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Board Games and Creativity: Playfulness as a Mediator

Author

Listed:
  • Maxence Mercier
  • Samira Bourgeois-Bougrine
  • Todd Lubart

Abstract

Background Games, and board games in particular, have shown themselves to be a promising avenue to help improve creative potential. However, these findings do not explain the reason as to why board games would be linked to or improve creativity. This paper focuses on one particular variable that could mediate the links between board game play habits and creativity: playfulness. Method This quantitative study first examined whether board game play habits are positively related to two creativity measures: creative self-concept and creativity in the workplace. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that playfulness would have a mediating effect between board game play habits and creativity outcomes. Data was collected from 327 French workers using online recruitment through social networks, by means of a questionnaire-based survey. Results Results show that board game play habits are positively correlated with both creativity in the workplace and creative self-concept. Furthermore, the adult playfulness dimension of fun-seeking motivation mediate the relationship between board game play habits and both creativity in the workplace and creative self-concept. Discussion Playing more board games is associated with higher playfulness, which in turn is associated with more creativity in the workplace and higher creative self-concept. These findings suggest that encouraging board game play, notably playing a broad range of board games, could help foster playfulness and thus improve creativity.

Suggested Citation

  • Maxence Mercier & Samira Bourgeois-Bougrine & Todd Lubart, 2025. "Board Games and Creativity: Playfulness as a Mediator," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 56(1), pages 63-83, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:simgam:v:56:y:2025:i:1:p:63-83
    DOI: 10.1177/10468781241289512
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ohly, Sandra, 2018. "Promoting Creativity at Work – Implications for Scientific Creativity," European Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 26(S1), pages 91-99, February.
    2. Hsu-Chan Kuo & Tzu-Lien Weng & Chih-Ching Chang & Chu-Yang Chang, 2023. "Designing Our Own Board Games in the Playful Space: Improving High School Student’s Citizenship Competencies and Creativity through Game-Based Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-19, February.
    3. Jungkyu Park & Kwangho Lee, 2017. "Using board games to improve mathematical creativity," International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 12(1), pages 49-58.
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