Beyond the board: How tabletop games boost wellbeing and learning
Beyond the board: How tabletop games boost wellbeing and learning
Beyond the board: How tabletop games boost wellbeing and learning
September, 29, 2025
Summary
Researchers at the Manawatū-based GRAIL lab are studying how tabletop games—such as boardgames, role-playing games and wargames—support wellbeing, learning and social connection. A nationwide survey of players aged 16+ aims to map gaming habits, motivations and personality traits in Aotearoa and compare them internationally. The team highlights that tabletop games provide cognitive benefits, reduce isolation and encourage meaningful social interaction, offering a tactile alternative to digital environments. Educators increasingly use game mechanics to enhance engagement in schools. Modern games now span diverse themes and strategies, enabled by crowdfunding, making it easier for players to find experiences that suit their interests.
Reference
Massey University. (2025, September 29). Beyond the board: How tabletop games boost wellbeing and learning. https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/beyond-the-board-how-tabletop-games-boost-wellbeing-and-learning/