MSN article

Linked article: 10 Great Family Table Games


Jill Jasper notes--albeit briefly--that Settlers of Catan (Mayfair Games, 1995) could benefit childhood development. She says, "this is a game that really teaches kids the value of conserving and trading," which, I would argue, is a lesson that not just children need to learn. Jasper's article suggests that ambitious games with strategic planning and interaction could train individuals how prepare for challenging situations that may require similar skills. She mentions that Catan is like Risk (Parker Brothers, 1957), "except with less risk." Catan is a sort of simulation by which participants can witness firsthand the impact of their decisions. From my own experience I might note that playing the thief on one of my sisters might beget retribution, whereas playing the thief on my other sister, would incur no abuse. For Jasper it seems that it is Catan's ability to train that makes it a great family game. It is useful for application because it mirrors aspects of real life in a way that other artistic mediums cannot. Catan--and games in general--give interactive experience to players, which are lessons that are not quickly forgotten.