Games that Endanger Child

As we may know, parents want the best for their kids. In practical worlds, they let their kid plays. This, no doubt, extends to the board game closet. But parents may not be aware of the drudgery and fickle chance to which they’re subjecting the family. In a recent unimportant-curiosity of my own, I found that some of the most beloved childhood games like Candy Land, Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly just aren’t very good. The data emphatically says so. But where there’s data, there’s also hope.

First, let’s pause for a useful qualitative take. Have a look for this well-described talk about the agony of playing Monopoly with children by this Louis C.K:

 

Clearly, Monopoly can teach kids some bracing lessons about the risk of personal financial ruin. But parents can do much better. What makes a good game? Good games keep players. Good games also require meaningful action and decision-making rather than merely blind luck. Games are fun, games engage and games teach. So, which ones do it best?

credit goes to fivethirtyeight.com

 

Above are the site’s average ratings vs. minimum suggested age of games that could get a child a pretty long way. From preschool to fifth grade. What the image suggest? That there's some game child couldn't get better at.

Most of the games listed there are probably not familiar to many casual gamers, or many budding gamers’ parents. But maybe that’s the point. We seem stuck with some pretty bad games. For whatever reason, these board game chestnuts fly off the shelves apace. As of this writing, the first page of Amazon’s top sellers includes Monopoly, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Candy Land Disney Princess Edition, Clue and Sorry. But there’s a wide world beyond these stalwarts. We’re in the midst of a golden age of board games! 

Trust the data! better games await. Your kids will thank you.