Games Blog

Apr 16, Battleship Movie—A Box Office Success?

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:29:37 GMT

Have you gone to the movies lately? If you did, there is a chance you might have come across one of the hotly anticipated movies of the year, based on a board game you’ve probably played one too many times: Battleship. Top billed by some of the most current artists in the Hollywood scene (Taylor Kitsch from John Carter, Liam Neeson from the Grey, and Rihanna from, well, her several studio albums), Battleship has gotten critics talking about its epic across-the-ocean adventure and over-the-skies adventure, ridiculously awesome effects, and a weirdly loyal taste of what the board game is all about.

Apr 1, RISK—a classic board game for keeps

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 07:25:01 GMT

RISK, a game of strategic conquest, is easily at the top of the list of most board game lovers, hardcore or otherwise. But did you know that behind the complexities and ingenuity of the game is a rich history that made it the iconic game that it is today? The game ordinarily runs for six hours, including setting up the foundation—everything from putting together the armies to conquering the territories and attacking adjacent territories. Several variations and editions of the game have also been made, with slightly different rules for each. With these change, it is necessary to look back and understand what really made RISK special. Did you know that an Academy Award winner is responsible for the game RISK? Albert Lamorisse, who has won the best screenplay for The Red Balloon, a 34-minute film that narrated the motions of a balloon as it followed several children, is the brains behind the game. He created RISK, a combination of chess, dice and six players pitted against each other, when he was on vacation in Holland. Although the game was originally meant to be played for just 90 minutes, the board game is now known for gameplay of around six hours on average… and can even take days if you are really committed to it. As the game progresses, players can use several devices such as forming alliances, stratagem, and statistical analysis. In 1993, the Parker Brothers released Secret Missions in North America. From then on several variations have been released in different continents including America, Australia, and North America. Although several versions are popular in their own right, there are also unsuccessful ventures such as the 1986 Castle Risk, where players have to defend a specific stronghold instead of going through territories. It has also spawned several board games that have similar themes, such as Settlers of Catans, Axis & Allies, and Dungeons and Dragons.

Mar 5, A Coffee Shop with a Twist of Board Games

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:03:05 GMT

Planning to put up a coffee shop business of your own? You may find it a hard time competing with other coffee shops that have been around for longer and are more established. If you are looking for a competitive edge in the slightly saturated coffee shop industry, you might want to take an example from cafes in Tokyo. At Leave A Nest Café & Dining in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, customers come not only to enjoy coffee, but also to play board games! Although the café opened just last September, players and coffee lovers enjoy more than 30 board games that are open for play. This allows people, even strangers, to get to know each other and talk over their favorite coffee and board games. Another coffee shop in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, offers the same opportunity to its customers, this time to play what is easily one of the most well-loved games in Japan, backgammon. Every Tuesday, the coffee shop holds the Backgammon Night. The atmosphere, as said by its customers, is very light and offers a lot of opportunities for either amateurs or veterans to mingle with each other. Putting up a coffee shop with board games at the center of it all may seem like a walk in the park, but there are a few pointers to keep in mind: 1. Consider the favorite board games of people in the area. You can do a survey of sorts to find out what board games people are curious about. 2. Think of board games appropriate for the occasion. For your customers to have something to look forward to all the time, it would be a great idea to have certain types of board games released only on certain occasions or seasons. 3. Offer a fun and casual atmosphere. This is almost as important as the board games themselves!

Feb 20, 5 Situations to Bring Out Your Board Game

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:30:53 GMT

The recession may have hit several industries hard, but there is one industry that is standing strong through it all: board games. In fact, there is as much as 100% increase in board game sales in the last five years. With this, the conclusion is pretty clear: board games are in season again. The question is: when is the best time to take out your favorite board games and play a round or two with your friends? Here are four ways: During the next power outage Although power outages mean that you will not be able to play with your computer and watch the television, it also means that you can take out your board game and play one of your favorite horror classics in the candlelight! On your next date You might not want to play board games on your first date, but no one stopping you from playing through a round on your succeeding dates. This will only show you how outgoing and much more desirable your date is!During your hiking event This is the perfect time to get to know your fellow hikers and campers. After finishing all your chores and settling down, board games offer the perfect setting of getting to know each other and chilling under the starry night. On your own game board club meeting Board game clubs are sprouting like mushrooms in colleges and universities—maybe you should try joining one! Gone are the days when clubs like these are considered nerdy and outdated. On the contrary, these game board club meetings are the perfect venue for exchange ideas and simply having fun. During your travel Do not let the long and winding travel bore you. You should bring a board game with you just in case you need a quick fix for your boredom!

Jan 23, Board Games Popular Then and Now

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:10:21 GMT

Ask your sixty year old gramdpa about board games, and he will surely recount memorable nights of playing Clue, Careers, or Monopoly. Yes! Believe it or not, these board games have been around as long (if not longer) than your grandparents! If you want some good old bonding time with your grandparents, lay out these board games and you are bound to have a wicked time with them! 1. Jenga Invented in the early 1970s by Leslie Scott, Jenga was a instant hit when it first came out. In this game, players are supposed to built a tower as high as they can by stacking one block on top of the other. It also comes with a carrying case that makes it easy to lug around wherever you go. Perfect for family trips and visits to your grandparents! 2. Mouse Trap Another board game which first came out in 1963, Mouse Trap is the perfect game for 2 or more players. This game has two parts to it. First, players should complete a full and elaborate mouse trap together. After this, they should then use the same machine they did to trap each other! Play Mouse Trap and take your grandparents to a memory walk of how they used to play the same. 3. The Game of Life Here’s a game that goes back as far 1860—the Game of Life! Originally called The Checkered Game of Life, this board game is easily the first parlor game in the US that got people talking. Originally just for 2 to 6 players, several versions of this game have been created to accommodate as much as 8 to 10 players in a modern version that was released in 1960. In this game, the players get to acquire money, insurance policies, stock certificates, and several other lifelike acquisitions.

Jan 9, Why Physical Board Games are Still Better than Virtual Board Games

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:04:12 GMT

Are you one of those people who would rather play chess on your iPad or your computer? Or do you enjoy playing board games facing your opponent through an actual board game? Perhaps you’re still undecided and need convincing reasons for either side. Here are a few reasons why we think physical board games are still better than virtual board games. 1. There’s nothing like the feeling of getting to actually touch the pieces and move them around the board game! Take Monopoly for example. Wouldn’t you feel richer by getting to touch and keep all the fake cash you’ve amassed? Besides, one of the latest editions, Monopoly City, will let you play on a board game with 3-D buildings inside! How cool is that? 2. By playing a physical board game, more people can join in on the fun! Let’s face it, some older adults and younger kids don’t know how computer games work. If your loved ones can’t join you on your favorite board game using your electronic gadget, then what’s the point of playing right? 3. Technology may seem all powerful, but it does have its limitations. What if the battery runs out? What if the LCD display isn’t clear enough for some of the players? What if there are malfunctions as you play the game? These limitations aren’t present in physical board games. You get to enjoy them without fear of losing power or accidentally pulling the plug! All you need is the board game and a group of excited players! 4. You’re in for some old school fun with physical board games. You can have, for example, a no-technology night, and just bond with your siblings or friends over board games while sitting by the fireplace. Sounds fun and no technology devices are involved!

Dec 31, Board Games for Adults

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:27:03 GMT

If you think board games are just for kids, think again. If you and your college friends have run out of ideas to have fun and are simply tired of partying, you can simply stay at home or at your favorite hang-out and play a round of board games. Before you dismiss it as boring and old school, perhaps you should get acquainted with these board games that are certified fun and exciting for adults. Dirty Minds – The Game of Naughty Clues A self-professed game for the dirty minds, this game will surely keep you and your pals laughing with its naughty clues. The clues of this game have double meanings for words that are totally clean! One such clue says that: 1) I’m a four-letter word; 2) I’m a name for a woman; 3) I end in “unt”. Before you think of a certain dirty word, you should know that the answer is actually “aunt”! Haha! A Lover’s Touch: A Romance Game for Your Body, Mind and Spirit Looking for a way to get to know your partner better? Perhaps a round over A Lover’s Touch will do the trick. The game includes a playing board, 2 playing pieces, a stack of cards, an instructional manual and a die. With this game, you’ll explore more about your partner, both physically and emotionally. There’s no better bargain than that! I’ve Never Board Game Adult Version You’re surely wondering what activities and experiences your friends have done. Well, this game is the best way to find out. Easily known as the best drinking game, this board game will break the ice. There’s no limit to the outrageous questions that players in this game have to answer! If you want to explore a different side to a person, then this crazy game is what you’re looking for!

Dec 22, Fun Board Games for Christmas Night

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:19:33 GMT

Whether you’re bringing together your band of friends for Christmas night or going back to your hometown for the holidays, it’s a smart idea to bring home a board game or two. With the right board game, you will end up laughing like crazy through the night and reminiscing for old time’s sake. Here are a few board game suggestions that can get the ball rolling on Christmas night: 1. Life Stories Board Game No other board game is better at rekindling friendships, reminiscing histories, and bringing families together than the Life Stories Board Game. Having garnered awards like the Parents’ Choice Award and the Top 10 Award in the Education Source category, this board game is a staple for intimate gatherings, especially on Christmas time. It can be played by 2 to 8 players, and is appropriate for ages 6 and up. Everyone gets to share their story, express themselves, and sharpen their teambuilding skills! 2. Risk 2210 AD Welcome to Risk 2210 AD, the latest edition of the all-famous classic war game that has stood the test of time. With Risk, players get top sharpen their tactical and strategic skills during wartime. This innovation not only allows players to conquer lands but also the seas and as far out as the moon! This calls for even more strategy, not to mention longer playing time! This game is for 2 to 5 players and can be played by ages 10 and up. Make sure to grab one now, because they’re selling like hotcakes! 3. Battle of the Sexes Second Edition Who doesn’t love a classic game of battle of the sexes? Perfect for adults just having some good clean fun, the Battle of the Sex will divide players into the same gender. A team of a particular gender will then have to answer a couple of questions about the opposite gender. Does the female know more about the male than the other way around? It’s for you to find out!

Nov 28, Game Convention in Memphis Celebrates the Universal Appeal of Board Games

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:55:54 GMT

The universal appeal of board games is that they can be enjoyed by virtually all generations. There’s a board game that’s suitable for all ages—from the young ones to the older adults. It doesn’t matter if you’re a geek or the cool kid in the block—there’s bound to be a board game that will capture your interest. Just last weekend, a university event just proved that you’re never too old to play board games. From noon till midnight last November 19 to 20, 2011, the Memphis Role Player’s Association held a role playing and board games convention in the University Center. The convention was open for everybody, and primarily focused on tabletop role-playing games of all sorts. Some of the all-time favorites that were enjoyed by the attendees were Dungeons & Dragons, Dresden Files, and Pathfinder. Everyone was free to play on open tables, and even purchase the role-playing board games that they ended up loving. There were open tables for role playing and board games that everyone can join in. A library of literally a hundred board games can be borrowed and played. Thanks to the Mid-South board gaming library, everyone got a chance to play their favorite board games. Tables and floors were available to whoever wanted to use them to set out their games. The best part about the convention is that it’s family-friendly and open for all ages. Everyone just walked into the convention, chose the board games they wanted to try, and just had a great time. The convention was definitely a big event, especially as it is the first MRPAcon organized by the MRPA. By finally taking that first huge leap into making a role-playing and board games convention, not only has it done its organization a favor, it has also proven that board games truly are for everyone.

Nov 15, Board Games Can Help Educate Children

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:46:24 GMT

Ireland recently celebrated their 9^th Annual School Game Playing Day. It’s a day reserved for children in primary schools to play their favorite board games and play them with their classmates in school. Initiated as a promotional tool by Hasbro, School Game Playing Day was and still is welcomed by both teachers and students. Teachers encourage the many skills, both educational and life-enriching, that board games provide and students like them because they are fun! Problem-solving skills. Board games like Monopoly sharpen a variety of math-related skills, such as problem-solving, counting, and sorting. With games like monopoly, kids are taught how to invest by calculating if a particular piece of properly will help them earn more compared to other players. Colour recognition. With board games, younger children get to be familiar with their colors. From the colors of the counter to the different piece involved, board games allow younger children to improve their cognitive skills. Matching and grouping. Board games teach children how to match two of the same kind, and to predict outcomes by grouping certain pieces together. These are valuable math skills that are better taught visually and experientially than theoretically. Comprehension and literacy. A little known effect of playing board games is that it sharpens the communication skills of children. From understanding how the rules of the game work and having to comprehend the instruction to developing hand-to-eye coordination, board games are certainly essential in helping a child communicate! Social skills. Board games, unlike video games, are highly social. Children simply can’t play a board game without other players in it. It helps develop their empathy when their friend loses and gives them a sense of satisfaction whenever they win. A sense of identity is also built by playing board games; they help children understand who they are and what their place in the game is relative to other players in the board game. Experiential learning. The more they play the game, the more they understand the rules, the idea of taking turns, and the importance of trying harder in order to get better.

Nov 3, Keep the Horror Games Going After Halloween!

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:36:07 GMT

After going home with a box full of chocolates and candies, what’s the next best thing to do to continue the fun of Halloween? Play some horror and spooky games, of course! There’s nothing like a good ‘ol board game to bring out the spooks and smarts from your friends, whether your kids or adults. It can also be a great way to bring the family together. Monopoly. Time to bring out the Monopoly board game! Since you’re most likely going to stay up for most part of the night and share scary stories together, why don’t you do so while playing a game of Monopoly? There’s even a Scooby Doo! Edition that will certainly bring out the Halloween spirit! The Werewolves of Millers Hollow. There huge savings you get by buying this board game isn’t the only reason why you should play a round or two on Halloween night. The Werewolves of Millers Hollow features a creature of the dark everybody’s afraid of: werewolves! The game involves 24 cards, and takes up to 30 minutes to play. Around 8 to 18 players can play the game, making it an excellent game for huge groups and parties! Knock! Knock! Excellent for groups of six people, Knock! Knock! is a bluff game where partygoers can only join the party if the door is opened for them. But who will get invited? Will it be the headless horsemen, computer geeks, grim reapers, monsters or maybe the vampires? The game includes 56 cards, and takes around 10 to 20 minutes to play. Fearsome Floors. So what’s the best way to flee the faerie Fabula to freedom and escape Fieso and Furunkulus at the same time? Play the game and find out! With 25 playing figures, 1 monster building kit, 8 monster movement tiles, and 17 floor tiles, this 60-minute game for 2 to 7 players is bound to be a spookfest!

Oct 20, Coming soon: Board Games to be turned into Films

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:53:26 GMT

Remember that time when Jumanji, a movie based on a board game, became such a huge hit in the cinemas? Or the 1985 classic movie Clue, based on your favorite board game? For the longest time, Hollywood has not released a hit movie based on a board game. Now, after pretty much turning every other aspect of entertainment into movies from video games, books, and even theme parks, guess what’s the next big thing? That’s right: board games. Here’s the lowdown on some of your favorite board games that you might be seeing in the theaters real soon: 1. Monopoly The production for Monopoly was set to begin as early as 2008, under Hasbro and Universal in what they call a “six-year strategic partnership”. With this partnership that would have generated Hasbro’s board games into what could have been certified blockbusters, Monopoly was supposed to be the first in line. However, Universal Studios decided to halt the project indefinitely. Despite this unfortunate development, filmmaker Ridley Scott has chosen to proceed with the film nonetheless. Scott and Hasbro will produce the film, and a screenwriting team has already been put together. According to rumors, the plot will revolve around a real-estate mogul akin to Donald Trump. 2. Risk More than 50 years after the first Risk was released, a remake of the film based on the popular video game is already in the works. With its screenwriter John Hlavin (Underworld Awakening; Shield), Risk will be under Sony Pictures’ Helm and will have a colossal action-packed thriller plot. 3. Battleship Battleship is probably closest to being made into a film. In fact, it is slated for screening May next year, with Peter Berg (Hancock) as the director. The main characters are feature Taylor Kitsch (Gambit in the 2009 Wolverine) as a naval officer, Brooklyn Decker as Taylor’s love interest, and Liam Neeson as Taylor’s commanding officer. 4. Clue Filmmaker Gore Verbinski (Pirates of Caribbean) is set to create a remake of the hit classic Clue. Hasbro will be funding the production of the film. With family drama and alien invasion in the equation, the board game Battleship is brought to the big screen. Without a doubt, Battleship’s success in the box office will certainly have an impact in the production of other board games into movies.

Oct 12, 4 Reasons Why Technology Helped Video Games Move Forward

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:44:18 GMT

If you are one of the people who think technology has done a disservice to board games, think again. You may be living in the age of video games, such as Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii, but these video game consoles haven’t exactly taken away the pleasures that board games offer. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that technology has helped board games move forward. Monopoly, for instance, is still a certified blockbuster with several million copies sold every year. The same goes for new hit sellers such as the Settlers of Catan. As a matter of fact, technology may have even helped shape the future of board games in many positive ways: 1. Because most people value aesthetics just as much as the substance of the game, board games nowadays are designed to be more visually appealing. Hasbro, for example, employs a special team of artists to make sure that their newer board games are fully dimensional and visually engaging. HeroScape, their newest board game, has 24 pieces of pre-painted and fully sculpted plastic figures—and yes, they look great. Gone are the days when board games looked drab and boring. You’d be surprised at how vivid and appealing traditional board games like Clue, Monopoly and Scrabble look like! 2. To keep up with the fast-paced technology and lifestyles of people, recent board games are engineered to play for as short as fifteen to ninety minutes. If you just want a quick board game with your friends and family, there are modern board games that will help you enjoy just that! And the best part? The quality of the games is in no way compromised; these new board games are just as fun and enriching as the old board games that can drag on for hours! 3. While traditional board games require players to take turns, there are new board games that can let players play simultaneously and constantly, without waiting for minutes just for their turn. 4. Thanks to technology, the range of board games has never been wider. There are even video games that will help you enjoy your favorite board games. People have found a way to create board games for all occasions, such as birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, and even parties!

Sep 26, Reasons to Play Board Games

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:43:13 GMT

Sure, they’re fun – but that’s not the only reason to play board games. Here are some other arguments why you should indulge in regular game’s nights – not that you needed the convincing!

Board games can promote literacy. It’s true! If you’re in doubt, just ask the good people who sponsor World Literacy Day - an initiative created over eleven years ago by ABC Life Literacy Canada, a non-profit organization that “inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills, Last year the organizers set up a “Board Games for Literacy” intended to use board games as a vehicle for learning about literature. Games stations featured approximately 30 popular board games, including Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Cranium, and Pictionary.
Board games are good for family bonding. A recent article in Chicago Parent was written by Elliott Miller, a father of five who uses board games as an opportunity to spend time with his children. According to him, a regular games night provides a great opportunity to get caught up with one another and create cherished family memories.
Board games are good for the environment. A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald talks about a “saving energy” initiative that is currently being promoted by Australia’s federal government designed to “provide a starting point about living more sustainably and reducing … environmental impact,” – is urging Australians to find “off the grid” ways to keeping warm, in hopes of helping the environment and reducing heating and energy bills. Board games are one of the low-energy (and high on fun) ways the Government is urging its citizens to keep entertained.
Board games are a sound investment. The cost of a board game in nominal compared to the countless hours of fun you will derive from it! Board games are great conversation starters. They truly can be the life of a party, and at a low cost.
Board games build skills. Problem-solving, spelling, strategy – you name it. Board games are more than just fun – they can make you smarter, too!

Sep 12, The Green Economy Board Game

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:56:05 GMT

There’s an interesting article on Ecopreneurist about Scott Cooney, a Hawaiian resident and entrepreneur. Cooney has recently created the “Green Economy Board Game”, a new product that focuses on economic development, eco-consciousness and the beautiful Hawaiian state. “This game makes sustainability come to life in a fun, interactive way,” Cooney tells Ecopreneurist. “Players are investors looking to make more than just financial returns by helping local entrepreneurs in Hawaii develop sustainability-oriented businesses like organic farms, geothermal plants, green building companies, solar installers, and bike shops. The game is ideal for those who are interested in sustainability as a better way to do business, and can be played by 2-6 players ages 13+.” Cooney was inspired to create an eco-conscious board game about Hawaii because despite the fact that the Aloha state has a great climate for growing organic produce and steady trade winds that will work well with environmentally-friendly wind energy technologies tourism and the military remain Hawaii’s top two economic drivers. This creates low wage jobs and transient people, which generates an above-average amount of plastic food waste. Cooney hopes his game will help spread awareness and inspire people to look into environmentally-friendly ways to build Hawaii’s economy. Players must invest their funds wisely while working through public policies to produce the best “triple bottom line” ROI. Points are earned by creating eco jobs, by earning money and by reducing Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil and food. The game is strategic, having been influenced by Monopoly, Settlers of Catan and SimCity, to name but a few. The game is currently in its testing phase, with plans to release it onto the market in 2-3 months’ time. As an added bonus, the entire game is biodegradable, making the product completely “zero waste”. Local artists are being commissioned to work on the board and help with the overall design. To learn more about this exciting board game initiative, visit Ecopreneurist.com.

Aug 30, Rainy Day Board Games

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:42:45 GMT

There’s been some wacky weather going on lately and the weather forecast is calling for rain, rain and more rain. There isn’t much to do when the weather is less than pleasant outside. The plus side to rainy season is the fact that it provides families with some time to sit back and enjoy one another’s company. Here are a few board games that will help you pass the time when the rain starts falling:

Guess Who is a classic board game for 2 players aged 6 and up. Develop reasoning, strategy and questioning abilities as you determine which player your opponent has picked. Guess Who is a great family game that can provide hours of entertainment.
Unleash your inner artist with a game of Pictionary. The objective of the game is to be the first team to navigate the Pictionary game board by guessing the person, place or thing that has been drawn by your team member. Sounds simple? That all depends on the drawing ability of your teammates and opponents!
Bingo 2K4 is an interesting take on a classic game. Players travel the game board and compete to get the numbers they require for a Bingo on their Bingo card. The object is to be the first to complete the task! Bingo 2K4 simple to learn and fun to play!
Fib or Not is a hilarious game where players tell stories and learn funny things about one other and test their fib-telling abilities. Players take turns telling stories based on a variety of topics that they select from a card. It’s up to the storyteller’s discretion to decide if he or she wants to tell the truth or make something up.
Triviathon is a fun trivia game that you can win without having to know the answer to any of the questions! In this game, players need to know more than trivia – they also need to be good at strategy and competition! This game will be a hit at any party and become an instant family classic.

Here at Direct Source Games we’re hoping everyone is safe during this year’s rainy season.

Aug 9, Classic Board Games

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:12:18 GMT

Monopoly is a must-have addition to any serious board gamer’s collection. More than 200 million copies of Monopoly have been sold world-wide, making it one of the best-selling games in history. This entertaining game of business and strategy is a timeless classic. The best part? A basic version of the game retails for only $21.99.
Mah Jong is a popular game that originated in China that dates back 2,000 years. Loved around the world for its simple (yet challenging) design, Mah Jong continues to enjoy a massive following, with official tournaments being held regularly in every continent.
If you thought Mah Jong was an old game, take a gander at Checkers. Dating back to a mind-boggling 3,000 BC, modern checkers, or checkers as we now know it, dates back to the 12^th century. It remains one of the best-selling (and thereby most popular) board games to date.
While the Rubik’s Cube doesn’t classify as a game per se, it is a wildly popular puzzle that bears mentioning on this list. This colourful block puzzle is a worldwide sensation; according to Wikipedia, 350 million cubes have been sold worldwide since it was invented by Hungarian professor and sculptor Ernő Rubik in 1974, making it the world’s best-selling puzzle game in history.
You cannot have a list about classic board games without including Scrabble on it. Since it making its debut in 1948, with 1-2 million new copies sold in North America each year. The highest scoring word in the game was, for some time, quartzy. Depending on its placement on the game board, it can be worth up to 82 points. In 2006, Michael Cresta set a new world record at a Scrabble tournament when he played “quixotry” (a noun that is defined as “visionary schemes”) vertically down the top right-hand corner of the board. He earned a whopping 365 points – the highest single-word score of all time.

Jul 26, Are Board Games Good for the Environment?

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:57:15 GMT

We may be in the midst of summer here in the northern hemisphere, but our friends in Australia are smack dab in the middle of winter! I came across an interesting article in the Sydney Morning Herald about a “saving energy” initiative that is currently being promoted by Australia’s federal government. The Living Greener website - a government-established initiative designed to “provide a starting point about living more sustainably and reducing … environmental impact,” – is urging Australians to find “off the grid” ways to keeping warm, in hopes of helping the environment and reducing heating and energy bills: ''There are heaps of ways to have fun 'unplugged',” the website says. “Go retro and break out the board games or visit your local library and share the heating and computers with your community,'' the site says. Board games are a great, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed while cozying up to a warm fire or under a fleece blanket, so in that sense, one could argue that board games are, in fact, environmentally friendly! I must congratulate the Australian government on its energy-saving initiative which, according to Greg Combet, spokesperson for the Climate Change Minister, was brought about upon receiving numerous requests for energy-saving tips and techniques: ''Improving energy efficiency is a way households can help lower carbon pollution while saving money,'' he said. Click here to read the full article from the Sydney Morning Herald. We hope that our neighbours down under are enjoying their winter and using it as an opportunity to get re-acquainted with their favourite board games! That’s not to exclude those living in the northern hemisphere. Board games are very much a summer activity as well. The next time you’re at a BBQ or are planning a picnic, throw a few games in your backpack. What a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon!

Jul 11, Kids Inspire Dad of Three to Invent Board Game

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:15:34 GMT

We love board games, and we are always happy to learn about the new and exciting products that hit the market each year. A recent article from Echo News tells the story of Oliver Sibthorpe, a 34 year-old father of three from the U.K. who recently took home the prize for best family game at the UK Games expo. Sibthorpe’s winning entry was KingBrick, a game that took him four years and a £4,000 investment to create. He hopes to market his products aggressively with hopes of turning it into a business venture. According to Echo News, inspiration for creating the game came from Sibthorpe’s three children, Megan, Jack and James: “I have always had a passion for playing games, all different types of games, and then I came up with this idea. It’s a bit like chess and all about defeating your opponents’ bricks by knocking them off the board. On one level, it appeals to youngsters for the enjoyment of flicking your bricks to get your opponent’s bricks off the board, and it works for adults, too, as there is another, more strategic level.” Sibthorpe borrowed from his personal savings to bring the game into fruition and is now in the process of securing corporate sponsorships and partnerships so that he can begin to mass market the product. The recent games expo proved to be a huge success for KingBrick; in addition to taking home a top industry prize, Sibthorpe also sold out of his stock of 50 games by the second day, and has an additional 100 games on backorder. Game Rules Players must defeat their opponent’s KingBrick by taking turns flicking their bricks onto their opponent’s territory. Bricks which are flicked off the board are removed from the game, bricks that land “sad-faced” are captures, and “happy-faced” bricks are allowed to return to their home castle. For more information visit www.kingbrickgame.com.

Jul 1, iOS Board Game iOS versions

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:30:26 GMT

More iOS Board Games Apple users, rejoice! Every day, more and more great board game apps make their way online. While nothing beats the one-on-one interaction that comes from sitting down with a group of friends for a night of board games, it’s nice to be able to take your favorites on the road with you. Here’s a list of some of the more popular iphone board game apps. We hope you enjoy them! Monopoly We’ve mentioned this app before but, because of its popularity, we feel it bears another mention. For a mere $2.99, you can have a portable copy of Monopoly, one of the world’s best-selling board games to date. The user-friendly app lets players choose from three levels of difficulty, and provides them with the option to play solo or with friends via wi-fi. (If you don’t have Monopoly at home, you can always pick up a copy here). Trivial Pursuit Sharpen up your trivia skills with Apple’s Trivial Pursuit app. Priced at only $0.99, this iPhone app stays true to the original board game and, like Monopoly, can be played solo or on a group. With a large library of questions and the opportunity to customize user profiles, this game will provide hours of entertainment. Risk Yes – there are Risk iPad and iPhone apps and yes, they’re just as fun as the original, classic board game. According to reviews, games developer Electronic Arts has stayed true to the original version of the game with this app, which allows users to either manually select the territories an army possesses or have the game randomly assign them. Players can have up to five computerized opponents or five human rivals in the pass-and-play mode. Players also have the option of taking on human opponents through the use of local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. YAHTZEE This fast-paced game is every bit as fun on an iPhone as it is in real life. Players can play YAHTZEE on their iPhones in “classic” mode, or try to score in color categories via the Rainbow Mode. There’s also a speed play option and a pass and play mode which accommodates up to 3 players.

Jun 7, Outdoor Party Games for Kids

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:54:32 GMT

Summer is finally here, and with it comes a great opportunity to socialize outside. Have a child’s birthday coming up? Consider hosting the party outside. BBQ, home-made popsicles and ice cream cake makes for an easy to plan (and fun) afternoon that will be easy to clean up after! Here are a few kid-friendly activities to keep your guests entertained. Purchase a few board games and set them up in stations around your backyard. Having a variety of games available will ensue that all guests are entertained for the duration of the party. Set up a few different “game stations” in your designated party area – a few chairs and a small table containing healthy snacks will do – and equip each station with a different game. Allow your young guests to move from table to table and choose their own activities. An outdoor birthday party wouldn’t be complete without a Pin the Tail on the Donkey station. Children will be blindfolded when playing this game, though, so adult supervision will be necessary. Another party staple is the piñata. Children of all ages (and adults too!) can’t resist having a go at a piñata, and enjoying all the treats that tumble from within it! Children in the 4-7 age categories will enjoy playing Hi Ho Cherry-O. It’s a simple game that helps kids develop concentration and motor skills. A small prize for the winner – like cherry-shaped erasers or fruit-flavoured candy – would make a great finishing touch! Sorry! is a classic game for children aged 6 and up. This classic game debuted in 1934 and involves players chasing one another around the game board. This “game of sweet revenge” will keep guests entertained for hours! Children who appreciate calmer activities would enjoy a card games table. There are traditional card and playing card games to suit every skill level and age group – from a simple round of “Go Fish” to a more advanced (but every bit as fun) game of FLUXX, there truly is a card game out there for everyone. The possibilities are endless, and we’ve got everything you need to plan a perfect, games-themed birthday party!

May 26, The History of Mah Jongg

Thu, 26 May 2011 12:11:59 GMT

Mah Jongg is a popular game that originated in China that dates back 2,000 years! It is thought to have originated in the court of the King of Wu, possibly during the time when Confucius was alive. It is said that within the court of Wu, there was a beautiful woman who lived in seclusion. As a way to escape boredom she carved Mah Jongg pieces out of ivory and bamboo, inventing the game, which she played with her three maids. During these early games, each player was allotted 34 tiles which would be used to create a wall, very similar to the way the game is played today. Mah Jongg was a game reserved for royalty for hundreds of years – it was against the law for commoners to play, by punishment of death. This restriction was lifted in 500 A.D. Once the restrictions on Mah Jongg were relaxed, the game spread to other countries, most notably England and Australia, where it became an instant hit. Mah Jongg made its way to the United States in 1920, where the name “Mah Jongg” was trademarked by Joseph P. Babcock, an American living in Shanghai. Babcock also implemented a simplified set of rules and provided English translations for the tiles. Within three years, by 1923, Mah Jongg had spread like wildfire throughout the states, making it the sixth-highest on the list of Shanghai exports, totaling $1,505,000 in 1923. Mah Jongg’s popularity in North America stalled for a bit in the late 1920s, but the depression of the 1930s sparked its revival. Mah Jongg continues to be a popular game played around the world, 2000 years after its creation, prized for the high level of concentration involved with playing the intricate and beautifully-illustrated game. Official tournaments are played regularly in every continent. If you’ve yet to sit down to a game of Mah Jongg, we suggest you try it at your next games night! Click here to get your set.

May 9, Famous Chess and Poker Players

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:56:28 GMT

Just about everyone likes to kick back and relax with friends and family for an evening of games – including celebrities! Here are is list of some of the world’s most famous game enthusiasts. Famous Chess Players - Science fiction writer and physicist Isaac Asimov was, for a time, a chess player but his lack of skill promoted him to eventually abandon the hobby. Regarding the game, he once said: “In the years that followed, I discovered that everyone beat me, regardless of race, color, or religion. I was simply the most appallingly bad chess player who ever lived, and, as time went on, I just stopped playing chess.” - U2 lead singer and humanitarian Bono is said to be quite fond of chess – so much so that he once (briefly) considered pursuing the game professionally. - Rapper, producer and business mogul Jay-Z also once famously said that he partakes in the occasional game of chess. In October 2010 a fan challenged Jay-Z to a match to raise funds for charity. The game has yet to be played but, if it ever is, we will keep you posted! Famous Poker Players Thanks to celebrity poker fundraisers, in combination with the overall mainstream popularization of the game, a lot of celebrities have jumped on the poker bandwagon. A few notables include: - Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, both of whom have developed quite the poker reputation. Affleck took home top prize in the Commerce Casino’s California State Poker Championship in 2004. Damon, who was trained by 11-time World Series of Poker winner Phil Helmuth for his role as a poker player in the movie Rounders, is said to be quite the worthy opponent. - Actress Jennifer Tilly has been quite successful in making the crossover from film star to professional poker player. In 2005, she beat 600 women to take home a prize of $158,625 in the world series of poker. Later that year she placed third at the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational in Las Vegas.

Apr 25, Enterprising Family Creates Bull's-Eye Board Game

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 03:38:48 GMT

Vancouver couple Nadia and Doug Loriz has entered the board game industry. Their newly-invented game, called Bull’s-eye, is the flagship product of the couple’s new company, DNA Family Games. The idea for the game came to Nadia, a stay-at-home mom, in the middle of the night. She set out to create a game that does not require players to wait for their turn, does not require a pen and paper to keep score, and provides players with the ability to win regardless of their skill set. With these simple credentials in mind, Bull’s-eye was born. The couple’s first shipment of the game, which included 1,500 copies, was made available last month. It is available for purchase in over a dozen specialty stores for $29.95. Since the game debuted in March 2011, it has sold an impressive 200 copies. Doug and Nadia have invested about $40,000 into their new venture and are in the process of filing a patent. The game has been generating a lot of buzz; Doug, a retired air traffic controller, and Nadia have successfully pitched their idea to various stores and distributors and have received high praise from the local game parties they have organized. Bull’s-eye was also put on display at toy shows in New York and Chicago, where it received its share of attention. The Hazel Dell Applebee’s at 816 N.E. 98^th Circle in Vancouver will be holding a game night where Bull’s-eye can be tried out for free on Wednesday, April 27. Click here to learn more about the game. Bull’s – eye – Just the Facts

The first player to reach the 100-point target at the centre of the playing board is the winner.
Two-four players pick seven letters with a point value

One player rolls the dice to determine word length, and players have one minute to come up with a word. After, players add up the points on their cards to determine how far they progress along the board.

Apr 19, Creative Party Games, Fun Play for Married Couples

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:05:30 GMT

Creative party games, fun games to play for married couples, playing cards, Trivia Game, Pictionary,

Apr 13, You Sunk My Battleship! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Battleship

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:51:17 GMT

Battleship is a two player strategy and guessing game which was first invented in the early 1900s. Originally, battleship was played on paper. The game was adopted by Milton Bradley in 1931, and it was reincarnated into an electronic format in 1977 with a talking version of the game debuting in 1981. Battleship is played on four 10 X 10 grids, and each player is assigned two grids. Cells on the grid are defined by letters and numbers. Each player secretly places their battleships on their part of the board. Players must then take turns trying to “hit” and “sink” their opponent’s ships. In most versions of the games, each player is equipped with an aircraft carrier, a battleship, a “destroyer”, a submarine, a cruiser and a patrol boat, all of which occupies a different number of squares on the grid and therefore takes a different number of “hits” to sink. After the game board has been arranged players take turns blindly selecting cells on their opponent’s grid. If they select a cell that occupies a battleship then that ship takes a hit. The first player who has an entire ship sunk loses the game. There are a few variations of the Battleship game – two of the more popular ones being Naval Strike versions for the iPhone and a Super Battleship addition for SNES. Milton Bradley released an updated version of the game in 2010, where each player’s board contains “islands” on which “captured men” can be placed. In this edition, ships can only be placed around the islands, located on each player’s “section” of the board. In 2009, Universal Studios announced its plans to produce a full-length feature film based on the game. Peter Berg was announced as the director. A release date of August 5, 2011 was originally set but it has since been pushed back to May 25, 2012.

Apr 1, The Wonderful World of Risk

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:08:25 GMT

Risk is a strategy game distributed by Parker Brothers, invented by French film director Albert Lamorisse in 1957. It is a 2 - 6 player game which is played on a political map of the Earth, which is divided into 42 territories and six continents. The object of the game is to achieve “world domination” by seizing control of all the territories on the board and eliminate the other players. The game was the first of its kind, in the sense that it forced players to think quickly and try to remain a few steps ahead of their opponents. Since its debut more than 50 years ago, the game has sold millions of copies around the world. Each player controls an army, which are symbolized by different-coloured tokens. These tokens are used to take control of the board. The strategy involved in a game of Risk is complex – one round can last up to six hours. In its simplest sense, a good strategy involves watching borders for an impending attack, trying to gain control of continents, and build armies to surround borders for defence. Holding continents is an effective method for increasing enforcements. Building an alliance with another player or players is another Risk strategy. It is not uncommon for player to form some sort of agreement during the course of a game, which may help better protect borders. However, it’s important to note that not all alliances are included in the official game rules, which means agreements are sometimes rendered void. Risk is an incredibly popular game and more than a dozen official variations of it have been released. Popular versions of Risk include:

a 2-4 player Lord of the Rings game based on northern Middle-Earth;
a Star Wars Clone Wars Edition whose factions are represented y the Galactic Republic and the Separatists; and
A Risk Junior edition based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The game of Risk has also gone digital, with Xbox releasing a version of the game in 2010 which includes a “classic” mode as well as a “factions” variation. Click here to learn more about Risk.

Mar 16, Game Resources

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:33:26 GMT

Game Resources

Mar 16, The Wonderful World of Marbles

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:50:22 GMT

Marbles are small, sphere-shaped toys that can be made from glass, clay, steel or agate. They vary in size, usually about a ½ inch (1.25 cm) in diameter, but can range from less than ¼ inch (0.635 cm) to over 3 inches (7.75 cm). Collectible glass marbles can even be as much as 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Marbles originated in India, but many have been found on excavations of ancient Egypt. Older marbles were made of clay, stone or glass. Ceramic marbles began being mass-produced in the 1870s and were marketed all over North America and Europe. There are various ways to play marbles, but a traditional version of the game is played within a circle 2-3 feet wide. Players select a few marbles and place them within the circle. Each player has a turn using the “shooter” marble (a piece that’s larger than the marbles inside the circle). Using the shooter, each player tries to knock their opponent’s marbles out of the circle. Each time an opponent’s marble is ejected from the ring, the player collects that marble. Once all the marbles have been knocked out of the ring, all the players count their marbles. The player with the most marbles at the end of the game is the winner. Marble Tournaments Each year, the best marble players in the world compete at the International Marbles Tournament. 2011 marks the 88^th year this tournament has taken place, and it will be held in Wildwood, New Jersey July 19-23. Competitors will compete for national recognition as well as numerous prizes. More than 1,200 games will be played during this four-day gaming event. Marble Collectors Marbles are much more than mere game pieces – many people regard them as works of art. The International Association of Marble Collectors, for example, holds an annual trading and collector’s event at different locations throughout the United States. This year’s convention will be held on July 13-16, 2011 at the Best Western, River’s Edge in Washington. Silent auctions, trading events and unique marbles will be on display for sale. It’s an excellent opportunity for hobbyists to come together and meet like-minded people.

Mar 4, All Dora Games

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:00:15 GMT

All Dora games, bedding etc at best prices!!

Mar 4, Drawing Games

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:51:21 GMT

Drawing Games

Feb 28, World’s Greatest Chess Players

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:54:33 GMT

Each year, the World Chess Championship determines the greatest chess players in the world. These championship games are thought to have begun 1886 led by the two most prominent players in Europe at the time, William Steinitz and Johann Zukertort. The current world champion is Viswanathan Anand, who has successfully defended his title since 2007. Viswanathan is part of an exclusive club of the world’s greatest chess players. Here’s a little background on past champions: Paul Morphy (1837-1884) is often thought of as the greatest chess player in history. By the tender age of 9, he was considered one of the best players in New Orleans and by the time he was 21, he has defeated some of England’s best players. In 1858, Morphy defeated Adolf Andersson, the leading European player of the time. Morphy retired from chess that same year, only playing the occasional game thereafter. Many wonder what would have been had he pursued a professional career in the game. Alexander Alekhine (1892-1946). By the age of 16, Alexander Alekhine was the reigning chess champion in Russia and by the age of 22, he was the best players in the world. Alekhine partnered with an Argentinian businessman who funded his entrance into the World Chess Championships (the registration fee was a mind-boggling $10,000), where he went on to win the title from Jose Capablanca. Everyone, including Alekhine, was shocked by the victory. Alekhine went on to dominate the game for the next ten years. Russian player Garry Kasparov is one of the most widely-recognized names in the game today. He began training at the age of 10 and became the youngest world champion in 1985 at the age of 22 – a title he held for 8 years. Throughout his career he consistently ranked as a top player. He retired in 2005 after winning the prestigious Linares tournament nine times in a row. He is now pursuing a political career in Russia.

Feb 17, The New York Toy Fair is Here!

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 03:57:03 GMT

The New York Toy Fair runs from February 12-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and is a must-see for any board game enthusiast and industry professional. With over 25,000 attendees expected, 345,500 square feet of exhibit space, 100,000 products on display by 1,200 distributors from more than thirty countries (including France, Russia, Japan and the UK) this is the ultimate toy and game industry event. Over 7,000 new products will be making their debut at this year’s fair. The fair is organized by the Toy Industry Association, a trade organization for North American producers and importers of toys, games and entertainment products and has been an annual event for a mind-blowing 108 years. According to the Toy Fair blog, the global toy industry is estimated to be USD $75 billion. In 2009, U.S. retail sales of toys generated $21.47 billion! The TIA represents approximately 535 manufacturers and importers, which accounts for approximately 85% of all toys distributed in North America. Twenty-three of the top twenty-five toy sellers in the U.S will be represented at this year’s fair, and 22% of this year’s attendants will be making their debut appearance at the fair. According to a news release on the Toy Fair’s website, a 30% increase in representation from the licensing, entertainment and marketing industries is also expected based on the pre-registration numbers. The TOTY (Toy of the Year) Awards were held on Saturday, February 12^th. The event, which honored notable toys, featured an induction of Al Verrecchia, Chairman of the Board of Directors of game giant Hasbro, Inc. into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. There will also be a bevy of educational seminars that will be taking place throughout the week. New this year is Play Happens, a social media game designed to get Toy Fair attendees from out-of-town better acquainted with New York City. Using foursquare and a mobile smart phone, participants are invited to “check in” and discover different New York attractions and places. For more information on the New York 2011 Toy Fair, click here.

Feb 16, Math Games

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:04:31 GMT

Making Math More Fun - The Best Printable Math Games Package For Kida!

Feb 8, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Snakes and Ladders

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 03:07:24 GMT

Snakes and ladders, (also known as Chutes and Ladders), is a classic board game based highly on random chance. It requires 2 or more players. The playing board consists of numbered grid squares, usually forming a 10X10 grid. Some squares are connected by "ladders" while others are joined by "snakes". Each player starts with a playing piece in the first square and advances by rolling a single die. If a player lands on a square consisting of a ladder the player can move to the higher-numbered square. Conversely, if the player lands on a square that holds a snake or chute, he or she must “slide” back down to the lower-numbered square. The object of the game is to reach the “end” square first. History Snakes and Ladders was invented in India and was known as “Vaikuntapaali” or “Paramapada Sopanam”, which translated into the “ladder to salvation”. It was originally used as a game to help promote good ethics – with good deeds being rewarded by “advancement” and bad deeds being punished. The game eventually made its way to England, where it was adopted by Milton Bradley. Snakes and Ladders made its American debut in 1943, and is currently distributed under by Hasbro in the United States. Snakes and Ladders Variations In the United States, Snakes and Ladders is more commonly-known as Chutes and Ladders and is played It on a 10×10 board. Many versions of the game continue to double as a “morality” lesson for young player with boards, often featuring artwork that promotes the concept that good deeds are rewarded while bad deeds are penalized. Like most popular games, a few fun variations have been created, most notably, Dora the Explorer and Superhero versions. In Canada, the game is best-known as Snakes and Ladders, and there are several “Great White North” versions in existence, including a version which features toboggans in the place of ladders. Chutes and ladders is a timeless classic, having sold millions of copies around the world. While intended for young children, this simple yet strangely addictive game can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Jan 27, Do You Know the Rules of Charades?

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 02:43:55 GMT

Charades is a great party game where players act out a word or phrase given to them by an opponent, by miming words or similar sounding worlds, while other players on the same team try to guess that specific word or phrase. The idea is to guess what the words or phrase someone is acting out, often to hilarious results! According to Wikipedia, the word ‘charade’ is taken from the French word ‘charade’ referring to a linguistic riddle. The basic rules of the game are that two equal groups will make up secret words or phrases for the other team on a piece of paper, and pass it along to the other group, who are not to see these until later in the game. The words or phrases can vary, but often the phrases will be common knowledge or theme based such as songs, movies or general pop culture. A piece of paper with a secret phrase can be read by one member of the other team, who will then act out the phrase to his or her teammates, who will try to guess the phrase within an agreed upon time limit. The teams alternate until either everyone has acted out a phrase or until there are no more papers with phrases written on them. The team with the most correct guesses win. The actor cannot make any sounds or mouth words. They cannot point to objects or spell out the word, but they can act out the word in almost any from. There are a number of common signals that players can act out to give clues to their teammates. Here are a few to help you out:

Book: Unfold hands
Movie: Crank an old fashion movie camera
Person: Hands on their hips
Play: Pull a rope that will open a theatre curtain or open hands like a theatre curtain
Song: Pretend to sing
TV Show: Draw an outline of a rectangle or TV screen
Quote: Make quotation marks in the air with fingers
Location: Make a circle with one hand, then points to it like a map
Letter “A”: Steeple index fingers together
Letter “I”: Point to eye
The Word “The”: Make a “T” sign with index fingers
The Word “Or”: Pretend to use an oar to paddle canoe

Jan 17, Community Game Night is a Hit!

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:28:52 GMT

Families in Wichita, Kansas are coming out in droves to the Extension Center, where regular games nights take place from 7-10:30 p.m. Speaking to the Wichita Eagle, event organizer Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena says that the event has surpassed her expectations. Feedback from the public has been largely supportive: “They love the games, they want to come to play every other month, and they want to know where to find them,” she told the newspaper, noting that approximately 70 people participated in the last games night back in November, far more than they had originally anticipated. The event was created to help tighten family bonds while developing relationships with other community members. Brunscheen-Cartagena hopes it will also inspire families to continue to play board games at home. Community game nights have been gaining popularity in recent years and they’re starting to pop up everywhere. On the second Saturday of each month, for example, residents of Waukee, Iowa are invited to attend the free Community Game Night at 1155 Boone Drive. The event starts at 5, and participants can expect to be treated to a fun night of Settlers of Catan, 1861, Ticket to Ride and StarCraft, among others. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own games. Residents of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada can attend a free games day at the Fun Games Café, a local games retail shop. Running from 3-7 p.m., the event is casual, fun, and hugely successful. The next games day is scheduled for March 7, 2010. Board games nights aren’t exclusive to North America. To find a games night in your community, visit the Board Game Geek’s group games forum. In addition to the little-to-no cost of attending a board game night, participants say they enjoy meeting new people and trying out new games. The appeal of these events appears to reach out to people from all age groups. It’s refreshing to know that, despite the popularity of smartphones and video games, communities continue to hold a high regard for good old-fashioned board games.

Jan 17, Do Board Games Promote Literacy?

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:28:52 GMT

According to the Williams Lake Library in British Columbia, Canada, games most certainly promote literacy. In honour of Family Literacy Day (which will take place on January 27) the library will be hosting a board games event that kicks offs on January 20. The initiative – known as the “Board Games for Literacy” project - will run until January 27. The project intends to use board games as a vehicle for learning about literature. Games stations featuring approximately 30 popular board games – like Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Cranium, and Pictionary – will be set up for the general public to play. Family Literacy Day is an initiative created over eleven years ago by ABC Life Literacy Canada, a non-profit organization that “inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills”. Connecting with local communities as well as government bodies and businesses, ABC works to promote a lifelong love of reading. In the past, the event has been wildly successful. Last year, an estimated 315,000 Canadians reportedly participated. Every person who participates in the Board Games for Literacy project will be entered into a draw and eligible for a prize. The library is hoping to turn this into an annual event. The games were collected by donations from the general public. Additional donations will be accepted until the week of the event. The library is in need of games for all age groups and skill sets, but asks that donated games focus on reading and/or counting. The notion that board games can help develop literacy skills is not new. Scholastic, a leading publisher of children’s books and educational materials, has been a long-time supporter of using board games as a literacy tool. According to their website, board games can help children develop a battery of important literacy-related skills, such as:

number and shape recognition, grouping, and counting;
letter recognition and reading;
visual perception and color recognition; and
eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity.

For more information about the event, or to find out how to donate, email Tracy Dunlop attdunlop@cariboord.bc.ca.

Jan 11, Board Game Books

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 01:21:58 GMT

The Oxford History of Board Games is a must-have for the serious board-gamer. It’s a 400-page clunker by David Partlett that examines the history of popular games. It’s not an easy read – it acts as more of a reference. An added feature, though, is the fact that the book describes rules for hundreds of different board games in great detail. Rules of Play by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman offer a unique perspective for looking at all games – from board games, to sports to video games. They propose new strategies for better understanding the design and rules of games and analyze the role they play in our society, both from a social and a popular culture perspective. It’s an interesting book geared towards the academic crowd. Discovering Old Board Games by R.C. Bell provides descriptions of sixty board games ranging in date from 3000 B.C. to the 1800s. Perfect for the board game collector, this book is a great reference for reviving long-forgotten games. You’d think it would be impossible to write an entire book dedicated to dice games but Reiner Kinzia has done just that. The book Board Games Properly Explained provides strategy tips and expert analysis on over 140 dice games. As a world-renowned game designer, Kinzia is a bit of authority on the topic. He has, after all, published more than 500 games and game-related books across the globe, not to mention the numerous awards his work has hailed over the years. Family Games: The 100 Best makes a perfect addition to family games night. The 400-page book edited by James Lowder examines the most popular games of the past century. The book includes essays by board game royalty, such as Alan R. Moon (creator of Ticket to Ride), Matthew Kirby (the man behind Apples to Apples) and the co-founders of the Games Workshop. Card Games from Around the World by Sam Sackson provides and instructions and rule for sixty card games from around the world. This book serves as an excellent reference that can provide never-ending entertainment. Thanks to Mr. Sackson, you’ll never be stuck playing “Go Fish” again!

Jan 11, The Rubik's Cube

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 01:21:58 GMT

Most people have spent an afternoon (or two) wrestling with a Rubik’s Cube. The 3-dimensional block puzzle is something of a phenomenon around the world. According to Wikipedia, 350 million cubes have been sold worldwide since it was first invented by Hungarian professor and sculptor Ernő Rubik in 1974, making it the world’s best-selling puzzle game in history. The cube was first created not as a toy, but in response to structural design problems. Rubik initially strove to create a block where the pieces could move as a whole without falling apart. He had a keen eye for design, and the decision to colour the sides of the squares differently was a purely aesthetic choice. When he scrambled the block’s pieces, he was delighted by the seemingly-endless colour combinations it produced. It wasn’t until he tried to put the square back in order that he realized he may have stumbled upon more than a mere design aide. The Rubik’s Cube has a long (and interesting) history. This universally-recognizable game has gone on to become a pop culture icon – so much so that the New York Museum of Modern Art included it in an exhibit in 1981. There are endless ways to configure a Rubik Cube (43 quintillion different possible combinations to be exact) but only one correct solution. It may take the average person quite some time to solve the puzzle, but the world record currently sits at 7.08 seconds. It was achieved by by Erik Akkersdikj from the Netherlands in 2008 (you can watch his incredible triumph here). Competitive cubing – or “speedcubing” – is a phenomenon around the world. Rubik’s Cube events take place regularly, from Paris to Jakarta to Massachusetts. Official world rankings are listed on the website of the World Cube Association. People interested in brushing up on their Rubik’s abilities can find countless tutorial websites and YouTube how-tos. There’s even a virtual Rubik’s Cube that can be played online. Offline, you can find books that will provide problem-solving clues. If you haven’t given your Rubik’s Cube a try in a while, why not dust it off? It’s a brain-building pastime that provides hours of entertainment (or frustration – but that depends on how you look at it)!

Jan 5, The Many Faces of Monopoly

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 01:35:50 GMT

Monopoly is a game that can be played over and over, for hours and hours on end. It’s also considered to be a bit of a board game heavyweight. It is, after all, the best-selling board game in the entire world and is sold in over 80 countries in a variety of different languages. What’s more, there are countless different versions of Monopoly available on the market. From the basic board game to pricy collector’s edition to everything in between, there’s something out there to suit just about everyone. Middle-Earth fans will swoon over the Lord of the Rings Monopoly Edition, a collector’s version of the game that features a customized board that takes a journey through Middle-earth with the Fellowship. There’s also a Nintendo Monopoly edition. Choose between Mario, Luigi, Link, Zelda, Kirby, and other Nintendo notables as you compete to outwit your opponents. Filled with Nintendo nostalgia – like a pewter Koopa shell and an NES controller - this game has it all. As a self-professed Trekkie, I’d love to get my hands on a copy of Star Trek: The Next Generation Monopoly. Join the crew of the USS Enterprise and compete with alien races. Obtain the most gold-pressed latinum and purchase shuttles to reign victorious. As an added bonus, the game comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, wife of the late Gene Roddenberry. Own a piece of television history with a copy of Simpsons Monopoly. While there are a few different versions of Simpsons Monopoly on the market, I’m partial to the original, 2001 release. Featuring many of the show’s characters and set in the town of Springfield, complete with Moe’s Bar and Mr. Burns’ power plant, you’ll feel as if you’re part of the cast! For those of you who would rather watch than play, you’re in luck. Famed director Ridley Scott is hard at work on a Monopoly movie, set for release in late 2012 or early 2013. The movie will be a comedy about the real-estate industry. With a screenplay written by Pamela Pettler – author The Corpse Bride – this movie might be worth checking out.

Jan 5, The History of Hasbro

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 01:35:50 GMT

Hasbro is an industry giant, responsible for classic games like Yahtzee, Battleship and Clue. The company’s early beginnings, however, were far removed from the world of game and toys. Hasbro was founded by the Hassenfeld Brothers in 1923 and for the first twenty years, the company operated as a textile remnant company in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey and eventually expanded to produce school supplies. The company’s first foray into toy-making was in the 1940s, when it released a series of modest doctor and nurse kits for children. The company’s first big hit came in 1952, with the release of the ever-popular Mr. Potato Head. Hasbro then went on to create other successful franchises such as G.I. Joe and My Little Pony. It became known as “Hasbro Industries” (and a world-class game and toy corporation) in 1968. Thanks to recent Hollywood films, the Transformers has been experiencing a renewed popularity – so much so that on Feb 20, 2008, Variety reported that Universal Pictures entered into a six-year deal with Hasbro to make at least four movies based on their games, including Monopoly, Candy Land, Clue, Ouija and Battleship. In 2009, Hasbro granted the re-release of the popular Transformers television series on DVD. The Complete First Season, released in a special 25th Anniversary box set was debuted on June 16, 2009 and became an instant collector’s item. In addition to the season’s 16 episodes, the set also includes special, never-before-seen footage. Acquisitions and/or mergers with the Milton Bradley Company, CBS Toys, Tonka, Parker Brothers and Playskool (to name but a few) means that Hasbro has played a hand in developing a large segment of the world’s best-known game and toys. Other notables under the Hasbro umbrella include: Twister, Chutes and Ladders, the Cabbage Patch Kids, and Play-Doh. The company continues to be a booming success. With its head office in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Hasbro currently employs an estimated 5,800 employees worldwide with 2009 revenues of $4.07 billion (USD). For more information on Hasbro, visit Hasbro.com.

Jan 3, Addicting Gaming News - What's
New! What's Hot!

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:13:37 GMT

Up-to-date news and information about addicting games and gaming products. Addicting Gaming News - What's

Dec 28, Game-Inspired Goodies

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:23:01 GMT

Martha Stewart would approve! I’ve scoured the web to find the best game-inspired creations. Hope you enjoy what I’ve come up with! Crafts I first came across this Rubix Cube tissue paper holder on an episode of Big Bang Theory. Lovingly created by New York fiber artist Nicole Gastonguay, this crocheted craft is a hot topic in online discussion boards. While the cute-as-pie creation isn’t for sale, you can purchase an amazing pair of Rubix Cube earrings by Etsy seller Hunny and Oats. If you’re handy with a pair of knitting needles, you can whip up your very own Backgammon game board. I love this set, which was designed by Knitwhits. It even comes with its own, hand-knit dice shaker cup! The vibrant colors that adorn this set are an added bonus. Yummy Treats I’m completely enamored with the scrabble-themed cake created by the good people at Pink Cake Box. Surrounded by white, chocolate and red velvet cupcakes, this deliciously clever dessert has me drooling over my monitor. The incredible hundred game cupcakes created by Steel Head Studio are also worth checking out. Painstakingly handcrafted, each cupcake pays homage to a popular game. Barrel of Monkeys, Mousetrap, Pictionary, Scattegories … they’re all there, plus many, many more. Clothing You can always count on Zazzle to come up with witty, stylish apparel. Have a board-gaming hipster in your life? I’m sure they’d appreciate Zazzle’s “I Love Board Games” t-shirt. Actually, there’s quite a variety of game-inspired clothing available on the web. Poker-Dude has a really well-designed poker-inspired shirt up for sale. The “Fraken-spade Poker Shirt” features a really cool graphic of a grey spade set atop a black backdrop. Love it for its design and subtlety. Key Chains The cool thing about board game key chains is that many of them double as mini, fully-functioning games! For example, you can play Yahtzee on the go with a keychain from Ultimate Key Chains. It comes complete with dice, player pieces, score sheets, and pencils. But of course, nothing beats playing the actual game itself! Get the real Yahtzee, Scrabble or Rubiks cube over at Direct Source Games.

Dec 28, Board Game Sales are Booming!

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:23:01 GMT

A recent news article from the Daily Mail is suggesting that board game sales are on the rise. According to the article, sales of classic games like dominoes, chess and Jenga have “more than doubled” since this time last year. The article quotes Phil Anniss, a games buyer at John Lewis: “Customers will be spending more time at home this Christmas [and] classic games are not only a great way to get the whole family together but can also be passed down for future generations to enjoy." Popular news website SwissInfo has also confirmed this trend, reporting a successful sales season for the toy and game industries. While classic games like Monopoly, Mahjong and Scrabble remain top sellers, the market upturn has inspired a new generation of games to hit store shelves. At present, the diversity (and availability) of board games is staggering, with an estimated 42,000 different types of games on the market. Really, this shouldn’t be surprising – the benefits of regularly playing board games are well-documented. In addition to keeping one’s mind sharp, playing board games with others can also promote relaxation, provide an excuse to spend quality time with loved ones, and help develop strategic decision-making skills. It is interesting that, while video and computer game companies make their big holiday push, consumers continue to seek out “low-tech” forms of entertainment like popular board games. While we cannot deny the influence of emerging technologies like smart phones, wifi digital cameras, 3D home television sets and ever-improving video game consoles, it’s refreshing to know that traditional board games still hold an important place in society. The human interaction that is derived from sitting around a table with loved ones and indulging in an entertaining game cannot be replaced by technology. Children of all ages (as well as their parents) enjoy testing and developing their abilities with a round of Boggle or Backgammon. Many of us have fond childhood memories that are closely tied to cherished board games. It is comforting to know that this tradition will continue on for generations to come.

Dec 22, Fun Facts About Classic Games

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 01:22:50 GMT

Scrabble According to the Scrabble Association, one hundred million units of Scrabble have been sold worldwide since the game was first invented in 1948, with 1-2 million new copies sold in North America each year. The highest scoring word in the game was “quartz” for a long time. Depending on its placement on the game board, it can be worth up to 82 points. In 2006, Michael Cresta set a new world record at a Scrabble tournament when he played “quixotry” (a noun that is defined as “visionary schemes”) vertically down the top right-hand corner of the board. He earned a whopping 365 points – the highest single-word score of all time. Bingo Bingo can be traced back to the 16^th century. It is based on Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia, a popular game that is still played in Italy every Sunday. Bingo debuted in North America in 1929 and was originally called “Beano”. Edwin Lowe, a New York toy salesman eventually changed the name to “Bingo” and hired Carl Leffler, a math professor at Columbia University, to help him invent new numerical combinations. Within a year, Mr. Leffler created over 6,000 unique Bingo cards. He later went insane. Checkers Historians believe that checkers dates back to around 3,000 BC. The earliest copy was found in an archeological dig in Iraq. Modern checkers, or checkers as we now know it, dates back to the 12^th century. It is believed that a Frenchman adapted the board so that it was 8 squares by 8 squares, with 12 player pieces on each side. Older versions of checkers typically featured game boards that were 5 squares by 5 squares. Backgammon Backgammon is another game with ancient roots, dating back to approximately 5,000 BC. It’s thought to be one of the oldest games in recorded history. Like checkers, backgammon originated in the Middle East. Although people from all walks of life have enjoyed playing the game, it was often thought of as a game for royalty and other nobles. According to Gammon Village, the name “backgammon” is derived from 17^th century Anglo-Saxons, who called the game "bac" (back) "gamen" (game), because once the checkers have been hit, they go "back" and have to re-enter the "game".

Dec 22, Birthday Party Games for Your Child

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 01:22:50 GMT

Children’s birthday parties are a great opportunity for kids to socialize and build friendships! Yet planning the event can be stressful for parents. From choosing an appropriate theme to preparing the menu, birthday parties are a lot of work! Planning the birthday party’s activities is another headache. Children have diverse tastes and interests and keeping a group of them entertained for an afternoon is no small feat. The next time you’re faced with planning a child’s birthday, consider hosting a “game-themed” party. Set up a few different “game stations” in your designated party area – a few chairs and a small table containing healthy snacks will do – and equip each station with a different game. Children will be free to move from table to table and choose their own activities. Here are a few kid-friendly party games that are guaranteed to keep young guests entertained: A games party wouldn’t be complete without a Pin the Tail on the Donkey station. Keep a small prize handy – like a bag of candy or party favour – for the winner. Children in the 4-7 age bracket will enjoy playing Let’s Go Fishin’. It’s a simple game that helps kids develop concentration and motor skills. A small prize for the winner – like fish-shaped erasers or candy – would also make a great finishing touch! Apples to Apples is a fun game for children aged 12 and up. Players must obtain cards by making comparisons to the cards in their hand. The game can get very silly – it’s bound to elicit laughs from your guests! Children who appreciate calmer activities would enjoy a card games table. There are traditional playing card games to suit every skill level and age group – from a simple round of “Go Fish” to a more advanced (but every bit as fun) game of FLUXX, there truly is a card game out there for everyone. Other classic games include: Checkers, Twister, Pictionary, and, if you’re having an outdoor party, a piñata. The possibilities are endless, and we’ve got everything you need to plan a perfect, games-themed birthday party!

Dec 17, Our Top 5 Game Night Snacks

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 01:53:09 GMT

In our opinion there is only one thing more fun than playing games with family and friends, that is, eating with family and friends! Keep the following five tips list of suggested foods in mind when planning snacks your game night menu. 1. Finger Foods Whether you are playing casino games or putting together a jigsaw puzzle, hands will be busy touching and moving game pieces. Choose foods that do not require silverware and can be easily picked up with fingers so that play is uninterrupted. 2. Bite Sized Choose foods which do not require silverware and can be easily picked up and popped into the mouth in one bite. Time will not be wasted cutting food or holding a cookie in your hand and taking multiple bites. Make it easy to capture the Queen, call out “Checkmate” and bite into a carrot stick in one smooth move. 3. Easy to Prepare The host of the party wants to play too! Why not choose foods that are edible right out of the bag or with minimal preparation? We do not recommend exerting any more effort than washing and slicing raw vegetables. 4. Healthy For convenience sake, it may be tempting to serve only ready-made packaged foods. Many people will also be looking for healthy snacking options. Offer fruits and vegetables in addition to traditional “junk food” snacks. Guests will thank you if they can maintain their diets while enjoying party games. 5. Keep it Clean Game players will be busy with cards, dice or markers. You do not want sticky foods to end up on your game pieces. Make sure the foods are not sticky or gooey. Provide napkins and small plates. Our list of suggested foods while playing games include: Fruits and Nuts Fruits can be sticky, so choose fruits with an edible smooth skin or that will not leave a residue on fingers. Citrus fruits are fine if pieces are sectioned out separately in advance. Grapes already washed and removed from their vines are perfectly self-contained snacks that can be picked up and inserted directly into the mouth without biting or peeling. Other good options are dried banana chips, raw almonds and shelled pistachios. Vegetables Make sure raw vegetables and washed and dried before slicing and serving to avoid water droplets ending up on your checkerboard. Include carrot sticks, celery sticks, radishes and broccoli florets. Sweets are always a good bet. You can serve candy coated chocolates (M&Ms), animal crackers and jelly beans. Savoury snacks include plain crackers, bread sticks, plain popcorn and baked potato chips (whichis a lower-fat option that will satisfy a chip addiction without the greasy fingers).

Dec 17, Celebrate the Meaning of Christmas with Bible Board Games

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 01:32:44 GMT

Merry Christmas! With school out and plenty of holidays around the corner, children have plenty of time to play board games. Indoor board games are particularly appropriate during the winter months when the weather is too cold for outdoor play. I can remember getting addicted to certain kids games and trying to convince my family to play with me each night. It is the season to relax and enjoy family activities. Why not also take some time to remember the real reason for the Christmas holiday: celebrating the birthday of Jesus? Every December, my youth pastor used to lament, “Why did Jesus have to be born at the busiest time of the year?” While his question elicited a laugh, it also pointed out that Christmas has become so commercial, filled with stress and obligations, that we often forget the real meaning of the day. We can participate in all of the fun activities of the season while celebrating Christ's birth. The makers of Christian board games have made it easy! If your kids want to play dominoes or backgammon, why not suggest a bible game instead? Christmas is the perfect time to learn about the bible. Playing Christian board games at home can reinforce Sunday School Bible lessons. There are dozens of appropriate bible games for all ages. Some are thought provoking such as Christian versions of Trivial Pursuit and Scattegories. Others are less challenging yet still help us remember Bible verses and parables in a fun way. For example, Outburst! Bible Edition is a lively party game. Playing Christian board games can provide hours of fun and make for a more meaningful holiday season. Even adults can enjoy bible games; we can all stand to brush up on our bible verses. By providing bible games for your children at Christmas, you can reinforce the “reason for the season” in a lighthearted way. Children and adults alike absorb information more quickly in an interactive, relaxed setting. Learning the teachings of Jesus during the Christmas season reinforces history behind the holiday. Bible board games make a thoughtful addition to family activities during Christmas.

Dec 9, How Games Affect Development in Children

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:42:41 GMT

It has been proven time and time again in behavioural and psychological studies on children that games play a big part in their development process. Kids games can be a useful learning tool as well as a way to enhance and support proper development. Here is a list of ways games can help a child’s development: - Physical activity: Physical activity and games helps children define their gross motor skills and coordinate actions. Games involving running, building, pulling, kicking and throwing all help to encourage movement. This also provides other health benefits, such as decreasing the risk of obesity etc. - Social interaction: Games help children form, build and further relationships with others. They can learn how to make judgements, such as the difference between right and wrong, as well as learning social norms. Children can interact via role playing with stuffed animals, puppet and other toys. - Mental activity: The act of playing helps to develop learning, recognition, memorizing and problem solving abilities. For example, children can learn the concept of cause and effect when they play games because some interactions create a positive effect, such as winning a game, while other actions have negative outcomes. Through games, children can learn to develop concepts and organize ideas. Fun games will help a child become more aware of the world and create knowledge. - Creativity: Some games help children express themselves artistically or can be quite therapeutic. For example, role playing games such as dress-up can help children develop their imaginations. There are many activities for kids that will stimulate their learning. It doesn’t have to be complicated, because children naturally learn while they play. Even if the game being played is not necessarily an educational one, like one that teaches the alphabet, the child can still learn eye and hand coordination amongst other things. There are schools of thought that emphasize that playing games can aid in a child’s development, so why not have fun and help them learn about the world at the same time?

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Jan 11, Board Game Books

Jan 11, The Rubik's Cube

Jan 5, The Many Faces of Monopoly

Jan 5, The History of Hasbro

Jan 3, Addicting Gaming News - What's New! What's Hot!

Dec 28, Game-Inspired Goodies

Dec 28, Board Game Sales are Booming!

Dec 22, Fun Facts About Classic Games

Dec 22, Birthday Party Games for Your Child

Dec 17, Our Top 5 Game Night Snacks

Dec 17, Celebrate the Meaning of Christmas with Bible Board Games

Dec 9, How Games Affect Development in Children

Jan 3, Addicting Gaming News - What's
New! What's Hot!