It’s time for the brain game, Asmodee and Game in Lab announce report, research grants for gaming and the effects on Alzheimer’s

Today, Asmodee announced its partnership with Game in Lab as the companies released their research on the beneficial effects of games from those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s. The companies have put out a call which will fund short term projects that will tackle this issue in the near future.

Asmodee, a leading global publisher and distributor of board games, and Game in Lab, today announced the findings of its first clinical study observing the effects of play and its potential applications. The study, titled Cognitive – Adaptation – Behavior, found that games can have significant beneficial effects for those suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Asmodee Research is an international and interdisciplinary program dedicated to studying the science behind board games. Game in Lab is a first-of-its-kind board game research group created by Asmodee Research in collaboration with Innovation Factory. Overseen by a scientific committee, Game in Lab supports ethical scientific research projects and delivers meaningful data such as the Alzheimer’s study.

“Over the past year, board games have enabled us all to play together, in the comfort and tranquillity of our homes, providing some relief, adventure and pleasure. However, we are convinced that playing games harbours greater potential and can play a true educational and even clinical role in our society,” said Stéphane Carville, CEO, Asmodee. “Via Asmodee Research, we intend to demonstrate the tremendous impact playing games have on our brains and are delighted to support additional projects which can identify, research and prove new and important ways that games can help society”.

After a year-long study, Game in Lab discovered adapted board games can improve the well-being of Alzheimer’s patients. This study gives valuable insight into how board games can be used to benefit society. Initial findings from the Alzheimer project include:

• Board games may be a valuable tool to improve a patient’s quality of life when they fit with a player’s interest.

• It is possible to consider board games as a cognitive and behavioral stimulation if done on a regular basis.

• Games with adapted features, like large fonts and ergonomic accessibility, can greatly improve a patient’s enjoyment and increase other benefits like cognitive stimulation.

Game in Lab is putting out a call for new projects to study the benefits board games can bring to society. This call for proposal welcomes applications from international research institutions. Three to five research grants (up to 15000€ per project) will be allocated to support short-term research projects (12 to 18 months).

Grant applications will be accepted under two tracks:

• Track 1: any research topic on board games.

• Track 2: research topic on board games related to Youth and Education.

• At least one of the project’s leaders must be affiliated with a research institution, public  or private, at the time of application and during the project.

Beyond these tracks, all academic disciplines are accepted, whether applied or fundamental sciences. (The design or production of games is not eligible.) To get detailed information and apply for this call for proposal, visit https://www.game-in-lab.org.

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