The Unexpected Power of Board Games: Building Connection One Turn at a Time

In a world constantly buzzing with messages, meetings, and media, genuine connection often gets lost in the noise. But what if there was a playful, low-pressure way to break the ice, deepen bonds, and spark joyful conversation?

Enter: board games.
Whether you're gathered around a coffee table with friends or kicking off a team meeting at work, board games offer a surprisingly powerful tool for building trust, boosting collaboration, and bringing people closer — one roll of the dice at a time.

 

Why Board Games Work: The Psychology of Play

Research shows that play isn’t just for kids. According to psychologist Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, play fosters empathy, creativity, and resilience — all essential ingredients for connection and collaboration. When we play together, we let down our guard. We laugh. We strategize. We share. And in doing so, we create space for genuine human interaction.

A 2021 study published in Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice found that collaborative games significantly increased feelings of group cohesion and mutual trust, especially in professional environments. These benefits extended beyond the play session itself — teams who played together also communicated more effectively and collaborated more creatively afterward.

Types of Board Games That Spark Connection

Not all games are created equal when it comes to team building or emotional bonding. Here are a few categories that shine brightest:

1. Cooperative Games

These games require players to work together toward a shared goal, rather than compete. They’re perfect for building teamwork and breaking down silos.

• Examples: Pandemic, Forbidden Island, The Crew

• Why it works: Encourages communication, delegation, and mutual support.

2. Conversation Games

These prompt players to share personal stories, preferences, or quirky opinions — ideal for deepening bonds or loosening up new groups.

• Examples: We’re Not Really Strangers, TableTopics

• Why it works: Builds understanding and empathy while sparking meaningful dialogue.

3. Party & Icebreaker Games

Light, fast-paced, and often silly, these games ease social anxiety and help players get comfortable with one another.

• Examples: Codenames, Telestrations, Wavelength

• Why it works: Reduces tension and promotes laughter — a key trust-building activity.

4. Strategy Games

Longer games that involve planning and thinking can bond people over shared competition or alliances.

• Examples: Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne

• Why it works: Encourages collaboration, especially when forming temporary alliances.

Board Games in the Workplace? Yes, Please.

Bringing board games into corporate environments isn’t just fun — it’s strategic.

• Onboarding? Use a conversation game to help new hires feel seen.

• Team retreats? A cooperative game can strengthen cross-functional collaboration.

• Brainstorming sessions? Warm up with a light-hearted party game to fuel creativity.

Companies like Google, IDEO, and Zappos have long used play-based activities to spark innovation and build culture. Even short game sessions during lunch breaks can boost morale, reduce stress, and improve employee engagement.

Let's Play More

In an increasingly digital world, analog moments matter more than ever. Board games invite us to slow down, sit together, and share stories — no screens, no distractions. They remind us that joy can be simple, laughter can be healing, and connection can happen over cardboard and tokens.

So whether you're building a team, meeting new friends, or just looking to rekindle old bonds, crack open a game box.

Your next great connection might start with a card draw.

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Let’s make life more Luverly, together.