Best 12 Project Management Board Games Ranked for 2024
Hey board game lovers, Jamie here! If you’re like us, trying to find the perfect blend of fun and brain workout, you’ve hit the jackpot with this list. Today, we’re diving into the world of project management through the lens of board games. You heard it right! We’ve scoured the globe (and our game closets) for the best board games that not only promise a great time but also flex those project management muscles. From managing resources to strategizing your way to victory, our picks have it all. We focused on game mechanics, theme relevance, and, of course, the fun factor. So, whether you’re a project manager by day dreaming of board game nights or just someone looking for a challenging game to play with friends, stay tuned!
Games on this list:
12 Power Grid
Kicking off our project management adventure, Power Grid throws us into the electrifying world of power plant operators. We scrambled to supply cities with power, managing resources with the precision of a well-oiled machine. It’s a game where your ability to plan ahead and make smart investments makes or breaks your energy empire. A fantastic introduction to the complexities of project management, with an added spark!
11 Kanban: Automotive Revolution
Ever wondered what it’s like to run a car manufacturing plant? Well, Kanban: Automotive Revolution drops us right into the driver’s seat. We managed assembly lines, improved parts, and innovated new technologies, all in a day’s work. It’s a crash course in project management that teaches us to keep our engines running smooth and fast. Learning to balance efficiency with innovation was key, and those meetings with the boss? Absolutely unforgettable!
10 Pandemic
Now, you might not think ‘global crisis response’ when hearing project management, but Pandemic had us doing just that. We coordinated teams worldwide to stop outbreaks, manage resources, and discover cures. It’s a real test of your planning and teamwork abilities, proving that project management skills can indeed save the world. Plus, who can forget the rush of finding that last cure at the eleventh hour?
9 Agricola
Taking a step back from the modern world, Agricola challenges us to manage a farm in the 17th century. It’s about building your estate and growing your family, all while keeping the farm afloat. We strategized, planned our moves in advance, and sometimes, just prayed for good weather. It’s project management with a rustic twist, showing us that the basics of managing resources and planning ahead are timeless.
8 The Gallerist
The art world might seem all about creativity, but The Gallerist revealed the intense project management behind the scenes. We were thrust into the role of gallery owners, managing artists, selling art, and attracting visitors. It’s a glamorous, high-stakes environment where strategic planning, timing, and a bit of risk-taking decide if you’re the toast of the art scene or yesterday’s news. The mix of art and business strategy was a masterpiece!
7 Scythe
In Scythe, we entered an alternate 1920s universe, filled with mechs and farming! Yes, you heard that right. Managing resources, claiming territories, and engaging in strategic combat, it was a game where our project management skills determined the fate of our faction in this war-torn world. The balance of power, economy, and timing was critical, making every decision feel impactful. Plus, commanding mechs was just plain cool.
6 Terraforming Mars
We’ve managed farms and fought with mechs, but terraforming Mars? Now, that’s a project! In this game, we worked to make Mars habitable, balancing resource management, infrastructure development, and environmental considerations. The project management aspect was out of this world, requiring us to plan several steps ahead while adapting to new challenges. Pulling off a successful terraforming project felt like a giant leap for mankind… or at least for our gaming group.
5 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
Stranded on a deserted island, Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island had us scrambling for survival. This game’s a crash course in project management under pressure. We built shelters, found food, and fended off wild animals, all while working towards our escape. The elements of strategy, resource management, and team decision-making made every playthrough a thrilling challenge. Surviving the island was a testament to our project management skills in the wildest conditions.
4 Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birmingham transported us to the industrial revolution, where we embarked on a project management journey of building industries and networks. This game was all about economic strategy, managing resources, and connecting cities with canals and railroads. The complexity of planning and executing strategies felt like running a real-life business empire. It was a historical deep dive into project management that showed us the power of industrial strategy and innovation.
3 Lords of Waterdeep
Lords of Waterdeep plunged us into the political intrigue and strategy of the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Managing our resources and agents to complete quests and expand our influence, it was a test of our strategic planning and adaptability. The game cleverly blends fantasy with project management, showing us that even in a world of magic, the best laid plans lead to power. It’s a reminder that project management skills are universal, even in the most unexpected places.
2 Viticulture
Who knew that running a vineyard could teach us so much about project management? Viticulture had us cultivating grapes, making wine, and managing a seasonal workforce. It’s a game of strategic planning, resource management, and, most importantly, patience. Making fine wine isn’t easy, and neither is project management. But with a good strategy and a bit of luck, we harvested some of the finest vintages… and project management skills to boot.
1 The Castles of Burgundy
Taking the crown as the best in project management, The Castles of Burgundy had us meticulously planning our principality’s development. Every decision, from castle building to trading, was a lesson in strategic foresight and resource management. We balanced immediate needs with long-term goals, making every playthrough a brain-burning but exhilarating experience. This game is the pinnacle of project management in a board game, offering depth, strategy, and replayability that kept us coming back for more. It’s a must-play for anyone interested in the art and science of project management.
