Make Time for Play:
Why Board Games Matter More Than Ever
By: Owen Hart
When was the last time you really played? Not just scrolled on your phone, but fully engaged with yourself, your friends, your family. In our fast-moving, screen-filled world, we forget how essential play is, not just for kids, but for all of us.
As an artist, I’ve always valued play. It fuels creativity and fresh thinking. But I’ve come to see it, especially through board games, as something even deeper: a way to connect, recharge, and grow in an unpredictable world.
Our children are facing big changes. With technology transforming work, emotional and social intelligence are becoming more important than ever. So how do we help prepare them?
One answer is surprisingly simple: play games.
In 2017, I received a copy of Ticket to Ride as a gift. That one game opened a door into the world of modern board games and I was amazed. From team-based challenges to peaceful themes like birdwatching and painting, I discovered a whole new way to play, think, and connect.
We’re in a board game renaissance. And it’s no accident. As life gets more digital, many of us are turning back to things that feel real—like vinyl, letters, and games. We’re craving presence, connection, and shared experience.
For me, board games sparked new friendships and led to Fairplay Board Game Café, a growing community here in West Wales. Families, friends, and even young people looking for direction have all found something special in the world of play. We’ve laughed, struggled, triumphed, all over a table of cards and tokens.
The world our children are growing into is rapidly evolving. Jobs are being reshaped by technology, and success will depend less on memorized facts and more on emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and collaboration.
That’s where board games come in.
They’re not just about having fun (though there’s plenty of that). They simulate real-world scenarios, risk-taking, strategy, negotiation, and problem-solving in a safe, supportive environment. Children learn to win gracefully, lose with resilience, and persevere through challenges. These are life skills, developed through laughter and play.
Let’s help our children grow into thoughtful, resilient, and connected individuals, one game at a time.
