The Game of Things (2002) Board Game

The Game of Things is a party game that was released in in 2002. It was designed by Tom Quinn, Ted Quinn, and Mark Sherry. The game is all about creativity and humor, as players try to guess who said what based on a prompt.

Game Components of The Game of Things

300 Topic Cards

1 Response Pad

1 Score Pad

10 Pencils (or 8 pencils in some versions).

How To Setup The Game of Things

To set up the game, one player is chosen as the scorekeeper who takes a score pad sheet. Each player takes a pencil and a response pad sheet. The topic cards are shuffled and placed facedown on the table. A player is then chosen to be the first reader.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Reader Selection: A player is chosen to read a topic card aloud.

Response Writing: All players, including the reader, write a response to the topic on a response pad, fold it to conceal the writing, and submit it to the reader.

Response Reading: The reader reads all responses aloud twice to help players remember them.

Guessing: The player to the left of the reader tries to match a response with the player who wrote it. Correct guesses eliminate the matched player from the round. Incorrect guesses pass the turn to the next player.

Game Objective

The objective is to eliminate other players by correctly matching responses until only one player remains in a round.

The game ends when each player has had a chance to be the reader, and the player with the most points wins.

Points are awarded for correct guesses (1 point each) and for being the last player remaining in a round (6 points or split if there is a tie).

Player Experience

The Game of Things is known for its hilarious and inventive responses, which often lead to hours of laughter and memorable quotes. Players of all ages can enjoy the game, as it encourages creativity and wit. The game is versatile, suitable for family nights, game nights, and even larger gatherings like bachelorette parties. It is easy to learn and play, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Pros

High Replay Value: With 300 topic cards, the game offers plenty of unique prompts without repetition.

Encourages Creativity: Players can write anything they want, leading to funny and unexpected responses.

Simple to Learn: Easy setup and straightforward rules make it a great game for parties.

Versatile: Suitable for various age groups and social settings.

Cons

Reliance on Luck: The guessing mechanism can make the game somewhat reliant on luck rather than strategy.

Handwriting Recognition: Players with distinctive handwriting may be easier to identify, which can affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on The Game of Things

The Game of Things is ideal for anyone looking to add laughter and fun to their social gatherings. It is particularly great for groups of friends, family, or any setting where creativity and humor are valued. While it has some minor flaws in its scoring mechanics, the overall experience is highly enjoyable and engaging. It’s a great choice for those who want a game that is easy to jump into and can be played across different generations.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.