The Democracy Game Box (D-Box) includes eight printable analogue games, two of which are also available in a digital version. These games are an excellent way to build a bridge between theory and practice. They allow practitioners to create a stimulating and inclusive learning atmosphere and encourage learners to actively engage and interact with others.
The games are diverse in terms of duration and complexity. The alphabetical order below also approximately reflects the order of duration and complexity (starting with shorter duration and simpler game mechanics). Shorter and simpler does not mean less meaningful and complex in terms of democracy learning targets!
Every game comes with game material, a rulebook, and a chapter in the Demogames facilitator's manual (download as a package per game with the 'print&play' button). For some games, Demokrative is creating a handout for facilitator's interested in using the games in Switzerland (Demogames SwissEdition). Work-in-progress versions of the handout are available upon request (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
The D-Box is the main output of the international project Demogames. Other outputs are the Demogames facilitator's manual and learning videos. Learn more about the project here.
Competence Card GameBecome competent in democracy! In the Competence card game, you playfully discover the competences that citizens need in a democratic and culturally diverse society: the competences for democratic culture. Learning targets in a nutshell:
Number of players: 4- 7 Difficulty: easy/intermediate. No special preliminary knowledge is required, participants need to be able to analyse a situation by using a set of competences, while all necessary information is provided on the cards and through a QR code. Timing: 10 minutes for introduction and explanation of the rules, 30-60 minutes for gameplay. |
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DeckmocracyDeckmocracy is an analogue card game about events in democracies. What democratic principles, institutions and rights, what threats to democracy and which parts of society make an event? Discover it by playing. Learning target in a nutshell:
Number of players: 2, 3, 4 or 6 Difficulty: Game mechanics are easy to understand and familiar to many. Previous knowledge about the events is not necessary. Timing: 5 minutes for introduction and explanation of the rules, 20 minutes for gameplay. |
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DemodiceDemodice is a cube-based storytelling game. The symbols on the dice trigger and guide the imagination of the players to create stories around democracy. Learning targets in a nutshell
Number of players: 1 - 10 Difficulty: Demodice has simple and easy to understand game mechanics. The game works best in a group where players feel safe to share their personal stories, experiences and views. Timing: 10 minutes for introduction and explanation of the rules, 20 - 60 minutes for gameplay. Digital version: Demodice exists also as a phone app! Search for Demodice in the Apple App-Store or Google Play.
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Fake Expert - A Demodice Game
Fake Expert is a communicative game of social deduction. Players take the Learning targets in a nutshell:
Number of players: 5 - 9 Difficulty: This game requires language skills, so the level of difficulty may vary in different contexts. For example, playing Fake Expert in intercultural contexts can increase the complexity. A basic understanding of political and social contexts is also beneficial. Timing: 10 minutes for introduction and explanation of the rules, 20 - 60 minutes for gameplay. |
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Draw The LineDraw-the-line is literally a game about drawing lines. It’s a game about us being competitive or cooperative, a game that allows to reflect upon categorizations and divisions, cleavages in our society. Learning targets in a nutshell:
Number of players: 3, 4, 6 Difficulty: Intermediate difficulty, players use basic logical thinking and their linguistic and communication skills; groups of players with similar skill levels make the experience more satisfying and interesting. Timing: 5 minutes for introduction and explanation of the rules, 15-20 minutes for gameplay. |
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ObserversBecome a democratic detective! Get to know surprising and relevant stories from democracies while uncovering the riddles. Learning targets in a nutshell:
Number of players: 4 - 12 Difficulty: This game requires language skills and a basic understanding of political and societal issues. Timing: 5 minutes for introduction and explanation of the rules, 15 minutes for one card (one riddle), max 25 minutes for discussion on the riddle's topic. Digital version: Observers exists also as a web-based game that can be played on your phone, tablet, or computer: https://observers.curiousbird.se/de/ |
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ParticipediaIn Participedia, players take on the role of a representative of a civil society organisation which designs, implements or supports public participation through innovative participative events. Learning targets in a nutshell:
Number of players: 3 - 6 Difficulty: medium Timing: 15 minutes for introduction and explanation of the rules, 45-60 minutes for gameplay. |
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UtopiaUtopia is a board game in which the players form an interim government in a transition to democracy. They collectively win the game if they successfully establish the conditions for the first parliamentary elections. Learning targets in a nutshell:
Number of players: 4 Difficulty: Utopia is a game which requires patience, time, reading and communication skills and the readiness to dive deep into a small and fictional society with all its complexity and controversies. For non-frequent gamers, it is recommended to play the game with the support of a game master/ facilitator. Timing: 5 - 6 hours |
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