As board gamers, there’s nothing more exciting than wanting to play our favourite games with all our families and friends. Maybe you went to the UK Games Expo a month ago and have a new haul of games you are now desperate to play.
However, sadly, not everyone is a board game fan.
Whether your loved one hasn’t played games since they were a kid, or they were scarred by a monumentally angry game of Monopoly at a Christmas gathering and vowed never to roll a dice again, there are many people who haven’t yet found the joy of board games.
So, if you’d like to encourage your friends or family to give it a go, here our tips for helping them take the first step.
Keep it simple!
For new players or those cautious about trying out board games, this may not be the time to bring in your favourite four-hour strategic marathon. Being bombarded with a complicated rules set straight from the off will be off putting for many, and often too perplexing to be able to give the game a real go!
Instead, start with games that are 30 minutes and under. These games are quick but also often much easier to understand, allowing a new player to experience a game fully, learn the rules, and even play multiple times in one session, allowing them to transition from learning the rules to enjoying the game.
Let them choose the game
If asked to name a game, your non-gamer will probably be able to name stalwarts like Cluedo or Risk, potentially even Catan, but hundreds of games are released every month!
Simply, many people don’t know just how many board games are out there.
Rather than picking out a game specifically, a great way of getting your non-gamer instantly engaged is to let them explore your board game library.
You can show them the full range of games, from card games to strategy games to co-operative games (a particularly great choice if your loved one isn’t very competitive).
See what they pick up and let them know a little bit more about it – think of yourself as a sommelier of board games.
Whichever game they go for, you can then play together, already helping them feel more involved in the process and invested in the game in front of them.
Use franchises or themes they already love
Providing your loved one with something that they already know is a brilliant way of getting them into a game. After all, if they’re already invested in a franchise, they probably want to play within that world too!
From Marvel to Disney to Stardew Valley, there are games from tons of different media franchises that will automatically make your friends more excited to play a game. Whether it’s films, computer games or TV, there is something which should be an automatic hit for them.
You can also follow this same logic with their other hobbies. For example, if your friend or family member loves graphic novels and animation, pick a game with beautiful artwork. And, if they love gardening, why not pick up a game like Pergola?
By starting them off with something they already love, you can also use this as a gateway into other games. For example, if they love The Traitors and enjoy the board game, the link to other hidden role games such as Ultimate Werewolf or Saboteur is pretty easy to sell.
Make gaming an experience
Rather than staying at home, why not suggest heading to your local board game café! While you are going to play games, board game cafes also mean you can get lunch, cake or drinks to really add to the experience of a great day out.
This again will help them see how many games are available, but also simply enjoy the atmosphere that a board game café can bring.
They may even find a game they love and want to buy for themselves!
Take your games outside
Particularly in nice weather, staying inside around a table may not be the most appealing thing to the sun worshippers. However, there are loads of games that you can play outside without the risk of losing all the tiny parts!
A classic like Uno is a perfect choice, or go for something with minimal pieces like P for Pizza, Love Letters or The Chameleon.
You can also go big with giant games! From giant Jenga, to inflatable Pass the Pigs, to the newly released Dobble Giant, there are tons of games that are perfect for setting up in the garden for a family BBQ or friend get together which everyone can get involved with.
It’s finally time to play…or is it?
Hopefully the tips and tricks above can take the non-gamer in your life and help them find the joy of board games. Maybe they will even discover a passion they didn’t know they had yet!
However, there is one incredibly important caveat to all of the above:
Don’t force them to play!
Trying to force people into playing games not only makes them less likely to pick up a game in the future, but also makes the whole experience not fun for everyone, and no one wants that.
If you have tried the tips above and they’re still not keen, then that’s okay – find other things to enjoy together instead – there are plenty of others out there who can’t wait to play board games with you.
Tell us the game that converted one of your non gamer-gamer friends by heading over to our Instagram!
