My introduction to modern board games was through a game called HIVE. HIVE is an abstract strategy game similar to chess. It’s played without a board, so it would more accurately be called a table-top game. Its pieces are hexagon tiles that have different bugs printed on them, each with a different moving power. The goal is to surround your opponent’s queen bee on all sides with any combination of bugs.
Chess with bugs. I like chess, but attracting opponents is difficult because the gap in ability between potential players induces more fear than joy when presented with the chance to play. My friend Chris introduced HIVE to me, knowing me to be open to learning something new. The danger with games is that nobody likes to feel inferior. The feeling of inferiority is often associated with losing. Here we are tapping into Martin Covington’s Self-Worth Theory. This theory asserts that “the paramount psychological need that all of us have is to be seen by ourselves & others as capable, competent, & able.” When you learn a new game, the possibility of losing is at its highest. So many avoid this situation & stay in the activities they feel safe. We tend to associate our performance & ability with our worth. If we can shift our focus from performance to progress, there can always be something to pull from any game played to fulfill our feeling of self-worth.
A Gateway Game is any game that can be used to bring new players to the table. Common characteristics of gateway games are to be light & quick with low complexity. Explaining too many rules can be confusing. It is best to choose something simple.
Other classic gateway games include:
~ Ticket to Ride by Days of Wonder
~ Catan by Kosmos
~ Carcassonne by Hans im Glück
1st impressions last a lifetime. How a game is introduced is how it will be remembered. Most importantly, the new player will remember how they felt playing it. Novelty is naturally intriguing. A new experience can naturally generate interest by itself. As the guide, let your traveler explore the wonders of the game, but still direct them on the right path. The destination need not necessarily be an official win for them at the end of the game. Having fun all along the journey is a successful trip, win or lose.
TEDx Talks. (2017, December 20). Self Worth Theory: The Key to Understanding & Overcoming Procrastination | Nic Voge | TEDxPrincetonU [Video]. YouTube.