It’s a well known fact in the world of game manufacturing … do NOT put the word “educational” anywhere on your packaging.  It is the kiss of death for that game.  You’d think that would be a good thing!  That parents and teachers would respect that adjective and would even be drawn towards it!  Not true.

I have become friends with the people who invented and developed the game Thryme.  They live in the Pittsburgh area.  Through the past 10 years or so, they have shared with me their struggles and victories in making and promoting their game.  Recently they sold the license for the game to a well-known national manufacturer.  Gooooooal!!!  It’s really out of their hands now, but as most game inventors will tell you, they’ve got another one in the works.  They were telling me about their new game and the packaging of it when Linda (one of the collaborators) said “ … and the guy there said NOT to put the word …” (at this point I chimed in) “EDUCATIONAL on the packaging!”  She was at first shocked that he said that and then again surprised that I voiced those exact words as well!  Obviously not the first time I’ve heard that.

The reasoning behind that rule is that no one will touch a game labeled educational.  The consumers’ immediate thought is of some of the really dry (read boring) games of years gone by complete with bad graphics and no excitement or fun.  It’s a shame because so many games that offer great skills practice are very far removed from that description.

At the shop we saw a lot of games come in that just did not do justice to the game inside.  Take one of my favorites for example … Set.  No flashy packaging, no gimmicky graphics, no claims of awards in the game industry.  But in my humble opinion, one of the best thinking, brain exercising, visual perception games on the market.  It’s easy enough for a first or second grader to understand, but challenging enough for adults and everyone in between.  We’ve seen youngsters eyes light up when they’ve found a “set” and we’ve seen adults scratch their heads in consternation!

But it’s never been a game that sold itself off the shelf.  Most would pass it by with hardly a glance.  You have to play it to find the appeal.  Hence the reason we had so many games open for demonstration at the shop.  And yet there were other games that we saw fly out the door with no demonstration or comments on our part, simply because of the magnetic pull of their graphics and claims. 

I’ve also observed that you have to present any game to your audience with enthusiasm.  I’ve included Set in many Game Night situations and have personally demonstrated it when our volunteers have shied away from it.  I’m the first to tell you that I’m not great at Set, but I LOVE the concept!  And if I can get you to love it as well, that makes my day.

The bottom line is that the old adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover” goes for books, people, and games too.  Give them all a second look.  You may be very glad you did!

Carol   

 


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