How to choose the perfect game for your family and not fail in the attempt
Have you bought a board game with great excitement… only for it to gather dust? Don't worry, you're not alone. Choosing a game that works for the whole family might seem like a dark art, but with a few simple tricks, it can be a sure hit.
At Culture Games, we design games to connect generations. That's why we know how important it is for every member to feel part of the game. Here's a practical guide to choosing the perfect game for your family's reality.
1. Actual age, not the one on the box
Recommended ages are guidelines, not law.
If you have little ones who already understand turns and simple rules, they can enjoy games "for older kids."
Likewise, if there are adults who don't like complications, avoid titles with endless manuals. The Holy Encounter, for example, works from 8 years old, but also hooks grandparents.
Tip: choose games with simple mechanics and narrative depth.
2. Usual number of players
It seems obvious, but it's often forgotten: make sure the game works with the number of people you usually play with.
If there are three of you, look for titles that won't feel incomplete without a fourth.
TREASON – The Last Vote, for example, works for 1 to 6 players, making it ideal for both couples and large groups.
3. Cooperation or competition?
Here lies the heart of many family discussions.
Are you more into playing as a team or trying to beat each other?
- Cooperative games (like The Holy Encounter) help avoid conflicts and foster teamwork.
- Competitive ones can be great if you know how to lose (or laugh at the cheating).
Hint: if there are young children or inexperienced players, start with cooperative games. They are more inclusive.
4. Personalities: every family is a world unto itself
- Impulsive: need dynamic games, with quick turns and constant decisions.
- Reflective: prefer games with strategy, planning, and some calm.
- Narrative: enjoy when there's a story, characters, and moral decisions.
- Visual: are hooked by games with careful design and powerful illustrations.
At Culture Games, we focus on narrative and visual mechanics that connect with all these profiles.
5. Time available
If you only have 30-40 minutes after dinner, don't choose a two-hour game.
Opt for compact games, such as card-based ones, that allow you to start and finish in a single session.
6. Replayability
The best family game is one that doesn't get boring after two plays.
Look for games that change each time, that include narrative, controlled chance, or decisions that affect the outcome.
TREASON has different ways to solve each challenge, and The Holy Encounter changes depending on how the roles are organized.
One last key: try them together
If you're not sure, try a borrowed game first, at a game library or an event. The important thing is that the family feels it's a shared experience, not an imposed activity.
