Why Board Games are Good for You!

Welcome to Foster the Meeple, a channel dedicated to board games and all board gamey things! Join us as we discuss why board games are good for you.. and we threw in a few rants, just for fun!
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Jump:
00:00 - Intro
01:35 - Discussion
27:55 - Wrap Up
30:14 - A Little Bit Extra
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The Board Room Game Cafe is the first cafe of its kind in the Maritimes! Located on Barrington St in Halifax. Featuring a large Board Gaming area with a collection of 600+ games to play (teachers included!), The Board Room is a unique experience with espresso drinks, local craft beer and soda, tasty sandwiches, snacks and an extensive retail area.
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#boardgames #tabletopgames #fosterthemeeple

[@heatherdash5815]

My daughter's kindergarten teacher at our first conference asked us "you play board games at home don't you" I was surprised and said yes and asked how she could tell. And the teacher said she can always tell because those kids know how to work together with other kids, follow directions and have patience. 🤔

[@FostertheMeeple]

Ah I really love that! So glad to hear real life examples of this working. Thanks so much for sharing

[@artemdemenko2822]

20:54. The part about crap in the world and pockets of joy made me tear up. In 2022 I happened to experience Russian-Ukrainian war (with dreadful things like your house shaking from explosions and me and my family being obliged to flee the occupied hometown. Back then I was like "Yeah, I could've died, life is messed up, I wanna commit to board games" and I did, being in charge of organizing board games and welcoming friends to play together. This was also when I discovered BGA and it helped me and my female friends (who fled the country) to stay in touch with us having lots of good moments together. Fantasy Realms, Horrified, It's a Wonderful World, Resident Evil 3 Board Game, Res Arcana, Marvel Champions, etc. The time spent over those games with my friends helped me get over so many hurdles. The war is still not over, but I believe in a bright future and watching your videos just calms my mind

[@jamesmorgan1967]

What a beautiful post. Thank you!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks so much for sharing a bit about your struggles Artem. I can’t even begin to fathom what you, and the ones you love are going through. I’m so honored and grateful that we can help you, even in our little way. Just know you are loved and we hope that you are safe. Much love from us to you.

[@artemdemenko2822]

​@@FostertheMeeple Thank you so much for kind words ❤ Yes, I am safe and right now my hometown is free from occupation. I live in another city right now but at least my parents can live in their home safely. As of right now I am working as a board game translator, being part of a team that localises many neat titles into Ukrainian 😊. I am taking care of myself, working on my mental health, and getting into the wonders of adulthood (finally finishing the university this year!)

[@renewebbauthor]

You briefly touched upon it, but as someone who's physically disabled (in a wheelchair), the hobby has been a great way for me to meet new friends and connect with people (who might normally shy away from me). Most games I'm able to play, aside from some of the dexterity ones, so it's been incredibly inclusive.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Love that Rene! Happy to have you in this space with us :)

[@Beepbopboop19]

Yes this. I had some issues and couldn't physically eat for a long time and boardgames finally made me feel like I was (for lack of. Abetter word) welcome to a table. It's such a great way to interact with people.

[@Mattmeetsmeeples]

I 100% agree with your thoughts on kids. I have 2 boys and on Sundays we do unplug day and its all about board games. My 10 year old has been playing since 6 and he is learning so much about problem solving and truly think its helped him with school. My 14 year old is getting good at strategies and critical thinking. We play, talk and spend time together.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Love that Matt! Thanks so much for sharing

[@lizmari7042]

We have "tech free Tuesdays", and also play games all day once our son is done with schoolwork (@ home). I look forward to Tuesdays! 😊

[@MikeAlger1964]

Some board games, particularly strategic board games, can help people learn to anticipate the consequences of their actions in real life.

[@seth7447]

I think following COVID board games have been a great way for people to socialize in person again.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Agreed 100%

[@MarinaS341]

As a mainly solo player, I find playing board games makes me feel connected to myself! I feel like I am taking care of myself by disconnecting from other things and playing a game. But what’s great about the community is I can throw on a live channel of someone playing something live and play my own game and still have a connection. Great hobby for me :)

[@heatherdash5815]

I mainly solo play too and I've done that same thing play along with a twitch stream 😊 So good!!

[@FostertheMeeple]

We appreciate you being in this space with us Marina! You’re never alone

[@beckybarfois7831]

I am a 2nd grade teacher in Utah and every Friday I have Parents coming in to play math board and card games with my class. It’s the highlight of everyone’s week!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Amazing!! Love that!!

[@clairemack2750]

This is SUCH a good video idea. You nailed it! Especially families who play together... We ended up creating a gaming group out of friends with families, and although it's not the most pleasant or comfortable to game with the kids who are stuck between "kids" game skills and "adult" game skills, it's so valuable to teach them and muscle through it. Both for us and them. It strengthens relationships in and between families, and builds a skillset that the kiddos may not get much practice in elsewhere.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Love that story Claire! Thanks so much for sharing it! Happiest of gaming to you and yours!

[@lukepickles5099]

Absolutely nailed it on all the points. Board games have legitimately made my life better - I have more friends, I have a deeper connection to my fiancée, I feel like I can deal with things at work better, and I can clear my head with a good game with those people. Jeff, the rant is totally valid so thank you for calling that out!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate you Luke! Happy to hear you have a similar feeling

[@unoriginalname6354]

I have just gotten into board gaming in the past year and have immediately fallen in love with the games and the community. I actually went to this year’s Dice Tower West, and absolutely LOVED IT! It freaking felt like Disneyland. I got to meet some awesome people and have just befriended an awesome group of people here in Vegas. They’ve been so great and introduced me to so many great games already. You two are super awesome too! I have been binging the Hell out of your channel basically every other day, and love your content. You’re both so knowledgeable, entertaining and witty. I’ve learned so much about board games through your channel. Thanks for everything you do!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks so much for the kindness! And welcome to this awesome hobby!! Hopefully we run into you some day at a convention!

[@albertdommer4242]

I love y'alls philosophy on board games. I agree that they are entertainment, and that the goal should be to have fun. If you're having a good time, that's a success. It shouldn't matter the weight or category of the game.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Agreed!!! So much agreed

[@glallenclan]

Agree with everything you said. One thing you didn't mention was that board games are good for your eyes (unless you only play them online). Changing the distance at which you focus your eyes (eg btwn the cards in your hand and the board) is far better than focusing continually at the same distance (eg a movie).

[@FostertheMeeple]

Great point! Thanks for mentioning it!

[@thegreatdane908]

A great discussion that I have had many times with my wife recently. Both of us are more introverted and have many times discussed how board games provide a structure for social interaction that gives you topics to talk about, space to take time and think, as well as just time spent interacting with other people while doing something fun.

[@FostertheMeeple]

100% agreed!

[@deanmuramoto4796]

I love playing board games but it is the people you meet along the way that have made it amazing! I went to Dice Tower West in 2022 and 2023, both times were some of the best gaming I had each year. Cha Cha Chibuchi!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Agree with that Dean!

[@jamesbrazeal3847]

Rhino Hero Super battle, was like the only game I played like 6 times over a weekend one time. All laughs and fun.

[@FostertheMeeple]

We just played it over the weekend too!! It’s always a hit

[@IllBuythePopcorn]

Board games have allowed me to reconnect with old friends. Also, as a fellow introvert, its helping me to chat with others. Honestly, even leaving a comment is hard for me because I feel like I'm bothering you 😊.

[@FostertheMeeple]

You are NEVER bothering us. I love interacting with everyone in comments. Never hesitate. You are safe here.

[@laurimenard1845]

I agree with everything in your list.. Most of all I play games to destress and u wind from long day at work or life in general. It cheaper than therapy sessions.. I have been suffering from depression for a bit now, but playing board games truly helps me..being with friends and family playing games or even solo gaming keeps my mind busy and is so much relief.. Love you guys so much keep doing great content

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate you being open about the depression. I (Jeff) deal with a lot of anxiety and depression also, and while am seeking help for that, board games are a very nice escape from that reality at times!

[@wildstar2817]

Literally just started the video but found it incredibly important to comment on this. In the brief footage of that Blood on the Clocktower game, the town square was upside down. My friend group also puts the town square upside down because we like that side better and it's funny to me that the people you were playing with share that opinion

[@FostertheMeeple]

Love that!

[@erinholt5420]

Wow you hit the nail on the head with the first section and being with your people. Only a few of my closest friends know I’m into board games (I think it’s 2 😂), I don’t post about it and I don’t talk about outside of with people in the hobby. It’s kind of like Ryan and mines secret, which is silly, but I feel so much more of a connection with this community through Discord, conventions, creators, and I’d rather chat about it with people in the hobby. I’m definitely on the introvert side and agree how much more extroverted we can become with our “tribe”. Thanks friends!! ❤❤

[@FostertheMeeple]

It’s crazy though because I (Jeff) am somewhat the same. However in most cases when I’ve opened up about it (primarily at work) in almost all cases someone will be like “oh I also love board games!!” We.are.everywhere

[@erinholt5420]

@@FostertheMeeple it’s very true. Ryan has sold a few games online locally and turns out we knew the guy, and then went to dogs sit for the neighbor and he ended up with a massive game collection in his basement! He’s now in our game group lol. I need to be more open ☺️

[@gurnblanston2848]

Loved this video! You both made so many great points about all the ways that board games improve our lives. I came into the hobby just a few years ago, when I was already over 50, and I agree whole-heartedly about how games help keep your mind sharp. Also about how we all need little pockets of joy and fun to keep us going when life can have it's difficult times. And even though I'm not the most active poster in the Discord, I love the community around your channel, and around games in general.

[@FostertheMeeple]

We appreciate having been able to meet you and have you part of our community, in any capacity. So thank you for being here with us

[@allisonalexander187]

I teach at a high school. Another teacher and I, who both share a love of board games, recently started a board game club at our school. It’s been tons of fun so far! We encourage the students who participate in the club to take a break from technology and just have fun and enjoy being in the moment with fellow students. Do you both have any must have game recommendations suitable for teens that are easy to teach and learn? 😀💕

[@FostertheMeeple]

Ohhh everyone is different but some to consider: Rhino hero super battle, Cascadia, Azul, That’s so clover, Just One, Dice Throne, ticket to ride, patchwork

[@anthonyeubanks6437]

Definitely feel you on the transitioning/decompressing from work/life through a healthy distraction such as playing a board game with my wife. That realization of relief after the experience is a super nice surprise. Gets me everytime.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Agree. So much agree Anthony. It’s therapeutic

[@bigmaki]

This is one of the best videos you guys have done. Agreed with all of it. ❤ As “gamers” people tend to crap on things like What Do You Meme, but we had friends bring it over and we played until 3:30am, and honestly didn’t even look at scores or anything else by the end of it since we were just having fun cracking each other up. That’s what games are about!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Those games provide some of the absolute best gaming moments. And if it’s not those moments that are key to this hobby, I don’t know what is

[@Leondragon06]

I love playing both board and video games with my family. You have a good point as well about movie vs game not as engaged vs games being more engaging! =)

[@jamesmorgan1967]

I love learning rule sets and teaching board games to my lovely victims, ahem, I mean friends. 😀 When we play, games always take longer than they should because there's a lot of laughing, talking, distractions, and of course, SNACKS. That's part of the fun....not worrying about the time and just having fun (with no phones or laptops needed)! I think when you are learning and teaching board games to different groups of people, it can make you more empathetic. When you're picking a game out because you think your opponent will really enjoy the theme/level/mechanics/(fill in the blank), then you are thinking about someone else's needs first. Gatekeeping, or being a board gaming snob, on the other hand, teaches you to be less empathetic. Anyway, this was a phenomenal video! Thanks for being so heartfelt and giving me a lot to think about. (And someday I'd like to play a party game with you guys!)

[@FostertheMeeple]

We hope to have that happen someday too James! Thanks for being on this journey with us

[@anikdoucet6240]

I love this video so much ❤ I started following you guys when my son was around 5 months old(December 2021). I needed something to stimulate my brain and to spend quality time with my husband at home (no family, no babysitter), so we bought a bunch of boardgames and we played the heck of it ! Everything you said is 100% true and I believe everyone should play boardgames 🥰

[@FostertheMeeple]

Agreed so much Anik! It’s all about spreading that good word!

[@AcceberSk]

26:46 Jeff's last point is called flow in positive psychology. This was first described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. This is definitely a reason that I play boardgames.

[@jamesmorgan1967]

I hadn't realized that but you're right. Sounds like Jeff is describing a flow state.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Oh that’s awesome. Thanks for sharing that Rebecca!

[@erikohman2294]

A while back my niece wanted to play Mancala on an app. I asked if she had a bunch of tiny things. We ended up playing it with her collection of shells from the beach. Anyone with a collection of rocks and a bunch of little pits can play it. Is there any hobby that requires stuff, and is still that accessible? Also, we had fun.

[@Rosemont1021]

I play games with my 96 year old dad and I am convinced it is good for his brain. We have enjoyed hive, fox in the forest, Jaipur, patchwork, and so many more. His short term memory is rough, but I believe this helps and he really enjoys the interaction.

[@FostertheMeeple]

I think you are likely correct!

[@kylehynes2888]

I just want to thank you both for this video! It hit me right it the feels so much because I agree with so many of the topics discussed, made me tear up a bunch... In the best way possible! Sending my love and appreciation to both of you from a fellow Atlantic Canadian over in Newfoundland!!!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks for sharing this Kyle! Happy it resonates with you. Much love from your fellow maritimers!

[@malvinafis6907]

Regarding introverts and extroverts.. for me I fall somewhere in the middle ... so surrounded by my introvert friends I am the most extrovert and around extroverts I am "the introvert". You have so many great points in this video

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks as always!

[@timboslice9299]

Love all the reasons you guys mentioned and can especially relate to the comments about being introverted. Also, another reason they’re good is I can be pretty clumsy, so for me “fiddly” board games actually help me get better at not being a klutz 🤣

[@FostertheMeeple]

That’s super valid! I (Jeff) have very shaky hands due to some neuropathy and I do find painting and dexterity games help!

[@dannyp3333]

So many communities can come together over board games

[@StephenHill-et6ri]

Man, you guys nailed this commentary so well. Thanks for keeping things so real. Again. I connected with so many of your reflections. It’s been encouraging watching your channel develop over time. This is just superb. Now please, just play Blackout Hong Kong. Good grief. 😉

[@FostertheMeeple]

At this point I think we have to keep up the bit and never play it! Only to finally play it and break the entire internet

[@StephenHill-et6ri]

Well, it might be worth it. Or not. 😁 Take care guys.

[@Thebrad11984]

Very sweet video. You hit so many great points of why Steph and I have fallen so hard into gaming. When we moved to a new state 12 hours away from everyone we knew we grew closer together and part of that was through playing games together and we’ve met so many amazing people

[@FostertheMeeple]

Happy to hear that! Displacement is really tough to deal with. Super glad you’ve found the space!

[@cassandramorrison7448]

As a speech Language pathologist I use games to teach all aspects of language and practice speech skills! Such a great tool!

[@pamd9834]

I am a retired speech pathologist who also used games all the time! Loved being able to combine games with work!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks so much for sharing! I had no idea games were being used in this way. I love it.

[@BrogansHERO]

this was an excellent video to describe how i feel about this hobby. well done you two

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate you Jonny! Thank you

[@kareenatran7563]

You guys are awesome & I ❤love ❤ your videos. This was one of my faves for sure. Your energy, sense of humor, honesty & perspective on life is what we need more of in this world. Thank you for doing what you do & sharing with us. Keep up the great work!!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate you saying all of this!

[@annecooswiersema3511]

This video is wonderful - it shows all your warmth and wisdom - and fun! Thank you!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@theboardgamenoob]

Wonderful vid. I am embarrassed to admit I got pretty teary a few times, as some of those points really hit home for me. Thank you so much.

[@Ongo771]

Sha Sha Shabooya Roll Call!

[@FostertheMeeple]

FRANCIS! Don’t encourage this

[@alittlebitofwaffle4072]

Brilliant analysis by Jeff....Love your vids guys...Introvert from UK.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate you! Much love from Canada!

[@McDavitt_Publishing]

This video is my favorite one on the channel so far! I LOVE every part of this video!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate you Sam! Thanks for the kind words

[@dougwarr9459]

Great video guys. You made many great points. Everyone would be well off to watch this.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks so much Doug!

[@ZiggyZ55Z]

Lol Jeff saying “being distracted by your phone” as I watch this on my phone… 😬

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hahaha we are all victim to this

[@epiphoney]

What's the best way to find the games you like?

[@FostertheMeeple]

I think exploring KZbin (and finding people who have similar taste to yours). Head to local game stores and talk to them about games and they can likely help make some suggestions. See if a local library has games you can try (most libraries have a small game collection you can try). And then, go from there!

[@Ironside783]

Great video! You both made such great points about how great this hobby is!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks!

[@kevinosullivan5159]

Another great video. You guys are a joy. Thank you

[@FostertheMeeple]

And thank you for always being here to support us Kevin!

[@tbahr123]

This was just a phenomenal video. Thanks guys ❤

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thank you for watching it!

[@debbieholecek3293]

My nephew used to play games just him and his grandma and when she won he would say well I am the second winner😊

[@tracieperez2629]

Wow! I wish I could give this video a double thumbs up! All were such great points!! As an Introvert I approve! as a mom I approve! As a wife I approve! As a person who loves to just have a good fun time I approve! Good job you guys❤❤ And totally agree with the learning how to loose thing, when we 1st started playing games with our kids my husband and I looked at each other and were like...uh theses kids don't know how to loose, lol

[@FostertheMeeple]

Boardgames can be such a great learning tool!

[@naomiooooo]

you make me happy ❤

[@debbieholecek3293]

Great video!!😊❤

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks Debbie!

[@edmundengland]

A great video with good reasons. I must get going playing more. For me the rules are the big hindrance.

[@FostertheMeeple]

I get it for sure, but there’s loads of games out there with very minimal rules overhead!

[@jamessmith1274]

This is why I think you both are amazing people and friends. Your reasons for why to play is great. I am not always great at games. On bga I have won some here and there I have also lost several. And that's okay. I do it for fun and learning not for winning. Board games with our son is our time away from technology and just to talk and be together as a family. We also just started introducing more games to friends. They love the games like apple to apples and logo. We have laughed so much and I love games like that. Just for fun

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks so much James! Apples to apples is a super fun time. Playing games and laughing is what it needs to be about

[@jamessmith1274]

@Foster the Meeple the funniest version is the princess bride version. It is based off the line Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die. The cards are name tags with different names and then the reasons you want to kill them or crazy riduculous🤣🤣

[@matt_stowball]

I reckon I lose 90% of the games I play and I still love playing them

[@FostertheMeeple]

Honestly? Same

[@matt_stowball]

@@FostertheMeeple I'll have to play with you some day to see if the world collapses if one of us wins 🤣

[@michaelterrones119]

Hey love this video! I appreciate your channel I been watching for a bit. I recently got into board gaming a bit with my gf. I always wanted to ask for suggestions but from research it seems the games I like children games. - Marvel Champions - Tapple - Uno - Labyrinth - The Mind - Quoridor - Disney Villainous

[@FostertheMeeple]

You like the games you like! There are no children’s games, just games. Embrace what you love and don’t let anyone bring ya down

[@MarinaS341]

Oh 100%! I have felt more like myself the last few months interacting with the board game community than the last 7 years interacting with people at work. Thank you for creating such an open and safe community! ❤

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thank YOU for being a part of that community :)

[@rmclean101]

I concur!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hahah appreciate you Ryan!

[@joewatts6016]

I find it's a good social ice breaker. K don't like Awkward silence or being the center of attention. Boardgame become the focus to allow me to have conversations without needing to fill every silence as people are thinking. Yes games can be 'expensive' but cost per time used makes it really cheap. Uno for £10 can be played for hours and is good for years. You can't go cinema for £10 now.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Agreed on all points!

[@portwills]

Very well put. Also: Less screen time 🙂Let's play Monopoly y'all !

[@FostertheMeeple]

I actually do want to play monopoly again haha

[@debbieholecek3293]

He was such a great little kid to play with because he was a wonderful winner ( you then became the second winner) and he was a fantastic loser!

[@cmpruiett]

If you had fun, you won!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Exactly this!

[@DavidBrown-hy4vm]

"Cheaty pants" have lost even if they win.

[@mikeforner7797]

i think im a meenie/weenie

[@FostertheMeeple]

Being a meanie is not a good thing!

[@erikohman2294]

I dont think "If it was fun it was a good game" holds up. I played a game way back that took more then an hour and a half to play. The rules where wierdly rigged for a draw. The tiebreaker was a die roll. Actions made by players hardly mattered in the end. There was hardly any interaction. For whatever reason this thing is an old "classic". People maniging to have fun in spite of a game doesnt make it a good one. People enjoying bad games dont make them non-gamers. It still hints at the ammount of time and effort they have to give.

[@FostertheMeeple]

I guess for us it's often much less about the game and more about our experience with that game. Everyone evaluates things differently and we lean more on experience vs breaking down and analyzing what a "good game" is because at the end of the day it's all subjective. So for us, the "If it was fun it was a good game" definitely holds up. But we can appreciate that it's not the same for everyone!

[@erikohman2294]

​@@FostertheMeeple What I mean is; I disgree with the idea that its all subjective. It is in part, but I belive viticulture really is objectivley better then that game my classmates where forced to make in school. Because of variety, preference and experience, various games can be enjoyed by various people. Still some are better and some are worse, If a game "feels to long" is subjective, but as you pretty much point out, a well designed game has a multitude of ways to combat that feeling, for instance. A game that doesnt drive towards the end, or a game where players must use precious resourses to end the game is more likley to be boring, because of its design flaw.

[@FostertheMeeple]

@@erikohman2294 I guess we have different opinions then? We play games to have fun with the people around us and each other. If that occurs, the game has achieved its goal.

[@erikohman2294]

@@FostertheMeeple Hmmm. if I say "the game my classmate did in school is worse then viticulture" would you say that this is only subjective? There is no way to claim such things objectivley?

[@DarthNVious]

Board Games teach you how rude, salty and toxic human beings truly are and that the only way to enjoy life is to play solo.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Sorry that’s your experience with them. Not ours at all though