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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