The Game Dilemma: How to Make Games More Fun

Board games have been a means of entertainment for families and friends for as long as many of us can remember. However, there are only so many times that someone can get hit with a draw four cards in Uno before you are over the game entirely. You could try a different game, but a similar situation may happen with that one too. Maybe you could try a new game you’ve never played before. Well, new games can get expensive, especially if you aren’t playing them often.  

Hence, The Game Dilemma.

Do you want to play a game that everyone can participate in without playing the same games a million times and having to buy an entirely new game?

No sweat! Here is how to make the board games you already own more fun.

How to Make Games More Fun

1. Change the rules!

That little rule book that comes in the game is more of a guideline anyway. What rules do you change? You can change whatever you want! For example, if you don’t want to draw four cards in Uno, then make it a rule that you can draw four cards or do a challenge like singing “Happy Birthday” while doing your best Arnold Schwarzenegger impression.

2. Add extra game elements

Spice up your game by adding an extra layer of risk or an additional challenge to the original structure of the game. For example, you could play Truth or Dare Jenga. Write truth questions or dare challenges on the bottom of the Jenga pieces, and then play Jenga normally except when you remove the block from the tower you must complete the challenge. You could also try a Scrabble game where all the words played have to relate to Disney movies.

3. Original “Special editions” of games

Games like Monopoly have a Star Wars edition, a Game of Thrones edition, etc. Well, try creating your own editions of games with your favorite movies, singers, actors, or even yourselves. For example, for Clue, you could have a Meta Edition, where all the characters and weapons are in the same room as you.

4. Change the game pieces

Many games come with pieces that are made for that game’s aesthetic and/or mechanics. That is why interchanging certain game pieces to work with other games is a great way to mix things up. For example, you play Headbandz with Apples to Apples cards instead. The game changes from guessing what noun you are to now trying to guess what adjective you are.

Making up your own way to play a game can be almost as much fun as actually playing your version of it. However, sometimes certain rules can hinder the experience or make the game unfair. This is why it is important to keep an open mind and be willing to change aspects of the game around midway if need be. You can also try a combination of the above ways or try coming up with something completely new.  Most importantly your goal should be to have fun and don’t forget to get creative!