Open Call for Additional Research Projects for Funding Considerations
PARIS – January 27, 2021 – 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.
About Asmodee
Asmodee’s mission is to tell amazing stories through great games. The company’s roots are in publishing and distributing board games, including Catan, Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, Arkham Horror, Splendor, Keyforge, Dobble/Spot It and Star Wars: X-Wing, selling tens of millions of games in more than 50 countries. Over the last few years, the company has expanded its scope to create multimedia experiences for players across multiple physical and digital platforms such as books, clothing lines and video games. Asmodee operates in Europe, North America, South America and Asia, with its headquarters based in Guyancourt, France. For more information visit corporate.asmodee.com.
About Asmodee Research
Asmodee Research is the Asmodee Group team dedicated to promoting the societal values of board games. We are convinced that the scientific research we support will highlight the benefits of board games, also promoting the whole sector.
For more information: research@asmodee.com
Media Contacts
TriplePoint on behalf of Asmodee for the USA
Renee Sogueco 
Hailey Mohney 
Vanessa Alves-Johnson