English critic and satirist, Craig Brown, said “As a rough rule of thumb, I would say the smaller the pond, the more belligerent the fish.” In this game, resources are in high demand and hard to come by. As a hungry koi, your only goal is to survive by any means possible. This includes making sure your fellow koi go without a meal. In the end, survival doesn’t go to the fittest, but to the smartest fish. Continue reading
Chinese general, military strategist, writer and philosopher, Sun Tzu, said “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” This is absolutely the case for this game. To beat your opponent, you must wage a war of patience and tactics. Victory will go the cleverest of generals, not the strongest. Continue reading
Author, thought leader, and global champion for equal human rights, Bryant H. McGill, said “The world is not fair, and often fools, cowards, liars and the selfish hide in high places.” Scrooge is such an individual, high is station and influential, but for all the wrong reasons, making him a bane to humanity instead of a blessing. But on this Christmas Day, Scrooge is about to have a reckoning and you get to be a part of it. Continue reading
American businessman and philanthropist best known for his commercials for the Wendy’s fast-food restaurant, Dave Thomas, said “What do you need to start a business? Three simple things: know your product better than anyone, know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed.” In this game, each player is a restaurant entrepreneur. You have a dream, a vision, and a goal to be the most successful food truck company in your area. But you have competition and the venue is fierce. Only the most business savvy (and a bit lucky) will keep their company afloat. Continue reading
American religious leader and author, Thomas S. Monson, said “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.” The game of Secret Santa supports this ideal, by giving everyone a chance to provide a gift of gratitude in secret, knowing that they will receive nothing in return. In this game, players will try to determine who they need to thank for a secret gift they received. Continue reading
American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, political activist, and social critic, Avram Noam Chomsky, said “There are two problems for our species’ survival – nuclear war and environmental catastrophe – and we’re hurtling towards them. Knowingly.” Our species – Humans – are capable of tremendous damage, but we also have the capacity to create. And more importantly, to protect. In this game, you are racing against time to save animals from the destructive greed of mankind. Continue reading
American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson, said “Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” I don’t think “luck” is something you need to believe or disbelieve in. It’s just what we call the outcome of random possibilities that are not in our perceived control. Get off your high horse, Emerson! In this game, skill is set aside and replaced with the very real sense that the universe is on your side or laughing at you. Continue reading
Best selling self-help book author, Karen Salmansohn, said “Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow you into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.” Communication is key to our species’ survival. From the very first hand motion telling another Neanderthal that a giant tiger was nearby to a child telling their parents that their stomach hurts. Without communication, we cannot share, grow, or assist. Making a game out of this essential skill further strengthens bonds with friends and family. Continue reading
English singer-songwriter and actor, Eric Burdon, said “Inside each of us, there is the seed of both good and evil. It’s a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot exist without the other.” In this game, evil and good take different sides, fighting against the other for control. Time is on the side of evil, but those who champion good have many tools at their disposal to obtain victory. Who wins between the two is a matter of smart card plays and impeccable timing. Continue reading
English philosopher, physician, and Father of Liberalism, John Locke, said “Any one reflecting upon the thought he has of the delight, which any present or absent thing is apt to produce in him, has the idea we call love.” Pause for a moment and reflect. What do you like best? What makes you laugh? Who do you enjoy spending time with? Your answers and those from others might surprise you. Continue reading
English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic, George Orwell, said “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” In this game, players will be rescuing animals and returning them to their homes, ensuring they are safe and sound. But as Mr. Orwell alluded to, not every animal is worth saving, nor are they of the same value. In the end, it will be up to the player to determine their worth. Continue reading
United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) under President Lyndon Johnson, John W. Gardner, said “Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” But what if your “ordinary” is already “extraordinary”? In this school of magic, to be the very best, you must prove that you not only have what it takes to control immense magical powers, but also have the wit to know when to focus on your own goals or see the goals of others as a means to personal success. Continue reading
