A dedicated board game shelf is more than just storage. It’s a way to show off your collection and do better justice to both the games themselves and your game nights.

But instead of settling for a generic bookshelf, why not build one yourself? A custom board game shelf lets you tailor the space to fit your collection perfectly, while adding a personal touch to your gaming setup.

Honestly, making one is better than getting even the most stylish IKEA shelf that was made for books, not board games.

To help you out, we’ve gathered some essential tips and steps to help you build a shelf that’s both practical and eye-catching. And, to bring in some hands-on expertise, we spoke to Jarrad Sauvage, an avid board gamer, craftsman and rooftop plumber from Melbourne, who’s built several custom shelves for himself and his friends.

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Before grabbing tools or buying wood, start by planning out your shelf design. Think about the size and shape of your board game collection, and keep in mind that board games tend to multiply, not shrink in number or size. Would a tall, narrow shelf work better to save space? Or a wider, lower setup that lets you display games at eye level and serves THEM better?

Jarrad tells us, “One of the first things I tell friends when they want a custom shelf is to think about how their collection will grow. You don’t want to build a thing of which you’ll need another in six months.”

Jarrad’s designs tend to have adjustable shelves, so he can grow them as much as he wants. (Which he does.)

No two board games boxes were made equal, so adjustable shelving will be particularly helpful. You can start with basic measurements: determine the height, width, and depth of your unit based on your wall space and the average dimensions of your game boxes.

Step 2: Choose Your Materials

The materials you choose will define both the look and durability of your shelf. Solid wood, like pine or oak, offers a classic look and can easily support the weight of heavier game boxes.

For a more affordable option, consider plywood, which can be stained or painted to match whatever you want it to match.

If you want a more steampunk vibe, you can add some metal brackets or pipes. Jarrad prefers rustic to industrial look though, so he usually uses reclaimed wood. “For one of the shelves I built, I used wood from an old fence,” he says. “It was sturdy, had character, and gave the shelf a look that you just can’t get with new wood.”

Make sure to choose materials that can handle the weight. A full shelf of board games can be surprisingly heavy, and you’ll likely want to add a book or ten as well. So investing in quality materials will help your shelf stay stable over time.

Step 3: Assemble the Tools You’ll Need

Once you’ve settled on your design and materials, it’s time to grab the stuff you’ll need to work them. While the tools can vary depending on your materials and design, here’s a basic list to get started:

• Power drill
• Screws and wood glue
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Saw (a circular saw or jigsaw is ideal)
• Sandpaper (if you’re using wood)
• Paint or wood stain (optional)

If you’re new to DIY projects, don’t worry—most of these tools are easy to handle with a bit of practice. Make sure to measure carefully and double-check your work as you go, especially if you’re working with limited space.

Step 4: Build the Frame and Add Shelving

With your materials prepped and tools ready, it’s time to start building!

The logical place to start is the frame. Assemble the outer structure using screws and wood glue, making sure everything is level and sturdy. If you’ve chosen adjustable shelving, install brackets at even intervals along the sides to hold the shelves in place.

When adding the shelves, consider the height you need for each section based on your game boxes.

Many board game boxes come in standard sizes, but it’s always a good idea to leave a bit of extra room, especially for odd-sized games. After all, you know the rule: every good game needs an expansion pack or two!

Jarrad recommends adding a lip or ledge to the front of each shelf to keep the boxes from sliding off. “Nothing’s worse than a wobbly shelf. True, most games aren’t heavy enough to fall off, but still,” he says. “Adding a small lip keeps everything in place, especially if your shelf will live on carpet or a less stable floor.”

Step 5: Sand, Paint, and Finish

Once your shelf is assembled, take the time to sand down any rough edges, especially if you’re using wood. This step will give the final product a nice and smooth look.

If you’re using reclaimed wood or prefer a rustic look, you might decide to skip extensive sanding—just a quick touch-up to remove any splinters around the corners should do the trick. The only point of this is to not get hurt as you take your boxes or put them back.

Next, choose your finish. If you prefer a natural look, wood stain can bring out the grain and give your shelf a polished appearance. For a more modern touch, consider painting it in a color that complements your room or even adding a pop of color if it suits your concept.

Adding a clear sealant as a final step will help protect your shelf from the impact of time. Needless to say, it’s completely optional!

Step 6: Organize and Display Your Games

With your shelf complete, it’s time for the fun part—arranging your games!

Organize them in a way that’s easy to navigate and visually appealing. You might sort by game size, genre, or frequency of play. And don’t be afraid to add some decorative touches like small figures, bookends, or plants to make the shelf on-theme.

Jarrad likes to keep the jewels of his collection at eye-level. “If you’re wanting to show off your collection (and who doesn’t?), arrange it so the best-looking boxes are front and center. Makes a big difference when people walk in.”

Or, if you’re especially proud of classics that have been around for centuries, you can choose to display them at the top.

Tips for the Perfect Custom Shelf

• Lighting: Adding LED strip lights can really make your board game shelf stand out, highlighting your collection and making each box easy to find.
• Sturdiness: Make sure the shelf is anchored to the wall if it’s tall or in a high-traffic area. Safety is crucial, especially if you have kids or pets around.
• Future Proofing: If you’re constantly adding to your collection, consider leaving space for new games or having modular shelves that you can rearrange or expand over time.

Creating a custom board game shelf can be a rewarding project, giving you a unique way to display your collection and making game nights easier and more enjoyable. With these tips and some careful planning, you’ll have a shelf that’s built to last—and one that brings a bit of personality into your gaming space.

As Jarrad puts it, “Building something yourself means you get exactly what you want, and it’s a bit of fun, too. Plus, every time I walk past mine, I get that little satisfaction knowing it’s my own work.”

They didn’t start yesterday, with Monopoly or Connect Four.

They didn’t even start 50 or 100 years ago.

In fact, some estimates have it that the oldest board game that we know of is nearly 5 millennia old! It was invented and enjoyed by ancient Mesopotamians. (We’re still waiting for someone to dig out the remnants of snacks that went with it.)

How is it possible?

The thing is, board games reflect our social values, technological advances, and timeless need for connection and challenge. Theirs is a history that speaks to our shared humanity, showing how, across centuries and cultures, the joy of playing together remains as strong as ever.

Let’s explore how they’ve transformed from simple dice games played by ancient civilizations to the complex, story-driven experiences of today.

Ancient Beginnings: The Birth of Board Games

Board games date back thousands of years. Some of the earliest known examples were played in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China. Our ancestors seem to have valued entertainment and strategy just as much as we do today!

One of the oldest recorded board games is Senet, a game played in Egypt as early as 3100 BCE. Archaeologists have discovered Senet boards in tombs. And if Egyptians deigned to bury an object in a big, important tomb, it means it was deemed super precious!

But what could be the role of Senet? We can’t know for sure, but it probably had to do with the deceased person’s journey through the afterlife. Since ancient Egyptians aren’t known to be fans of fun, it may have had the symbolic role to help through the many trials along the way. The game involved moving pieces across a grid of squares. But, you guessed right, its exact rules remain somewhat mysterious due to limited records.

Meanwhile, in Mesopotamia, another ancient game that we know as The Royal Game of Ur was probably first played around 2600 BCE. The game’s board, discovered in a royal tomb in the ancient city of Ur, resembles a modern backgammon board and involves dice-based movement and racing strategies.

Thanks to British archaeologist Sir Leonard Woolley’s findings, we know more about The Royal Game of Ur’s rules, which involve skill and chance and mirror the complexities of daily life.

Moving eastward, Go emerged in China over 2,500 years ago. You know those black and white round stones sitting on a wooden board? That’s the one!

Go is unique among ancient games for its simplicity in design yet deep strategic complexity, which has led to its continued popularity worldwide.

The game involves surrounding the opponent’s stones on a grid, requiring careful planning and adaptability—qualities highly valued in Chinese culture and in modern strategy games alike.

Medieval Games: The Rise of Strategy (& Social Ranks!)

As civilizations grew, so did the complexity of board games. During the medieval period, games began incorporating elements of warfare and political strategy. The most famous example from this era is chess, which originated in India around the 5th century under the name chaturanga.

The game later traveled to Persia, where it was called shatranj, and then spread across Europe in the Middle Ages. It likely evolved to the form we know today some 600 years ago.

And that doesn’t surprise either. When you see a chess board, you just know it has to do with the middle age. Just look at the ranks of kings, queens, knights, pawns, who win or lose by using strategy.

Unlike earlier games that relied heavily on chance, chess focused on skill, foresight, and planning, traits that continue to make it a global classic.

In Europe, the medieval period also saw games like Nine Men’s Morris, a two-player strategy game that dates back to at least 1400 BCE but gained popularity in medieval England. Players aim to form “mills” or lines of three, allowing them to capture opponent pieces.

This simple yet strategic game paved the way for modern abstract strategy games that rely on player skill rather than luck.

The Industrial Revolution and Mass Production: Games for the Masses

The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century transformed board games from handmade items into mass-produced products. This made games affordable and accessible, allowing more people to enjoy them as leisure activities.

It was during this time that The Game of the Goose, an old, 15th-century Italian race game with dice, spread across Europe. The game involves moving pieces along a spiral, aiming to reach the end while avoiding setbacks, much like today’s family games that are easy to learn and play.

In the United States, Monopoly emerged during the Great Depression. Small wonder when you look at the theme!

Originally developed as “The Landlord’s Game” by Elizabeth Magie in 1904 to illustrate the dangers of land monopolies, the game was later adapted into the version we know today. Monopoly became a hit, symbolizing the American dream of wealth and success—while also ironically highlighting the socioeconomic struggles many faced.

Interwar & Post-War Boom: Family Games and the Golden Age

Deeper into the 20th century, board games experienced a boom as families sought affordable home entertainment. Classic family games like Scrabble and Clue (known as Cluedo outside North America) rose to popularity during this time.

Scrabble, invented by Alfred Butts in 1938, capitalized on a love for wordplay and vocabulary, while Clue, designed in 1943 by Anthony E. Pratt, brought the intrigue of a murder mystery into living rooms everywhere.

Another hallmark of this era was Risk, a game of world domination created in 1957 by French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse. Risk was one of the first games to offer a global perspective, as players maneuver armies to conquer territories. Its blend of chance and strategic planning inspired countless other war-based games, establishing it as a classic in its genre.

Genres of Our Time: Eurogames and Story-Driven Experiences

In the 1990s, a new wave of board games began to emerge, largely thanks to the influence of Eurogames—a genre of games characterized by indirect conflict, resource management, and strategic depth.

One of the jewels in this genre is Catan (originally The Settlers of Catan), designed by Klaus Teuber in 1995. Catan introduced the concept of resource trading and development, with players competing to build settlements and gain points. This collaborative yet competitive style captivated audiences worldwide and opened the door to an explosion of Eurogames.

Around the same time, Magic: The Gathering, the first collectible card game, became a global phenomenon. Created by Richard Garfield in 1993, Magic combined strategic depth with elements of luck and collectability, leading to its immense success and inspiring a genre of trading card games.

In recent years, board games have embraced even more storytelling elements, with titles like Gloomhaven and Pandemic Legacy blending traditional gameplay with immersive narratives. These games create ongoing experiences where choices made in one session affect future games, bringing a novel twist to the board game experience and cementing the trend of story-driven gameplay.

The Digital Age: Board Games Meet Tech

Today, board games continue to evolve, intersecting with technology in new ways. Digital adaptations of popular games like Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, and Terraforming Mars allow players to connect and compete across distances. Online platforms and apps make it easier to play board games remotely, introducing new audiences to classic titles while keeping traditional gamers connected.

At the same time, the tactile nature of physical board games keeps them relevant, providing a screen-free activity that encourages face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world.

Board game nights are one of those rare activities that bring people together, spark connections, and let you share a bit of friendly competition. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned gamer or just dipping your toes into the world of board games—hosting a game night can be a lot of fun.

Of course, getting started can feel a little overwhelming.

What games should you choose? How do you keep the mood lively and engaging?

It’s hard to promise anything in an area sensitive such as this one. But these tips should help ANYONE throw a board game night others will remember (for all the right reasons).

1. Pick the Right Games

The success of your game night hinges, of course, on choosing the right game for your group.

So what does that mean in practical terms?

If you’re inviting people with varying levels of experience, avoid games that are too complex or take hours to complete. Some games take quite a while to even learn. And too many instances of “Erm, what am I supposed to do now?” can be a bit too much of a downer for everyone. (Though in my experience, it can be fun too!)

In other words, aim for games that are easy to learn and quick to set up, especially if you have a mix of experienced players and beginners.

Classic options like Codenames, Ticket to Ride, or Sushi Go! are perfect starters—they’re engaging but not overwhelming.

If you’re not 100% positive your guests will even like playing, you can get games that take under an hour to complete. Many of those are very customizable. So if the gang likes them, you can easily start over and improvise.

If you’re hosting a group of hardcore board gamers, don’t hesitate to go for more elaborate titles like Scythe or Gloomhaven. Just make sure you have the rulebook handy and that someone is confident enough to explain the mechanics clearly.

(Also, make sure to allocate enough time for nights after nights in a row, as this will likely take some time.)

On the other hand, if you’re a board game addict and are seeking likeminded souls, clubs may be available in your area. Julian Allardyce, an Aussie board game buff who makes a living in exterior cleaning in Wollongong, recalls his teenage years spent at one such club in Sydney.

“I remember back when I was as young as 15, the club I went to was all about hooking in new people. We always started with simpler, collaborative games because it made everyone feel like they were part of the team. Especially if someone was shy or felt out of their depth, you could see them light up when they made a move that saved the group,” he tells us over email.

2. Set the Atmosphere

A great board game night isn’t just about the games themselves—it’s about the whole experience. So setting the right atmosphere can elevate your event from casual hangout to something memorable.

A comfortable, well-lit space is essential. (Note to self: not everyone will feel comfortable having to squint at the cards because you love your lamps.)

Make sure there’s enough table space for everyone, and, if possible, use a round or square table so everyone feels included and has equal access to the game components.

Don’t forget about the music. A little background music can go a long way in setting a relaxed, enjoyable vibe. Just keep it subtle—nothing too loud or distracting. Instrumental tracks or themed playlists (like medieval tunes for a fantasy game) can work perfectly, adding atmosphere without pulling focus away from the game.

But if there’s, at any time, a request to turn it off, it means things have gone really deep. Do it by all means!

3. Snacks and Drinks: Keep It Simple

Food and drinks are a must for any social gathering, but for board game nights, they should be easy to grab and mess-free. Think finger foods—chips, pretzels, veggie sticks, or bite-sized sandwiches. Avoid anything sticky or greasy (no one wants smudged game pieces!).

For drinks, offer a mix that suits your group, from soft drinks to mocktails or beer, and be sure to keep water on hand. Game nights often stretch longer than expected, and in the excitement, no one will remember to stay hydrated unless it’s right there in front of them.

Want to add a fun twist? Themed snacks that match your games can be a great touch. Dragon cupcakes or a medieval cheese board pair nicely with fantasy games, while sushi rolls are a perfect nod to Sushi Go!

(Let’s admit it, though: if you aren’t THAT eager to please or don’t have extra hours to prep it all, it’s totally fine.)

4. You’ve Got Some Homework to Do…

… And it’s not just buying tons of nibble. (Though that’s homework too.)

One of the biggest pitfalls of a board game night is struggling with rules. No one wants to spend the first hour deciphering a rulebook.

To avoid this, familiarize yourself with the rules of the games you plan to play beforehand. Watch tutorial videos or play a practice round with a friend or your humble self. This way, you can confidently explain the game to your guests, making the learning process quicker and smoother.

For larger gatherings, assigning a “rules master” can be a game-changer. This person becomes the go-to for any rule-related questions, keeping the night running smoothly and avoiding those pauses where everyone’s scratching their heads. Julian recalls, “In my board game group, we had this one guy who knew the rules to every game by heart—like a real board game wizard! Whenever things got confusing, he’d jump in to explain, sometimes even acting out parts to make it clearer. It kept the night fun and avoided those awkward moments where no one was quite sure what to do next.”

5. Start Small and Build Up

If you’re hosting for beginners, start with short, simple games that wrap up in 30 minutes or less. This helps everyone ease into things, giving them a quick win and a sense of accomplishment before diving into anything more complex.

Quick, lighthearted card games like Exploding Kittens or UNO work perfectly to break the ice. Then, as everyone settles in and gets comfortable, you can move on to longer or more strategic games that offer a bit more depth.

6. Mix Up the Game Styles

Keep things interesting by mixing up the types of games you play. Variety is the secret to keeping everyone engaged!

So don’t stick to just one style—blend in cooperative games, competitive games, and even a party game or two. Cooperative games like Pandemic or Forbidden Island are perfect for building team spirit, while competitive ones like Catan challenge your friends’ negotiation skills and strategy.

And for some extra laughs, throw in a party game like Charades or Pictionary to lighten the mood. Even guests who aren’t big on board games can jump in and have fun with these.

7. Be Flexible and Have Fun

While planning is key, the heart of a great board game night is staying flexible and keeping things fun. Not every game will go perfectly—and that’s totally fine. If you notice a game isn’t holding everyone’s interest or feels like it’s dragging on, don’t hesitate to switch it up or take a break.

The whole point is to create a fun, relaxed experience, not to stick rigidly to a plan. Fun is, after all, one of the major reasons why we love board games to begin with!

Julian, a seasoned player, puts it well: “The best game nights are the ones where everyone’s just having a laugh, whether the game’s going to plan or not. I remember this one night where the rules were so confusing that we ended up making up our own, and it became a running joke for months. It’s less about the games and more about the memories you create together.”

But he does add a word of caution: “Making up your own rules is great…sometimes. It doesn’t always work, so read the room and go with the flow.”

8. Have a Backup Plan

Even with the best planning, game nights can sometimes hit a snag—a game might not click with the group, or it could end faster than expected. That’s why it’s smart to have a few backup games on hand. Classic card games like Uno or quick party games like Just One can be lifesavers when you need to switch things up in a hurry. Having a backup keeps the energy high and gives you the flexibility to keep the fun rolling, even if the night takes an unexpected turn.

Board games have been around since probably forever, wowing people from ancient Egypt to modern-day game cafes. While designs, rules, and themes have evolved over time, one thing is constant: the joy and excitement board games bring to people.

But why do we find so much pleasure (or may we say, delight? verve? solace?) in gathering around a table, rolling dice, and moving pieces across a board?

The answer isn’t merely the joy of competition or problem solving.

It isn’t even a single answer. We managed to count at least seven answers, all of whom lie deep within the psychology of human behavior. They boil down to our desire for connection, challenge, and creativity.

1. The Social Bond

At their core, board games are a social experience. They bring people together: from family and friends you know all too well, to strangers you’ve only just met. In today’s hectic, digitally social, sometimes not-so-social world, opportunities for face-to-face interaction oftentimes feel rare.

In contrast to it all, board games provide a structured setting where people can engage directly, share laughter, and enjoy healthy competition.

When we play a board game, we aren’t just passing the time. We’re forming connections. And that’s why it feels so much better than tapping the hours away on our phones.

The moments of camaraderie when a friend makes a brilliant move (and you deign to praise it openly!) or the friendly banter over who gets to be the banker—these experiences foster a sense of belonging and shared memory.

To better understand the appeal of the phenomenon, we talked to several self-proclaimed board game fanatics. “Board games are how I connect with the people I love,” tells us Isla Roberts, a passionate collector and aficionado who makes a living by working at a Logan tree removal service.

“I’ve always been someone who loves solving problems and working through puzzles, but doing it with friends or family adds an extra layer of joy. Especially when it doesn’t work! There’s nothing quite like beating a tough game together, seeing how you’re getting better and better, or laughing over silly mistakes.”

2. The Thrill of Competition

Humans are naturally competitive, and board games tap into this primal instinct.

They offer a safe environment to test our skills, strategize, and pit our wits against others without the consequences of real-life competition. It’s no wonder that classic games like chess or newer titles like Catan are so popular; they provide a platform for us to engage in complex problem-solving, outmaneuver opponents, and experience the satisfaction of a victory earned after hours, sometimes days or weeks of play.

But the thrill of competition is not just about winning; it’s about the journey. The suspenseful moments when the outcome of a game hangs by a thread keep us on the edge of our seats. This unpredictability results in a rush of adrenaline, a sense of excitement that hooks us and makes us come back for more.

3. An Avenue for Escapism and Creativity

Board games offer something that few other pastimes do: the opportunity to step into another world, even if just for an hour or two.

Whether you’re navigating the intricate politics of a fantasy realm in Game of Thrones: The Board Game or trying to survive a post-apocalyptic world in Dead of Winter, these games transport players into different narratives. This form of escapism allows us to detach from our everyday worries and immerse ourselves in a story where we can be heroes, villains, explorers, or merchants.

Let’s be honest, forgotten or long-gone realms of middle ages or phantasy worlds are something we’re all drawn to. The sheer romanticism of it all is hard to resist even for digital generations.

Roberts shares, “I think what drew me into board games was the creativity and the storytelling aspect. I started with classic games when I was young, but as I got older, I discovered this entire universe of games that weren’t just about winning—they were about building stories and creating memories. That’s what made me fall in love with it all over again.”

Many modern board games focus heavily on storytelling elements, making the experience feel more like a collaborative narrative than a mere competition. Role-playing games (RPGs) like Gloomhaven or Dungeons & Dragons are prime examples of this, where players take on roles and work together to shape the course of the game.

This collaborative element of storytelling and creativity is not only engaging but also helps players strengthen their cognitive and imaginative skills. More on that in the next section!

4. Cognitive Benefits and Mental Stimulation

It’s not just about fun—board games can be good for our brains, too.

Many games require strategic thinking, planning ahead, and adapting to new situations. This mental exercise sharpens critical thinking skills, enhances problem-solving abilities, and improves memory. Games like Ticket to Ride, where players must plan routes and anticipate others’ moves, or Pandemic, which challenges teams to coordinate and strategize under pressure, are more than just pastimes—they’re workouts for the mind.

Studies after studies have shown that engaging in such mentally stimulating activities can help keep the mind sharp, particularly as we age. For children, these games are invaluable learning tools, teaching them how to follow rules, think critically, and collaborate with others.

For adults, especially in a world that increasingly relies on digital screens, board games offer a refreshing way to engage the mind without technology.

5. The Satisfaction of Achievement

Winning is fun, but the sense of achievement in board games goes beyond scoring more than your opponent does.

Many board games will give you rewards for solving puzzles, completing objectives, or successfully collaborating with others. And why do we all love rewards so much? The key is called dopamine. It’s being triggered by precisely this sense of achievement.

Dopamine is the brain’s feel-good chemical, making us feel satisfied and fulfilled. Just like a notification on Instagram does, only much more holistic and healthy!

Cooperative board games, where all players work toward a common goal, often amplify this feeling much more than a single win can. When the group succeeds, there’s a collective sense of accomplishment that unites players.

Even in competitive games, achieving a small victory, like completing a difficult strategy or perfectly executing a move, provides a burst of satisfaction that keeps players engaged and motivated.

6. Nostalgia and Comfort

It’s an undeniable fact: board games evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Many people associate board games with their childhood, family gatherings, or simpler times. Playing a favorite classic game, like Monopoly or Scrabble, can transport us back to those moments, providing a comforting sense of familiarity. This nostalgia is powerful—it connects us to our past while offering a form of relaxation in the present.

For Roberts, it’s all about the feeling of comfort and joy. “Sometimes, I’ll pull out an old game like Clue or Sorry!, and it just takes me back. Even to some people who are no longer with me, like my grandma who taught me to play cards, Sorry!, and a bit of chess! There’s something magical about how a board with a bunch of colorful trinkets can instantly bring back happy times with family and friends. It’s those feelings that make board games such an essential part of my life, even now.”

The book worms among us will recognize the little things that have the power to catapult us back into our past. Doesn’t it sound a bit like Proust’s magic madeleine cookie?

Only, you don’t have to eat this one.

7. Cultural Artefacts

Plainly and simply, board games can be beautiful in the most classic sense of the word.

Just holding meeples, tokens or miniatures of characters or units, and maneuvering them across a map is an endearingly physical experience that can’t be matched by playing video games.

On the other hand, once you master a board game or have had enough of it, it can sit on a shelf as part of your collection of valuables. Especially if they are wooden!

Not to mention the many expansion packs that board games tend to have, with some of them getting discontinued and then hunted down on eBay and other second-hand marketplaces.

But there’s something special about these pieces even when they aren’t beautiful in the strictest sense. Cutting out and decorating boards, cards and tokens to DIY a game is an equally social and physical experience that you’ll also want to keep. “We still have a Medieval-opoly that my daughter made a few years ago. It doesn’t look like much as none of us are particularly crafty! But it was a special experience for her, and we spent many nights playing,” Roberts sums it up.

So next time you sit down for a game night, remember: you’re not just rolling dice or moving pieces; you’re engaging in a timeless tradition that taps into the core of what it means to be human.