Asmodee Research details first thesis project exploring cognitive effects of board gaming
Asmodee Group has detailed the first thesis project supported by its Asmodee Research division, exploring the impact of playing board games on cognitive functional development.
Last year, Asmodee Research launched an appeal for candidates for whom it could finance a thesis based on board games. That will now come to fruition in a three-year project led by Léa Martinez from the University of Poitiers’ Research Centre on Condition and Learning.
The project will focus on three key aspects:
– Examining the effects of playing board games on executive functions, initially among adults before expanding to apply a developmental approach to adolescents in the second phase.
– Determining the psychological factors that underline the relationship between board games, executive functions and educational achievement.
– Exploring whether digital board games have the same impact as analogue ones, by comparing the influence of specific games with their digitally adapted counterparts.
The overall aim of the thesis project is to provide recommendations of board games which are provably beneficial not only to the players’ personal experiences, but also to their cognitive development and daily learning.
“These past few months have proved the impact and the social role of board games, beyond just being fun,” said Stéphane Carville, CEO of the Asmodee Group.
“They have enabled us all to play together, in the comfort and safety of our homes, providing some relief, adventure and pleasure. We are convinced that playing games harbours greater potential and can play a truly educational and developmental role in our society.
“Through Asmodee Research, we intend to demonstrate that and are delighted to support this first thesis which we hope will prove useful.”
Head of Asmodee Research, Mikaël Le Bourhis, added: “Two years ago, at the launch of the programme, we made promises and announced our ambitions. This first thesis represents a tangible expression of our commitment to fulfil our engagements.”
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