Game analysis: Appreciation

The Appreciation Game

A way for better communication
Board game

a game for families of all ages

a game for couples -- to know each other better

a game for students and teachers, and for peers

a game for church groups and clubs--to build fellowship

a game for coporate and military units--to build a team for any task

How to play:

Before you begin, decide:

-How long to play (how many turns or how many minutes)

-Which marker for each player

-Who will go first, moving to left

1. Roll the dice and move your marker on the game board in either direction according to the number rolled, beginning at start.

2. Draw a card or spin the spinner according to the space you land upon. Read the card or spinner aloud.

3. If you land on:

a: IF SPACE: Draw an IF card. Answer Briefly.

b: ME SPACE: Draw a ME card. Answer Briefly.

c: THINK SPACE: Draw a THINK card. Answer Briefly.

d: DO SPACE: Draw a DO card.  Answer Briefly.

e: REMEMBER SPACE: Spin the spinner and read the topic in the outer REMEMBER circle. (Recall a past experience from your childhood that relates to the topic).

f: APPRECIATION SPACE: Spin the spinner and read the topic on the inner APPRECIATION Heart: (Say something positive about the person indicated).

g: ANOTHER PLAYER'S SPACE: You must compliment that player, (the price for landing on his territory) then follow directions for the space.

4. Each person should answer his own question and his answer should be accepted as given.

5. If a question does not seem to apply, ANOTHER CARD MAY BE DRAWN, or SPIN AGAIN. (At each turn you may choose which direction to move).

6. The game ends when the allotted time is up or when each has had the number of turns agreed upon. Be sure to APPRECIATE the players who share the game with you.

Analysis

Compared with most games I have played, this has two distinct unique qualities: 

1. It is reality based - No fantasy. Encourages sharing of real events and emotions.

2. No win/lose state. There is no point system at all. I been thinking that game points are a shallow way to communicate the game state, but it seems they are really required for any real competition. Since this game has no points or a win/lose state, is it even a game? It's more of a toy that encourages a certain kind of conversation. I suppose, if I were to play, the game-y-ness would come from trying to overcome my own apprehensions about what is asked of me.

-Though this game has no religious content, it is very obviously influenced by christian values.

-Similar to Cranium. Though, Cranium has more 'fantasy' & competition.

-Very low 'cool' value. I find it hard to imagine my friends would choose this over Cranium. Though I would expect to enjoy this 'game'.