Best Top 5 Creative Writing Board Games for 2024
When it comes to sharpening our creative writing muscles, few things are as engaging and effortlessly enjoyable as board games designed with storytelling at their heart. With this in mind, we’ve sought out games that not only entertain but also enrich our creative writing skills. Our criteria for selection include narrative depth, opportunities for imaginative input, and, of course, fun factor. Whether you’re gathering with fellow writers or introducing family and friends to the joys of storytelling, each game on our list promises to spark your creativity. From enigmatic cards to expansive fantasy realms, prepare to embark on a journey of narrative discovery.
Games on this list:
5 Dixit
We’ve spent countless nights diving into the abstract world of Dixit, a game that truly unlocks one’s creative writing and storytelling instincts. Each card depicts whimsical, dream-like images that prompt players to concoct unique stories or descriptions, which others then match with their own cards. The beauty of Dixit lies in its simplicity married to the depth of imagination it encourages, making it a gem for those who revel in narrative imagination.
4 Once Upon A Time
Once Upon A Time offers an enthralling approach to creative writing. In our gameplay, we are not merely players but storytellers competing to guide the narrative towards our own ending. The game’s use of cards to introduce elements, characters, or events that must be woven into the story ignites creative sparks. It accentuates spontaneous storytelling ability, making you think on your feet. It’s remarkable for its focus on both individual creativity and social interaction, a true favourite for any writer
3 Gloom
Gloom positions itself uniquely in the gaming universe. Unlike most creative writing games that lean towards light and whimsical themes, Gloom dwells in the macabre and melancholic. The goal to misery-fy your characters through creative storytelling before their inevitable demise offers a refreshingly dark twist. Our sessions have been filled with hilariously grim narratives that stick with you long after you play. It’s an unparalleled brew of creativity, strategy, and dark humor.
2 Tales of the Arabian Nights
Engulfing players in the enchanting world of the Middle East, Tales of the Arabian Nights is less of a game and more of an epic shared adventure. Every playthrough is a unique journey with the game’s substantial book of tales guiding your narrative based on chosen actions. It promotes tremendous creative input in storytelling and decision-making. The breath of possibilities for how your story can unfold makes every game a new tale. Our adventures in its rich world have been profoundly memorable, a rarity in board games.
1 Above and Below
Above and Below stands at the zenith of creative writing-themed board games, for its masterful blend of village-building mechanics with expansive storytelling. Each player’s exploration into unknown caves combines strategic planning with encounters that lead to story-rich decisions playered out from its storybook. This combination not only enhances the gaming experience with a vibrant narrative but also deeply integrates storytelling into its gameplay core. In our plays, the stories we experience make the strategy secondary to the tales we’ve lived through its pages, rightfully earning its spot as our favourite.
