Self play games

Games Without Players – Molleindustria

This is the transcript of a talk I gave at the 2020 Play Festival. The festival normally takes place in Hamburg but was moved online due to COVID.  It’s a sequel to my previous Indiepocalypse talk. The Google Slides can be found here , a pixelated video recording is here.

Today I’m gonna talk about games without players. And not just as a thought experiment, but as material necessity As a possible way to deal with the contradictions of the attention economy.

In the last decade we have witnessed a democratization of the means of production of videogames.
Anybody can make games thanks to tools, communities, attitudes. And thanks to the opening of digital distribution channels.

The most successful companies today don’t make money by selling content, services or commodities but by distributing it, by controlling their marketplaces. When we democratize the means of production and distribution we should expect a proliferation of cultural producers and cultural products.

More recently people have been to talking about the Indiepocalypse in games.
A phenomenon related to:
*The seemingly exponential increase in the number of releases.
*The decreasing sales and revenues, even when take into account quality and reviews.
*A winner take all distribution of sales and time.

These are trends that threaten the commercial sustainability of independent game making

We can argue about the statistics, we can argue whether having “too many games” is good or bad, but regardless I believe there is a inherent tension and a crisis of overproduction.
Because games need to be played. Playing takes time. And our time, our attention, is a scarce resource. A resource that is contended by many industries, Social media, online television, our employers and so on…

The amount of free time we have, and the way we spend it didn’t change much in the last 15 years. At least in the US (where it’s regularly tracked).

The time spent playing games did increase, but not by much.

A couple of years ago I gave a talk about possible and impossible ways to continue making games in this crisis of attention (you can find it online) Some solutions I outlined were:

Finding new audiences Human and non human.

Demanding more free time.

Making games that colonize new spaces and context in our lives.

Decommodifying games. Funding culturally valuable games as a public goods, so they don’t need to find large paying audiences.

But there’s another approach that involves rethinking not only what games are but also what their place and purpose in our lives is.
It’s the idea of games without players. Or the idea of partially, gradually, decoupling games from an extremely competitive attention economy.

This process is already happening organically with esports, and youtube streamers.

You don’t have to be a committed player to be part of the gaming community. Millions of people consume games passively.
And you can do that while doing other things: maybe the stream is on another tab or another screen.
Game spectatorship fits our fragmented attention better than being totally immersed in a game.

Another early indicator was the popularity of Farmville and many social games that kind of run in the background.

Like Neko Atsune, which is a virtual pet collecting game. You have to check now and then, it’s more of a pleasant compulsion than a game in the traditional sense.

Farmville may not be as popular anymore but many top selling games on mobile are clicker games Also known as idle games or incremental games. In games like Cookie Clicker you can progress with little action, you can keep them running at work, or while you are playing other games.

Clicker games started as a parody of Farmville. Cow Clicker was a minimalist distillation of the addicting Facebook games circa 2010. But people got really into it.

Universal Paperclips, a more recent hit in the genre, is also ironic and… self-aware. But most of idle games are not really jokes, and they are not satirical.

The most notable precursor of idle games was Progress Quest which satirized leveling and grinding in RPG games. It doesn’t even require clicks. You just run it and it plays itself. Your hero kills monsters, collects loot, levels up.
It’s a zero player game or a self playing game.

Self playing games have always been quite popular in the art world.
If you want to put a game in a museum, if you want to make art with games or game engines, it helps if they are not interactive.
A game that plays itself looks clever, subversive. The artist mods or breaks a commercial game in a purposeful way creating an enigmatic object that is in dialogue with generative art. And besides, a lot of people are not comfortable with interacting with computers in a museum anyway.

DeResFX. Kill(KarmaPhysics < Elvis) by Brody Condon (2004)
A radical Unreal Tournament mod (before Unreal was an engine)

This collection of hacked bowling games play themselves in perpetuity. They use sophisticated controller hacks. Maybe it’s a reference to the famous book Bowling Alone about the decline of American communities.

And you know, it’s a really cool installation to watch, it mirrors a bowling lane with its life-size projections. It’s a history of bowling games representations across different consoles. It makes you think about the evolution of interfaces and graphics, how different designers approached the same “problems”…

If idle games rely on scheduled rewards and an abstract sense of progress. Artistic self-playing games aim to produce an aesthetic effect. They are compelling because they are unpredictable and rich even without human intervention.

This is a Quake Mod that creates music and glitch visual from a battle between the bots. The bots are kind of struggling in this unfamiliar low gravity world.

This is Emissary, a trilogy of self playing games by Ian Cheng. They are agent based simulations, they have characters and they look very much like indie games. They also have a rich lore and a consistent world.

They are museum pieces: you sit and watch them running, wondering about the relationships between these creatures, their strange rituals and habits.

Some self playing games found a market outside of the art world. David OReilly Mountain is a popular one. It shows a mountain and its thoughts. Objects randomly crash and accumulate over a long period of time.  It’s an existential virtual pet

Mountain’s follow up Everything, is even more interesting because while it’s played in a rather traditional way with a controller, it also has a self-playing mode that kicks in automatically when you are not interacting with it. It seamlessly moves from one player to zero player. From game to screen saver. And this is very consistent with the game’s philosophy which is all about decentering the human perspective. You are not the hero, You are just a node in an interconnected world. A world that seems to exists before you, and continues to exists after you stop playing.

In Abzu the self playing areas are unlockable features. They turn the exploration game into a kind of relaxing screen saver. It makes me wonder if games can occupy the space of fish tanks. The fish tanks is somewhere between a pet and a piece furniture.

Watch this video on YouTube

Dreeps is a richly illustrated zero player games. It plays like an rpg: it’s a kind of graphical Progress Quest.

Two interesting things about Dreeps: it’s probably the only self playing game that directly addresses the attention economy. It’s pitched as game for people with no time.

It also tries to avoid the compulsion loop. It’s subtitled “alarm playing game”, because you can set an alarm to check the progress. It’s an efficient background game that really respects your time.

Some self playing games derive from traditional games And just replace human players with bots Meaning the the AI that is built in the game. One artistic example is the musical Quake mod I showed before.

Another popular one is Salty Bet It’s a continuously streamed series of matches on the fighting game engine MUGEN Which includes hundreds of characters ripped from commercial games or created by the community The game is entirely played by the AI And the human players just spectate and bet fake money

And what about the Autochess or auto battle genre? It started as a mod of DOTA and it became its own esport. Players set up their team of creatures in a chessboard like arena and watch them fighting. It does require attention and interaction, but it’s just in the set up phase, it is mostly a self-playing game.

Watch this video on YouTube

This is a neural network learning to play mario It it’s not a bot in that it’s not programmed to behave like a human It just knows the state of the game, the inputs and parameter of success It start pressing buttons at random and over time it learns to avoid obstacles and enemies. This is field of research in AI, or better, Machine Learning Not different from AI playing Chess or GO Automating play is a fun problem to solve if you are a programmer And I wonder if it can become a higher level of play

Watch this video on YouTube

AI played games are related to programming and bot games Like Core War or gladiatorbots Screeps is a competitive real time strategy game in which you program the behavior of your unit And let your AI fight against other people AI unsupervised, While you are sleeping, or working

I like how Screeps has its own business model, because the AIs have to run continuously on the cloud.
Somebody has to pay for nobody to play.

There are other competitive games in which you program AI or autonomous agents: Gladiatorbots, or the assembly game Core War from 1984. Or even Conway’s Game of life, which is a cellular automata, a sandbox simulation that you set up and let run. It’s not quite a game but people can design/discover emergent combinations and share their patterns.

Watch this video on YouTube

AI and bot programming games are a niche genre because coding is still a specialized skill. To me they feel more work than play.
But I can see this genre crossing over with single-player programming games like Fantastic Contraption, 7 Billion Humans, Factorio, or many Zachatronics games, or this one still in development called Crescent Loom. All these games figured out intuitive, playful ways to program behaviors.
I think we still haven’t had the breakthrough title in this category, the Minecraft, or DOTA hit that popularizes a niche genre.

San Andreas Deer cam is both an artistic mod, a bot game, and a self playing game. It’s a mod of GTA V that replaces the main character with the NPC deer from the game.
It was left streaming on twitch for months and gained a big following. It provided plenty of entertainment because GTA V is huge and very emergent. It’s also a meaningful piece. The deer is nature’s trickster causing mayhem and slapstick comedy in the humans’ world. It brings attention to a game world that is all about cars and crimes. It’s poetic and tragic. And because it was a long event that enabled word of mouth, it created its own community of spectators, with its own memes and lore. Which brings me to another point…

Streaming, speedrunning, and esports showed us that games can produce communities and cultures around games, and without the necessity of play. But they are often a byproduct, something that happens organically around a popular game. So my question is: can you design games or situations meant to be primarily experienced as a community?

Twitch Plays Pokemon turns the single player gameboy game into a massively multiplayer experience. Thousands of players can go on Twitch and type commands in the chat, controlling a single game running on the streamers’ machine. The result is this absurd, schizophrenic experience. It went on for months, they introduced more structured voting systems and eventually they Twitch players beat the game. Twitch Plays Pokemon is a game without players in a way because there are so many players over a long shared session, that the individual agency is diluted to almost nothing.

But the shared experience, this long difficult journey, produced its own fandom, its own lore and memes. A game can produce shared meaning even if its not played, as long as it gives you something to talk about.

And that’s also how traditional sports function.
Blaseball, which came out this year, may be the first indie game that intentionally tries to create its own culture and vernacular. It’s basically a fantasy baseball game in which you gain currency by betting on automated games, rendered through a series of text events. Each team and player has their own stats, so you can try to make educated guesses.

But Blaseball is much more than that. There is a metagame in which players can modify the rules. It has an evolving story, and new surreal events and mechanics are added in response to the community. I think the creators call it improvisational game development, a “yes and…” exchange between creators and players.
There is a sprawling wiki narrating the seasons, a lot of fan art, and a discord in which players exchange opinions and theories. It’s very inside-jokey, and I personally don’t like it for the same reasons I don’t like sports talk. But I think we’ll see more experiments like this in the future. Because they provide meaning and sense of belonging with a limited investment of attention.

Here’s another leap: most of the games right now, most of the games ever made, are games without players. Games that don’t find an audience. Games that are left unplayed in your steam library. Unreleased games.

I made quite a lot of games that almost nobody played. It’s fine, I’m an artist, I don’t care.
But there are two projects that were designed with this aspect in. One is casual games for Protesters, a collaboration between me, and poet and performer Harry Giles. It’s a collection of non digital games to be played during marches, rallies, demonstrations.

All of them have been actually tested, and “work” as games. But some of them were more like poems, or they were asking a lot from players in terms of risk and committment.
Casual Games for Protesters has been appreciated a lot as a concept. But the games were never really put into practice in the context we imagined it. I don’t think many people actually played these games outside of workshops. And this is for a variety of reasons I don’t have time to talk about.

But that’s fine. Because to me the project was more of a provocation, a speculative object. What if we used games to enrich existing movements as opposed to educate or “raise awareness”? What if games were employed to make activism less formulaic and more engaging? That vision is still there, whether you play these games or you just read the instructions and imagine these games being played.

My latest game Rules and Roberts is a simplified D&D meant to teach a set of parliamentary procedures called Robert’s Rules of Order. The are rules used by many associations in the United States. Basically instead of declaring your actions or discussing the next moves informally, every action has to be discussed using this highly structured process.
It’s kind of absurd and pretty awful to play, but it’s a functioning game that actually familiarizes people with these procedures. More than four thousand people downloaded, many even paid for it, but I’m sure not many of them actually played it. But it’s ok, because it can still make a point. It can be a fun or cursed artifact to think about.

It may be hard to know the impact of unplayed games, their reason to exist. They can function as a beautiful art object, like the mostly unplayable Fluxus games.
They can still make a statement, and communicate with their mechanics and symbolism.

This is a quote from Robert Yang. Robert made several weird gay games that went viral as videos or animated gif. He realized that most people who knew about them didn’t actually played the games (which by the way are usually more dense and interesting than their giffable scenes). He also asked a possibly awkward question: “What if some games functioned better as cultural hearsay? (something you only hear about) What if you designed a game TO BE hearsay?”

Jason Rohrer once made a game meant to be played by somebody 2,000 years from now. It was part of a speculative design competition. But he actually created this game, taking the prompt as a serious design problem. The game was made in metal that would not degrade over centuries. The rules were described with diagrams, in case human civilization disappeared, or English was forgotten And it was buried in the middle of the desert. It was made intentionally hard, but not impossible, to find.

We have pictures of A Game for Someone, but it’s entirely possible that Jason never made a playable game, or that he actually buried it. It wouldn’t matter because it tells an interesting story regardless. This takes me to my final kind of games without players: imaginary games.

I often post absurd game ideas on twitter. We are all full of ideas we will never have the time or energy to develop. Game artist and scholar Pippin Barr turned sharing game ideas on twitter into an everyday practice. Many game ideas are abstract provocations, some could be starting points for actual games.

All games start as imaginary games. Occasionally game ideas are picked up by others and become true. It happened to this tweet by the parody account Peter Molydeux.
A game jam was made in his honor. The prototype for the game Donut County by Benjamin Esposito, was inspired by this tweet. In turn, Donut County, while it was still unreleased (and unplayed), was ripped off and turned into a one of the most successful phone games, hole.io. It’s quite different and much worse than the original, but that’s beside the point.

I don’t want this talk to be just descriptive. Since many of you make games I want to offer something “concrete”.
I think all these examples provide ideas for designing games in saturated attention economy. They also stimulate more profound questions about our work as game developers.
Here’s a checklist for you:

What is your game offering beyond interactivity?

Visually, conceptually, socially…

Is your game performable?

Does it give a streamer the possibility to talk over it or joke about while playing?

Can your game be played while doing something else?

Second screen experience / other tab experience

Can your game function only as a gif, screenshot, or documentation?

And are you ok with that?

Can an AI play your game better that a human?

And if so, why should a human play it?

Can your game exist in contexts and spaces that are not currently associated to videogames?

(did you know Atari prototyped arcade cabinets for doctors waiting rooms?)

Does your game need to be played to function in the world?

Which has broad implications on how to make a living with it.

Does your game need to be implemented to function in the world?

Of course you’ll also have to answer the question: what does it mean to “function”? That is: why are you making a game?

17 Best Solo Board Games to Play Alone in 2023

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Have you ever tried playing a board game alone? Or are you thinking about trying?

Maybe you are fond of solo-play, and are looking for the best solo board games?

If so, then you have landed on the right page. In this post, we share with you 17 of the best solo board games that you can play alone this year.

Whether you play in groups or by yourself, you can benefit from playing board games. So before we present our list, let’s discuss the benefits of playing alone.

What You Will Learn

• What are the benefits of playing alone?
• Best Solo Board Games to Play Alone
  • 1. Gloomhaven
  • 2. Scythe
  • 3. Terraforming Mars
  • 4. Arkham Horror: The Card Game
  • 5. Eldritch Horror
  • 6. Tiny Epic Galaxies
  • 7. Lord of the Rings: The Card Game
  • 8. Onirim
  • 9. Mage Knight
  • 10. A Feast for Odin
  • 11. Wingspan
  • 12. Viticulture
  • 13. Spirit Island
  • 14. Gaia Project
  • 15. Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
  • 16. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures
  • 17. This War of Mine
• Conclusion

What are the benefits of playing alone?

It develops your sense of independence and individuality. Playing alone is one way to tell yourself that you can be happy and content on your own. It teaches you not to depend on others to keep you entertained and distracted. Consequently, it gives you a sense of social liberation and helps you feel comfortable no matter where you are.

It boosts your imagination and creativity. Board games are born from their creators’ imaginations. And when you play them, they also expand your imagination and bring out the creativity in you. It can sometimes takes a lot of independence and solo time to tap into the potential of your thoughts and resourcefulness. There are no other people to tell you what to do, so you are forced to think and come up with creative yet effective solutions to problems.

It helps calm and relax your mind and body. People often play board games to relieve whatever stress they are feeling at the moment. In fact, board games have been proven by science to reduce stress and anxiety. If you play alone, you are able to relieve your stress without any added performance anxiety from having others around.

It makes you feel more comfortable about being alone. There are some people who think that they cannot do anything alone. They have a strong sense of dependence on others, and being alone makes them feel unwanted and insecure. Playing board games can be a stepping-stone toward independence for these people. It can be a gentle way to build their confidence and slowly take away their dependence on others.

Now that you’ve read the benefits of playing solo, it’s time to see the best choices when it comes to solo board games. Let’s get to them!

Best Solo Board Games to Play Alone

1. Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven is the perfect choice for those who want a “choose your own adventure” type of game. It is designed for one to four players, so it is ideal for both solo or cooperative gaming. The manufacturer describes it as “a game of Euro-inspired tactical combat in a persistent world of shifting moves.”

In this game, you assume the role of an adventurer wandering through one of the darkest corners of the world, called Gloomhaven. You have a special set of skills, which you must use to defeat monstrous beasts and survive frightening dungeons and ancient ruins. As you go on with your journey, you enhance your abilities, discover new locations, and learn to make wise decisions to determine how the story continues.

You have to choose two cards to play out of your hand for every turn. The number on the top card determines your initiative for a specific round. Every card has a top and bottom power, and you can choose whether to use either the top power of one card and the bottom power of the other, or vice versa.

This game involves a “persistent and changing world,” so it can be played many times without getting repetitive. You can play it by yourself or with your friends—either way, your strategy is most important. If you fail to devise an effective strategy, you might lose all your cards without accomplishing your mission and winning the game.

Pros

• The game is story-driven and has longevity.
• Unique card system, as you get to choose between top and bottom during your move.
• The game mechanics are simple and easy to understand.

Cons

• Some customers report that it takes a long time to set up.
• Missions and challenges are quite repetitive, which decreases the excitement level.
• Story longevity reduces the game’s replayability.

2. Scythe

This is an excellent option for fans of the Roaring ’20s (or the “Jazz Age”), but with a little twist. As the manufacturer says, it is an “alternate history” that enlivens the time of “farming and war, broken hearts and rusted gears, and innovation and valor.” It reflects a time when Europe was dealing with the aftermath of the First Great War.

In this game, you take the role of a fallen leader seeking to restore your honor and lead your faction to its former power and glory. You do this by conquering territories, enlisting new recruits, reaping new resources, recruiting villagers, building structures, and activating mechs around the center called “The Factory. ”

You begin the game by using different resources, including power, coins, popularity, and combat. Starting positions are available based on the faction of your choice. Each player has a hidden objective card, and they also draw encounter cards to continue boosting their builds. This means that the game requires strategy more than luck.

Scythe may be played by one to five people. It is the perfect game for parties and reunions with friends or family, but it can also provide a good dose of ”me” time if you are the introvert gaming type.

Pros

• Highly rewarding because you get to construct long-term strategies.
• Territory control is backed by resource control, making it more challenging.
• The combat system is a huge plus for the gameplay.

Cons

• Has complex game mechanics, which can be difficult for very young children.
• Story longevity gives the game low replayability.
• Solo play is only recommended once you get a good grasp of the game.

3. Terraforming Mars

If you ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut or a NASA employee, this is a game that can make that come true. Imagine you are in the year 2400 and Earth is overrun, so you have to find a new planet to live on. Mankind unites and large corporations began to terraform Mars as an alternative.

In this game, you take the role of a corporation contributing to the terraforming process. Your goal is to start projects that will balance the temperature, oxygen level, and ocean coverage on Mars until it becomes habitable. Victory points are given for every contribution you offer to the process, for every bit of advanced human infrastructure you donate, and for each commendable thing you provide.

Terraforming Mars may be played by one to five people. If played by many, it is a combination of a cooperative and competitive game. You and the other players strive to make the Red Planet habitable, but you also compete to get the highest number of victory points by the end of the game.

Pros

• Game theme and story is well written.
• There is a balance between card play and board play.
• A new strategy is needed every time you repeat the game.

Cons

• First-time players might find it hard to grasp the gameplay.
• Some customers have reported low-quality card and board materials.
• Playtime takes longer than expected (manufacturer says it’s around 90-120 minutes).

4. Arkham Horror: The Card Game

Arkham Horror is a great solo-play board game for those who love horror and suspense. It is another 1920s-based game based around H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. The goal is to keep the dark entities (called “Ancient Ones”) that are lurking around the city of Arkham from dominating the world.

This game is designed for one to two players only, with an option to have four players divided in a set of two. There are sixteen cards representing investigators who have unique sets of talents, including predefined strengths and weaknesses. You take the role of one of them to unravel the mysteries and conspiracies at work in the city of Arkham.

Before beginning the game, one of the eight Ancient Ones is chosen for the investigators to defeat. While playing, you have to upgrade your investigator character by acquiring skills, finding allies, raising items, and doing other things. Upgrading your character and making wise decisions are the keys to successfully solving the mysteries and driving away the Ancient Ones.

As mentioned above, this can be a solo-play board game or a cooperative one. If you are in the mood to solve mysteries on your own, you can play it solo. But if you want to experience the thrill with your friends, you can invite them to have game night and solve the mysteries behind the Arkham Horror.

Pros

• There is variety in the investigator characters.
• The game story is easy to learn and understand.
• High replayability because there are several possible endings.

Cons

• Set up might get confusing; takes too long to officially start.
• Rules are quite long and require deep comprehension.
• Luck plays a big part in planning your strategic goals.

5. Eldritch Horror

Eldritch Horror is recommended if you want an upgraded version of Arkham Error. If you are tired of roleplaying as an investigator in New England, then this game expands your investigation to the whole world. The goal is the same—to defeat an Ancient One—but on an international level.

Since the two games are basically the same, the rules are somewhat similar. However, Eldritch Horror seems to offer more features since the setting is broader. Here, you defeat more and stronger monsters, and you get the chance to travel to other places. Your primary objective is to prevent the awakening of one of the Ancient Ones.

Similar to Arkham Horror, this game may be played solo or cooperatively. In this version, there can be as many as eight players. You all have the same goal, and strategy is key to attaining victory.

Pros

• Has a fun, thematic gameplay and excellent game components.
• Has the ability to keep players interested the whole time.
• Conditions cards are a huge plus to the game’s mechanics.

Cons

• Some reports say that it is only good for up to six players (but it’s still great to play solo!).
• Low on character development, with limited character upgrades.
• The game can last for hours and become a little boring when there are many players.

6. Tiny Epic Galaxies

If you are a fan of galaxies and other celestial bodies, you will probably enjoy this solo-play board game. The gameplay revolves around ruling and controlling a galactic empire while aiming to expand your popularity and influence. You do this by obtaining heavily contested planets and growing your cosmic armada.

The game has a dice-rolling combo mechanic—the strength of your galaxy determines the number of dice you get to roll, and each die has a symbol that represents the actions you can take. These include moving spaceships, advancing political or economic influence, and increasing culture or energy resources.

You can take available actions in whichever way you deem to be beneficial. But you need to be careful, as your opponents may react to the actions you take. In the end, your strategy could backfire on you.

This game relies both on luck and strategic skills. It also hones your leadership attributes and decision-making abilities. It’s the perfect solo-play board game to develop your cognitive skills.

Pros

• Doesn’t take up a lot of space in your travel bag, so you can take it anywhere.
• Has relatively deep gameplay, but is easy to learn.
• Has high replayability.

Cons

• Some customers report that it is more of a luck-based game than a strategy-based one.
• Game materials are not of high quality.
• Planets with low value are often not useful to help you win.

7. Lord of the Rings: The Card Game

This is a wonderful addition to your collection if you are a die-hard fan of Lord of the Rings. Your chance to lead Middle Earth out of chaos and defeat the darkness has come. The goal, of course, is to prevent the Dark Lord Sauron from completing his power and forces before he casts the shadow that will lead to eternal pain and suffering.

The game is designed for one to two people only, with an option to have up to four players divided into two sets. Each player chooses three heroes and a deck of allies, events, and attachments to support them in achieving quests and fighting enemies.

As with any other game, it is important to have a strategy and decide whether it is more important to attack and defend or complete a quest. This is because, as you exhaust yourself (your cards) in fighting and questing, your options become insufficient to deal with the possible damage you could suffer. You have to be careful with your every move in order to defeat Sauron and protect your land.

Lord of the Rings: The Card Game was the first-ever living card game (LCG). Every month, the manufacturer releases new adventure packs, heroes, and scenarios. If you want to make playing board games an ongoing hobby (whether for you alone or the entire family), we recommend trying this one out.

Pros

• Design and gameplay really provides a LOTR feeling.
• Playing it solo is as good as playing it with a partner.
• Has a nice storyline and game flow that is easy to understand.

Cons

• Can cost you some money, since it is a living card game.
• Owning only the base game and not the expansion packs will be less satisfying.
• You need two sets of the base game to play it with two or more players.

8. Onirim

This is the perfect choice for those who want a maze-style game. In Onirim, you get to navigate a mysterious labyrinth and avoid meandering nightmares as you roam and wander in search of freedom.

The goal of this game is to discover the oneiric doors that can set you free from the labyrinth before time (your cards) run out. There are eight door cards you need to gather, and you can acquire them by playing cards of the same color three turns in a row. Under specific and special circumstances, you can discard one of your most powerful key cards to obtain a door card.

It may sound easy and simple, but you still need to have a strategy. Your gameplay will determine your fate against the 10 nightmare cards, which are all hidden in the deck. These cards trigger problems that may block your way to freedom if you do not play wisely.

Onirim may be a solo board game, or a cooperative one. It can be played by one to two people, but you only play as one character. It has around 10 to 15 minutes playtime, and is suitable for adults and children ages 10 and above.

Pros

• One of the best time filler games—you can finish it in 10-15 minutes.
• The base game, without the expansion sets, is unique and satisfying on its own.
• The rules are simple and easy to understand.

Cons

• The solo mode is not as challenging as the cooperative one.
• Too much shuffling is involved, which might age the cards easily.
• Some customers report that they are not big fans of the game’s artwork.

9. Mage Knight

If you ever dreamed of becoming a mage full of wisdom or a knight in a strong armor—or both, for that matter—this board game is certainly a good way to live that dream. Mage Knight satisfies your thirst for a combination of RPG (roleplaying game), deck-building, and traditional board games while set in the universe of the Mage Knight.

There are four powerful Mage Knights in the Mage Knight universe that are controlled by the Atlantean Empire. In this board game, you are to take the role of one of these knights to explore and conquer powerful cities and restore the empire’s former glory. You do this by filling your deck with powerful magical spells and actions and exploring dangerous caves and dungeons.

Mage Knight may be a solo or cooperative game. You can claim the lands with the help of your friends, or rule the universe on your own. Interestingly, it can also be a competitive game. While you and your friends may become powerful allies, only one Mage Knight can claim the land, so it is up to your strategy who gains victory at the end of the game.

Pros

• High replayability, since there are tons of ways the game can end.
• Game components are made of high-quality materials, and the design is great.
• Good game, whether played in solo mode, cooperative mode, or competitive mode.

Cons

• The game has many rules that are hard to remember.
• Reference guide (rules) are wordy and too long.
• The game can be long and boring if played by more than one person.

10. A Feast for Odin

A Feast for Odin may be an excellent choice for those who want a saga-like adventure in the form of a board game. It is designed for one to four players, and suitable for both solo and cooperative gaming. It was created and developed by acclaimed designer Uwe Rosenberg, and was the grand winner of the Cardboard Republic Daredevil Laurel award.

In this game, you assume the role of a tribe ruler who commands his band of Vikings to hunt, raid, trade, plunder, and pillage. Your goal is to explore new territories and increase your wealth and glory. At the same time, you do daily tasks and activities to provide food for the Vikings. Basically, you lead the tribe to produce resources that you can trade or sell to acquire more valuable resources.

When you play this game, you have to be wary of the tile sizes, as they are not all the same. Ensure that your tiles are placed strategically so you have plenty of room to adjust to your tribe’s wealth and basic necessities. For cooperative gaming, the Viking chieftain who accumulates the greatest possessions shall be the winner.

If you want to experience the Viking way of life, we recommend trying out this game. It has 30 to 120 minutes of gameplay, which makes it suitable for any type of gaming, whether solo or cooperative.

Pros

• High replayability, as there are several courses of action per play.
• Rule book is written well and easy to understand.
• Helps improve your strategic skills.

Cons

• A bit expensive compared to other board games.
• The game itself is a bit heavy, as there are a lot of wood pieces.

11. Wingspan

Wingspan is a great game for bird lovers. It is a “competitive, medium-weight, card-driven, engine-building board game” that is perfect for those who are enthusiastic about the different kinds of birds. It is designed for one to five players, with 40 to 70 minutes playing time.

In this game, you act as a bird enthusiast (researcher, ornithologist, collector, or a mere bird watcher) and try to find ways to attract the best birds to your aviary. Each bird then provides a powerful combination that contributes to your habitats. These habitats serve as actions that focus on three aspects of growth.

The three aspects of growth include gaining food tokens through custom dice, laying eggs and using them for several functions, and drawing from hundreds of unique bird cards. The game has four rounds, and whoever has the most points at the end is the winner.

According to reviews, Wingspan is somewhat similar to Terraforming Mars. If you enjoyed that game, you might also enjoy Wingspan. In particular, if you are a bird lover who likes playing solo board games, then this is a perfect fit.

Pros

• Provides a unique experience for both beginners and experienced players.
• The game has specific rules for solo gaming or cooperative gaming.
• Cards contain useful information from reputable sources.

Cons

• Some reviewers say that the instructions are way too complex.
• People who are not bird lovers may find it harder to appreciate it.

12. Viticulture

If you ever fantasized about owning a vineyard or winery, then this is the game for you. Viticulture is a game that is great either for solo play or cooperative gaming. It is designed for one to six players, with 45 to 90 minutes of gameplay. It contains 154 cards, including Mama cards, Papa cards, and Automa cards.

The game is set in pre-modern Tuscany, where vineyards and wineries were very popular. You have inherited a vineyard with a few plots of land, and your job is to build the best winery in Italy. To do that, you have to complete a series of tasks like planting vines, building structures, and filling wine orders. You have workers and visitors that can help you finish these tasks during different seasons.

Viticulture is suitable for both solo gamers and partners. If you are looking for something light and easy, then we recommend checking this game out.

Pros

• Challenging enough for adults and younger people with lots of patience.
• Medium-weight, and has great components.
• Well thought out and very thematic.

Cons

• Can be a bit difficult and complex for those who aren’t patient enough.
• Not suitable for very young children.

13. Spirit Island

We recommend this board game for those who love magic, spirits, and all things supernatural. Although it is specifically designed to be a cooperative game, it can also be thrilling and fun when played alone. Most reviewers agree that it is a good game whether played alone or with a group.

In Spirit Island, your ultimate goal is to defend your home island from the invaders who want to colonize it. There are tons of spirits to choose from, and you take the role of one of them. Each spirit possesses a unique power and ability, and you have to use them strategically so you don’t lose lots of energy.

While playing this game, you may choose how to use your energy. You can reclaim used power cards, seek new power, or spread your manifestation into new island areas. As a spirit, you have to plan your strategy well to keep the invaders from conquering the island.

This game is highly replayable since the rules can change depending on whom the invaders are. As the game progresses, the level of difficulty can vary as well. If you are up for a challenging, meaningful board game experience, try Spirit Island.

Pros

• Perfect for those who like making decisions alone, without waiting for other players.
• Has high replayability and provides variety.
• Game components are solid and sturdy, but not too heavy.

Cons

• Not recommended for less keen players or those who are not really into board gaming.
• Not recommended for those who like cooperative gaming that requires 100% consensus.

14. Gaia Project

Gaia Project is highly recommended for those who are fond of playing galactic-themed board games. It is the follow-up game of the critically acclaimed Terra Mystica, and is meant to be an improved expansion of the series. It has the same action system, and the setting is in a futuristic universe.

The game provides 14 different factions, and you have to choose which one to lead. Each faction has its own unique set of powers and abilities, so it is important to align your strategy with your strengths and weaknesses. There is also a specific planet or environment where each faction feels most comfortable.

The normal game can be played alone, but there is another version that is better suited for solo players. If you are playing by yourself, your goal is to find a new home instead of competing for the most number of points.

Pros

• Significantly improves your strategic and planning skills.
• Game components are high quality, with exceptional artwork.
• Recommended for experienced players who like super hard games.

Cons

• Not recommended for inexperienced players.
• Rulebook may be a bit difficult to learn and understand.

15. Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island

Robinson Crusoe is not just ideal for cooperative play, but also for solo games. It can be played by one to four players, ages 14 years old and above, and has around 60 to 120 minutes of gameplay. This board game is an excellent choice for those who like adventures and exploration.

In this game, you take the role of a castaway on a deserted island. Your goal is to build a shelter, eliminate potential dangers, and survive until the end. There are seven different scenarios you can choose from, and the game offers an immersive storytelling experience no matter what scenario you use. You may also choose from four different characters—cook, carpenter, explorer, and soldier—each with their own unique abilities.

Robinson Crusoe is considered to be one of the best RPGs out there. It has received several awards for its stunning artwork and detailed rulebook. If you are looking for a game that won’t disappoint, then you should check this one out.

Pros

• Tried and tested by many.
• Can be played solo or with a team.
• High replayability because of the different scenarios.

Cons

• Some reviews say that it is incredibly difficult to win.
• Setting it up and cleaning it up takes some time.

16. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures

This game is perfect for couples and groups, but can also be played solo if you want longer gameplay. It is an excellent option for Sherlock Holmes fanatics who would love to role play as the infamous detective.

What is unique about this board game is that each case takes around two hours to solve and finish. They may last even longer than that if you have a hard time connecting the dots. There are 10 crimes you need to solve, so do not expect to finish everything in just one sitting.

Note that this game involves a lot of reading, so if you are not too fond of reading and solving mystery cases, then it might not be the right fit. Your goal is to solve each crime and arrive at a major conclusion to find the culprit. You will be reading newspapers, interviewing suspects and witnesses, and connecting details that lead you to the perpetrator.

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective and all its expansions is a game that involves using your mind. If you want to test your investigative and deductive reasoning skills, then this is a great option.

Pros

• Great for solo gaming, couples gaming, or cooperative gaming.
• Significantly improves critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills.
• Has lots of expansions and different versions.

Cons

• Long duration if played by only one or two people.
• Can be boring for those who do not like reading.

17. This War of Mine

This War of Mine is an excellent choice for those who are fond of playing survival games. It is the board game adaptation of the award-winning video game bearing the same name, and has both multiplayer features and a solo variation. The game’s story revolves around a group of people trapped inside a war-torn city.

In this game, you play as a member of a group of civilians. Your goal is to survive and avoid dying of hunger or sickness. The items you collect include medicine and food to help you last.

If you are looking for something new, fun, and exciting, you may want to try this board game. It has 45 to 120 minutes of gameplay, and is most suitable for players 18 years old and above.

Pros

• Game is 100% unpredictable—you will never know what will happen next.
• The overall mood of the game provides a realistic survival of the fittest vibe.
• The rules are not confusing, and can be easy to learn and understand.

Cons

• Some people report that it takes way more than 120 minutes to finish the game.
• May be played as a cooperative game, but customers do not recommend it be played by a team.

Conclusion

Playing alone doesn’t have to be as lonely and boring as you might think. A little “me” time is healthy for everyone, so we recommend playing board games alone once in awhile. Give these games a try and see for yourself how relaxing this hobby can be.

Have you tried one or more of the games we mentioned above? We’d like to know which one! Share your thoughts in the comment fields below and tell us about your favorites!

Independent games or 40 ways to entertain children

What parent does not dream that at least some of the time children play independent games without involving you in this activity. Of course, with age, both children will already spend a lot of time with each other, reluctantly distracted by their parents, but while the children are small, they almost do not know how to play games on their own. But the need for something to distract the kids remains, especially for those parents who work at home.

Most often, in those moments when parents urgently need free time, those things and activities that are prohibited in everyday life are used. When you think about what you can do with the kids, the unimaginable things that come to mind are mommy’s bag, or cosmetic bag, boxes of underwear or buttons - something that will give you 20 minutes of the time you need, but you are well aware that things will or scattered, or damaged. Moreover, two children can simply quarrel because of the desire to possess some of the gizmos, and instead of the desired freedom, you will get both a scandal and a mess. Yes, and from a pedagogical point of view, such behavior is not correct: if it is already impossible, then it really is impossible, but then how will the child guess later - is it possible or not?

Nevertheless, this method works, and it is also not entirely correct to refuse it. However, there are other ways to entertain children. Of course, for starters, it’s worth dragging both of them into the game, and when the gameplay goes on regardless of your presence in it, you can mysteriously disappear and go about your business. Now we will try to offer you old and new ideas on how to organize creativity and games for two children. Perhaps you forgot about something. And they didn't know anything!

40 independent activities and games for two children

Children from the age of one and a half willingly play outdoor games, draw and sculpt, and kids over two years old are fond of role-playing games, especially if they have an older friend. However, these games do not require the participation of parents, and children can indulge in them completely independently.

Method #1: Jigsaw puzzles

If you're looking for a quieter way to keep the kids entertained that doesn't involve crazy destruction of the entire living space, then this is jigsaw puzzles. Each of the children can be given a set corresponding to his age, while the elder can help the baby, and he, in turn, scatter, gnaw or lick the puzzles of the elder.

Method #2: Soap Bubbles

The most fun solo games aren't always the hardest. Sometimes it is enough to give children soap bubbles. If age allows, then each of the children can blow translucent miracles, competing to see who blows the most and who blows the largest bubble. And if the younger one has not grown up yet, he can catch up and burst the bubbles of the older one.

Method No. 3: Creative kits

A manufacturer from all over the world spends hours thinking about the same thing you do - what to do with children. That is why on the shelves of children's stores you will find many kits for creativity. If you and your children have already done something similar, then the kids will be happy to try to repeat it on their own.

These kits are usually not very expensive, but you can prepare something similar yourself. Spending a couple of evenings cutting appliqués, plaster or salt dough-baked figurines for coloring, and cutting felt will save you both time and money. And then you can give out sets by the piece and not every day.

Technique #4: Magic Markers

Kids will love these markers that can both draw and erase them - if you have a whiteboard, that's it. What do you need!

There are also toys and cards on which you can draw with these felt-tip pens, and then wash it by hand.

Method No. 5: Constructors

The longest games come out with those toys that have a lot of details. That is why "Lego", mosaics, cubes and designers are always out of competition. Feel free to leave the kids with these magical toys and go about your business.

Method no. 6: Toy house

Even boys will enjoy playing in the toy and animal house. Well, girls have been told to play in dollhouses all the centuries of gender separation of toys. Setting up a home for your favorite toys is a great idea to keep the kids busy for quite some time.

A wonderful option for boys or two children of different sexes will be to play not with dolls - young ladies, but with animals, figures of both sexes or with the participation of the male version of the doll. Ideal in this regard are the house sets from LEGO and Sylvanian Families.

However, the houses are very expensive, which means that together with the children you can make a real palace out of a cardboard box and paste over it with real wallpaper. And then the children will play this toy, made by their own and parental hands, for a long time.

Method #7: Coloring Pages

Coloring pages are a great way to keep both children entertained for a long time. They almost do not require imagination from children, in contrast to drawing (“Mom, draw me ...”) and are able to keep kids busy from 10 minutes to half an hour. Moreover, children easily master such activities and games on their own.

Someone buys ready-made coloring pages according to age, someone prints them on a printer, someone cuts out figures from paper and gives them to children to color in - all methods are good!

Method No. 8: A colorful world

If pencils and felt-tip pens are given to children regularly, then paints are a special product, water, accuracy and mother's supervision are required. However, you can sometimes leave children alone with paints, laying a sufficient number of oilcloths both on and under the table.

Method No. 9: Interactive books

Modern books give children many tasks for attention, dexterity, logic. The same books tell children stories, sing songs and play cheerful music.

At the same time, even without knowing how to read, children can easily activate the game buttons on their own, and then hear a longed-for fairy tale or favorite melody.

Method No. 10: Blankets and sheets

Oddly enough, in order for children to play on their own, it is enough to give them ... just two blankets! This is a unique game, the rules of which only children know.

The main thing is that both kids have a lot of fun, and you are free!

Method No. 11: Children's developing sports centers

Play centers are quite popular with many children. Some of them like kids more, some less, some even include a home slide, and some - ropes, ropes and ladders. But children are very fun and useful to spend time like this.

Method No. 12: Flash games in reality

You can realize any games with overcoming obstacles in real life by spreading various objects, mugs, things, coins, ribbons, ropes on the floor. Then you can give the children a command to overcome all the laid out obstacles by crawling, jumping, running, or on all fours. You can even "turn on" them to the start with a special remote control - and they will be toys.

Once you show and take the time to learn this game, then you can safely leave the kids behind this lesson - they can do it! In addition, such independent games contribute to the development of many useful qualities in both children.

Method No. 13: Musical instruments in four hands

Quite often, kids play on a children's synthesizer, but the sound is too quiet, so they get bored pretty quickly. But a real synthesizer, taken from the stocks of parents or bought not very expensive, will be able to captivate them for a long time. As well as drums, tambourines, pipes and harmonicas.

Option 14: Putting the kids in the bath… no water!

The bathroom can be not only a place for hygiene, but also a creative space. You can put the kids in a dry bath with finger paints, tile markers, or even just watercolors. This will captivate the kids for a long time, and then you can easily wash everything - both the bath and the children.

Method No. 15: Putting the kids in the tub... full of water!

But the advice to leave the children alone in the filled bath - feel free to ignore it, it's too dangerous. But you can give them a bowl of water, putting it right in the bath, and give them a task - to wash toys, wash clothes for dolls, or wash children's dishes. As well as launching fish, ships of pirates and mermaids into the water.

Method no. 16: Playing mother-daughter dolls

This activity is more suitable for girls, but some boys are able to support such a game. Dolls can be fed, watered, put on a potty, changed clothes, walked with them, rolled in a stroller, arrange holidays for them (see point 3).

Method No. 17: Creator and Destroyer

If your youngest has not yet grown up to adult games with a construction set and blocks, you can arrange a game in which one child is a creator who builds a city or even a whole world, and the second is a destroyer who destroys what has already been built.

Method #18: Long live TV!

Not the healthiest but most effective way to keep both children busy is to play cartoons for them. You should not abuse it, but as an effective distraction maneuver it will come down from time to time.

Method No. 19: Tablet to be torn to pieces

Many games adapted for toddlers can be downloaded to a tablet. Children, even the tiniest ones, already confidently open the desired icons on the touch screen and play with pleasure. For older children there are educational programs in Russian, English and just the alphabet.

The hardest part is getting the kids to take turns without taking the tablet away from each other. But as an option, the eldest of the children can be offered an alternative phone or laptop.

Method No. 20: New - well-forgotten old

There is nothing more exciting than a new toy. Or - a well-forgotten old one. Almost all teachers argue that it is impossible to throw out all the available toys in front of the children - one third is enough, but it is better to remove the other two thirds. After the first toys are already tired, you can change the "exposure". Having missed such toys, children willingly spend their time with them.

Technique #21: Cut and Shred

An effective way to entertain your children is to play with the older one simply cutting out pictures from magazines and newspapers with safety scissors, while the younger one either glues the cut out onto a piece of paper or rapturously tears the newspaper into pieces . The downside is the need for subsequent cleaning. There are more pluses: you have free time, fine motor skills develop in children.

Method No. 22: Small pile

If distracting children is more important than sacrificing cleanliness and order, you can give the kids several types of food, for example - pasta, beans, peas, dried fruits. Shuffle - have the children lay out and sort this pile. However, throwing it all away is much more interesting, especially if there are two kids. One child is more diligent and determined to engage in a calm game than two. Even more carefully, make sure that children do not stick small objects up their noses or ears.

Method No. 23: Body painting

Is there any greater happiness for children than decorating the body of their brother or sister with art of their own production? Face painting is an excellent invention that can captivate kids with body painting for a long time.

When it comes to girls, they may well be allowed to use children's decorative cosmetics - it is allowed from the age of two. Well, or to acquaint young ladies with the elite cosmetics of the world's leading cosmetic corporations - giving your cosmetic bag to be torn to pieces.

Method No. 24: Making a house

The house is a special play space that can develop children's imagination and be the main training ground for many role-playing games. You can make it from blankets and sofa cushions, under the ironing board, under the table - it would be a fantasy!

Method No. 25: Miracle Cube

No shopping center can boast such success with children as a homemade cube, which contains everything that is “not possible” in ordinary life. And doorbells, and horns, and locks with keys, and a door chain, and a switch with a light bulb - you can place many interesting objects there from the point of view of children. If dad has golden hands, it can still work, giving light from a light bulb and sound from pressing.

Method No. 26: Guess the melody

This game is for children from three years old. If there are several musical instruments in the arsenal of toys, then you can play this game: one kid turns away, the second makes a sound on one of the children's musical instruments. The first - guesses on which one. And if the drum is easily distinguished from the xylophone, then the three pipes can easily be confused.

Method 27: Color and shape

Two toddlers can sort objects and toys according to color and shape. This can be arranged: as a lesson - when the older one calls, and the younger one shows, as a competition - who is faster, and as a quest - to collect all the blue toys, find all the square-shaped objects in the room.

And the kids' socks are beautiful, bright and varied, unlike men's. That is why you can mix the socks of both children and invite them to sort this motley disgrace, finding a pair for each of the socks. This is not only interesting, but also trains the memory and attention of both children.

Method No. 28: Cooking for Dummies

If the kids are already in school, they can be trusted to cook their own food by giving a simple recipe. And if the children are still small, they will like to collect sandwiches themselves from the parts you cut, it's almost like a designer, but you can also eat it. In addition, even ingredients such as chopped peppers, turnips or other vegetables are eaten under this bench. And they played and ate. And the kids can help the elders: beat meat with a hammer, cut out cookies, roll meatballs, beat eggs with a whisk, and much more!

Method No. 29: Beauty salon – do your own hair!

Do you think this is the privilege of girls? And you think right! If you have two girls, doing your sister's hair on your own is a tremendous pleasure. Take all the hairpins, all the elastic bands, give the little ones a mirror and combs - and forget about the children for 20-30 minutes.

But children of different sexes, and even two boys can play at the hairdresser's - with great pleasure making a mohawk, horns for their brother, or styling their hair with hair gel.

Method #30: Board games

There are a huge number of board games on the market for all ages, from the latest to the classics. We will talk about many of them in much more detail, devoting separate articles to this. But be that as it may, it is really capable of captivating both children for a very long time.

Method #31: Bowling!

You can buy a toy bowling alley, and in stores there are both cheap and very high-quality expensive variations of the game, or build a game from improvised means. Skittles can be replaced with plastic bottles, and the ball with a rubber ball. For weighting, you can pour water into the bottles.

Method #32: Tennis court in your home

Have you already imagined a broken window and a splintered sideboard? Relax, tennis can be played and less traumatic for the apartment. It is enough to attach handles to disposable paper plates and inflate a balloon. And then create a game that combines both tennis and badminton. By the way, you can also play badminton with a children's light shuttlecock in an apartment.

Method No. 33: Roads, roads…

You can buy a carpet with road markings, or you can make roads directly on the floor with electrical tape. Run cars on the freeway, arrange characters from kinder surprises or small toys - let them catch a taxi, cross the road, work as traffic cops. At the same time, the kids will learn the rules of the road.

Method #34: Tape instead of chalk

Children can draw on the floor with duct tape. For example, they can make homemade hopscotch or any other game that requires markup.

Method 35: Darts without sharp objects

An impromptu darts tournament can be held without special equipment - just a couple of crayons and ordinary foam rubber sponges. Draw a target on the wall or floor and let the children compete in who will accurately throw sponges right at the bullseye.

Method no. 36: Balloons

Balloons seem to be a purely decorative element designed to cheer up. However, if you use your imagination, then the games with them will be very different and very fun!

You can inflate them and, without tying them, let them fly around the room, and the older one inflates, developing his lungs, and the younger one catches the “fugitive” and brings him back. You can play a game - do not drop the ball, throwing it over your head - and prevent your brother or sister from holding the ball. You can throw balloons like a ball, you can paint them with markers, you can teach children how to make figures from oblong balloons, and come up with many other interesting fun with balloons.

Method #37: Clothing store

Have a try on under the guise of a shop game. Children will be happy to try on and disassemble both their own clothes and things of their parents. At the same time, throwing a glance at the kids playing, you can pay attention to what things are already not enough, and what to sew up or wash.

And if you provide children with a cash register, the equivalent of money and the right idea, then the usual fitting of clothes will turn into a game in the store.

Method no. 38: Pillow fight

There is no point in explaining this game, it is familiar to everyone since childhood. But to become her instigator, and then go about your business - a nice thing. Children will recklessly pick up the game, being carried away by pillow fights for a long time. You can complicate it by allocating for the battle a limited rectangle of a blanket laid on the floor - who went abroad - lost.

Method no. 39: Puppet show

By changing places, children can take turns being both spectators and actors, giving a performance based on famous fairy tales or inventing their own stories.

Many ready-made variations are sold in stores, but it is quite easy to build such a theater yourself. But children need to be accustomed to such a game, shown and explained several times, then they will easily play theater on their own.

Method No. 40: Let there be dancing!

Turn on upbeat music and invite the little ones to rage and dance to it. Show them some simple moves! And they will gladly learn to own their own body.

It's boring to dance alone - but together it's very fun. Tired of dancing? Turn on karaoke!

Independent games are an important stage of growing up

If the only child in the family says that he is bored quite often, then it is much easier to figure out how to keep the children entertained together. Having a partner to play with, kids are more willing to let their parents do their adult chores. It is possible and necessary to teach children to play games on their own, but over time, children will come to this on their own, as the only possible option.

In the meantime, most of the ways of entertainment without the participation of parents are very destructive for your home, and for a start you can invite both offspring to find activities in the toy boxes. What if they themselves play, calmly releasing you for a while from themselves?

However, from the moment when the kids begin to master independent games, you will have to think less and less about how to entertain the children - an amazing children's fantasy will give them a whole world, and your task is to throw an idea and a couple of thematic items. Dare!

Independent games for children

mental child development is formed in the process his activities. Game and action with subjects - main activities children of the second and third years of life. From this activity is different in that it arises on the initiative the baby himself. The game takes a lot place in a child's life: all the time, not occupied with sleeping, feeding, exercising, - he plays. This is his natural state. The game gives the child a lot of joy, accompanied by positive emotions: he is surprised when he receives new information, happy to achieve the desired result, communication with adults and peers. The game is the way of children to the knowledge of the environment peace.

Child in the game gets acquainted with the properties of objects, He does a lot of experimenting, though. Shows initiative and creativity. In game time formed attention, imagination, memory, thinking, develop such important qualities as activity, autonomy in decision making tasks. It is in the game that the first positive relationships with peers: interest in other children's games, desire join their game, the first joint games, and in the future - the ability to reckon with the interests of group mates.

In independent activity time toddlers fold positive relationships and emotional business connections with adults. Children are drawn to who deals with them, plays; fast take on the tone of an adult attitude (attention, affection, sympathy) and themselves begin to show such feelings relation to each other. Already on the second year of life, children listen very clearly to the teacher's assessment of their activities and focus on it.

For teacher organization game independent activities of children is one of the most difficult sections of the work, since, on the one hand, he must, without suppressing the initiative child, skillfully direct his game, with the other is to teach the baby to play on one's own. Properly organize independent play activity The teacher can only do so if knows well not only the features mental development of children age with which he works, but also features of the development of pupils the whole group.

On the the second year of life there are certain types of independent gaming activities children. These are games related to movements: with a ball, motor toys (car, trolley), climbing a hill and dismounting with her, on the street in winter sledding etc.

big place is occupied by cognitive orienting activity of the baby. It manifests itself primarily in looking around, then observing, looking at pictures, books.

Satisfying their needs for knowledge of the environment, the baby acts a lot with objects - with building material, with didactic toys, with a simple constructor, with folding pictures and with tools - by the braid with which he leads car, with a hammer, hammering cloves into holes, with specially made machine made of plastic or wood and other items.

In second half of the second year of life the child is observed object-play conditional actions with toys - a doll, dog, hare and others, while children already in the first half of the year, not only reproduce the learned actions with objects, but also reflect what they themselves often seen in real life.

In independent activity time kids on their own initiative for different occasions communicate with an adult. Big joy gives them the inclusion of an adult in Game. The child watches how it works adult, addresses him, demonstrating results of its activities, and asks look at books together, something for him draw, help fix the broken toy, etc.

One from conditions from which to a large extent depends on the development of gaming activity baby, is the right choice toys, supplies. It is determined nature of children's activities certain age. In this way, the group should have toys that provide all activities of the child.

For the development of movements is primarily necessary space. Of the large benefits stimulating physical activity, you need to have slide with a ramp, barrier table (for children the beginning of the second year of life), around which babies not only move well, but and play with didactic toys. Recall that attaching toys to the table is not allowed, it reduces activity kids in choosing the right toy does not give opportunity to examine the object, to take him in hand.

From small allowances should be balls of different sizes, strollers, cars, hoops. Large moving toys are stored in the area, so as not to clutter up the room area needed for movement. Not recommended indoor group of children the second year of life to attach the Swedish wall, put a ladder-ladder, so how these benefits are required from the educator continuous monitoring of their use. Self-help children such benefits can't use it yet.

AT the group should have material for looking at things around the world, getting a variety of impressions, which change from time to time. it wall paintings (2–3) with available plots for children: “Tanya feeds pigeons”, "Children are dancing", "Cat with kittens", etc. It is good if the tutor specifically will make layouts (1–2) for viewing. This may be a winter layout (doll sledding down the mountain), and spring (blossoming branch with sitting on it bird). You can hang a panel made based on familiar fairy tales. Gorku is better put it by the window so that the children can watch what happens to him. AT the group should have an aquarium with large fish. to look at books and pictures should be given a special window seat. Books kept on the shelf the teacher gives if the child asks.

How it is better to place the toys in playroom? It depends for children of what age is prepared playroom. Toddlers first experience half of the second year of life is still small, and preparation for the game is carried out either one caregiver, or (closer to achieving children 1 year 6 months) together with kids. At the same time, the educator creates so-called suggestive gaming situations: for example, next to a dog puts the plate, puts the bear in stroller, dolls - at the table with dishes on it, puts on the table-barrier didactic toys, on the table by the window - a few pictures. Such situations direct the baby's attention to one or other activity.

In the second half of the year, children already own sufficient experience and having learned navigate in a group, start on their own prepare game situations for yourself. So, knowing where the dolls, dishes, they find for themselves a doll, a plate, spoon and begin to feed the "daughter". That's why teacher in the second semester organizing the play of children, can already have toys in different places in the room to children did not gather in one place and did not interfered with each other.

Place for games with didactic toys located near a cabinet or shelf, where they are. There must be shaping toys ability to distinguish color, size, shape items, as well as desktop builder, small toys in a box that kids can be used on their own games, constructor, folding pictures and other board games.

Should determine a place for games with large building material that located on the shelf. Here are also large toys - animals, cars, which are used in construction games. Playing with a big builder should walk on a mat that does not allow hypothermia of children and relieves excessive noise.

toy furniture - table, chairs, bed - placed in the puppet corner. She is should be large enough, strong, because kids love not only to sit on a high chair doll, but also sit themselves On him.

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