rise of escape rooms as an immersive gaming experience has captured the attention of families worldwide. By working together as a team, families can engage in an exciting and challenging adventure. Escape rooms foster communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. They provide a unique opportunity to bond with family members while embarking on an unforgettable adventure.

Creating a Miniature World with Model Trains

For those seeking a blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and gaming, model trains and railroading provide an exciting hobby. Building and operating a miniature world with model trains brings families together in a shared endeavor. From designing landscapes to assembling intricate train sets, this hobby offers endless possibilities for creativity and exploration.

Model train enthusiasts can construct detailed scenes, complete with miniature buildings, landscapes, and railway tracks. This hobby not only encourages creativity but also teaches patience, attention to detail, and craftsmanship. Families can work together to create a unique and captivating miniature world, fostering a sense of togetherness and accomplishment.

According to a blog post on Medium, model trains and railroading offer a break from digital distractions and provide an avenue for families to connect and engage in a shared interest. It’s a hobby that transcends generations, bringing together grandparents, parents, and children in a delightful and creative pastime.

Choosing the Right Board Game or Hobby

With countless board games, hobbies, and gaming experiences available, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. It’s essential to consider the preferences and interests of your family members. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting a game or hobby:

  1. Age-appropriate: Ensure that the game or hobby is suitable for all family members, taking into account their ages and skill levels.
  2. Interest: Consider the specific interests of your family members. Are they more inclined towards strategy games, adventure-filled experiences, or creative endeavors?
  3. Collaboration vs. Competition: Determine if your family is more inclined towards cooperative gameplay, where everyone works together towards a common goal, or competitive gameplay, where players strive to outwit each other.
  4. Time commitment: Consider the duration of the game or hobby. Some board games can be played in a short amount of time, while others may require more extended periods.

Taking these factors into account will help you choose a board game or hobby that both entertains and brings your family closer together.

Conclusion

In a technologically driven world, it’s crucial to find ways to unplug and reconnect with our loved ones. Multiplayer board games offer an ideal solution to bridge the gap between digital distractions and quality family time. Whether it’s developing critical thinking skills through strategy games, immersing ourselves in escape rooms, or creating miniature worlds with model trains, board games and hobbies provide a platform for connection, creativity, and shared experiences.

So, the next time you find yourself craving genuine interactions and meaningful conversations, consider gathering your family around a board game or embarking on a hobby that brings everyone together. Unplug, connect, and let the joy of playing games strengthen the bonds that matter most.

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Cooper Oliver
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Designing user experiences that delight. Crafting beautiful interfaces. Innovation is my driving force.