Asmodee, a global leader in tabletop gaming, has launched a new children’s brand backed by scientific research proving that playing board games leads to significant cognitive and social benefits for young people. The findings provide a powerful, evidence-based validation for the work being done in Scotland to champion the wider value of play in education and development.
The announcement of the new Asmodee Kids brand, which will adapt iconic titles like Unlock! and Splendor for younger audiences, was accompanied by research from Game in Lab, Asmodee’s research funding programme. The studies reveal a clear, positive impact of board games on children’s focus, academic skills, and emotional regulation.
This research provides crucial, independent data that supports the core principles of Scotland’s ‘More Than Games’ strategy, which highlights the transformative potential of games beyond ‘mere’ entertainment.
The Science Behind Asmodee Kids
The research supported by Asmodee provides compelling statistics on the developmental power of play:
- Improved Focus: A single session of a fast-paced game like Dobble® was shown to improve a teenager’s attention by 8% more than watching videos.
- Academic Boost: Regular board game sessions in schools were linked to a 10% improvement in reading skills and a 17% boost in arithmetic for children aged 6-12.
- Social & Emotional Growth: For children with attention disorders, behavioural issues dropped by 34%, while all children in the study saw a 17% improvement in self-control.
Micha Le Bourhis, Head of Sustainability at Asmodee, commented on the findings:
After seven years supporting scientific research into play, we’re now seeing clear evidence of its impact, deepening our understanding of the positive role games can play in cognitive development. It’s a step forward in recognising how play contributes to both individual growth and collective well-being.
A Shared Vision for Scotland
These findings from a global industry leader offer a powerful endorsement of the work being done across Scotland to integrate games and playful learning into education. Initiatives like the recent partnership between the Scottish Games Network and Education Scotland for the Scottish Games Fest aim to bring the power of play directly into the classroom.
The data also strengthens the case for initiatives like the proposed entrepreneurial education fund, demonstrating that investing in play is an investment in the core cognitive and social skills that young people need to thrive.
Kid-Sized Adventures, Backed by Science
The new Asmodee Kids brand has been designed in collaboration with child development specialists. The first releases, My First Unlock!® (September 2025), Splendor Kids® (October 2025), and Dixit Kids® (January 2026), will adapt the mechanics of the classic games for children, with a focus on screen-free fun in sessions lasting a maximum of 30 minutes.
“Board games are more than just entertainment,” said Thomas Koegler, CEO of Asmodee. “And while we are keeping the fun at the core of the experience, because that’s what kids are seeking, they also get to develop focus, adaptability, and emotional skills.”