It was with some pride that I read the article in this morning’s WSJ about the board game, Settlers of Catan, as “the latest interactive fad to hit high-tech circles.” I say pride because Greg, Marcus, and I were way ahead of our time. We regularly played Settlers during lunch (or when the internet went down, or whenever else we felt like it) back when we had our research bunker in Florida.
Despite devoting a fair chunk of time and energy to that and a few other board games, those research bunker days were probably some of my most productive. I guess these high-tech executives are discovering what we already knew — clever strategy board games help sharpen the mind and teach important skills. I have no idea why they don’t regularly play these games in schools. You could learn a lot about economics, the mutual benefits of trade, etc…
What am I saying? We mostly did it because it was fun.
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Well of course you played it because it was fun. That’s why people play games(and it’s Settlers’ second-best quality, behind “I’ve got wood for sheep” jokes). Still, a good game makes you learn because it’s fun, not in spite of its lack.
Very true, Alsadius. The same is also true for blogging. People do it mostly because it is fun.