Why do we enjoy playing games so much?

We enjoy playing because it combines challenges, surprises and connections with other people with a sense of control in a safe environment. Playing is rewarding in itself, without any need for an extra prize.

Playing goes back a long way

Many animals play, especially when they’re young, to learn how to move, hunt or interact with others. Humans keep playing throughout our lives. The oldest games we know of are thousands of years old, as we explain in what is the world’s oldest board game?.

The perfect balance

A good game has simple rules but interesting decisions, and a mix of luck and skill. If it’s too easy, it gets boring; if it’s too difficult, it becomes frustrating. Games played with Spanish playing cards have been refining that balance for centuries.

The element of surprise

The deal changes with every hand. You never know what will happen, and that keeps you engaged. We explain this in what happens in the brain when we win.

Playing with others

Almost all card games are played with other people. We explore this in how games strengthen friendships. If you fancy a game, you can find all our games here.