The Elasticity of Time, Boredom, Enjoyment and Board games.

 Time, the elusive force that governs our lives, can be deceptively hard to define and truly grasp conceptually. It can appear to fly by in a flash, leaving us breathless and dumbstruck, or drag on at a snail's pace, making every moment feel like an eternity. This capricious nature of time is perhaps most striking when we are engrossed in activities that we might find enjoyable, like playing board games. The question that comes to mind is what is the secret behind this awkward dynamic? How does our enjoyment of a game impact our perception of time, and vice versa? In this piece, I will attempt a focused look into the relationship between time and enjoyment, exploring how our experiences shape our sense of time and the role that board games play in this intricate dance. 

However, before proceeding any further, I must state upfront that the descant which will follow will be based on my own observations. There are several academic papers which go into great depths when it comes to the notion of what I  am calling the perceived elasticity of time. Researchers such as David M. Eagleman, S Kaneko and I Murakami and many, many others, have explored various phenomena that could contribute to this perception of time. This blog will not expand on their work, nor will I attempt such a monumental feat. Howev

er, if you are so inclined, do read up on the subject, it is indeed fascinating and is the basis upon which I ventured to explore its possible implications within the do
main of board gaming. 

As I noted earlier, the perception of time is a far more complex and interesting subject than just the empirical measurement of its passage. As we look deeper into this topic, it becomes clear that the way we experience time is linked strongly to our state of mind and the activities in which we engage. Children are particularly adept at articulating this concept. As my young son observed one Sunday evening, weekends seem to fly by in a blur, while weekdays (especially school days) can feel like an eternity. However, as we all know, each day is composed of the same number of hours, minutes, and seconds, regardless of the day of the week. It is our perception, shaped by sensory input from our environment as well as our expectations, emotions, and experiences, that distorts the perceived passage of time. This phenomenon is particularly evident when we immerse ourselves in activities we find engaging.  

We can view this as a guiding principle that shapes our perception of time. Our experience of time changes based on our circumstances. In unengaging or unpleasant situations, such as waiting in line or attending what we perceive to be dull events, time seems to drag. Conversely, when we are fully engaged in enjoyable activities, time appears to fly. This phenomenon, where the perceived speed of time is linked to our enjoyment, significantly impacts our decision-making. If our perception of time is indeed influenced by our emotional state and the activities we engage in, it is crucial to consider this dynamic when making choices or reacting to circumstances that might be impacted by it.

In this blog post, I propose that these concepts will significantly enhance the organisation of board gaming events, especially when it comes to maximising enjoyment for all players at the table. To further clarify this point, allow me to present a hypothetical scenario, a board game night with friends.

So, let us say you are the organiser of this board games night and you bring out one of your favourite titles. This is a board game which you are convinced will go down well with your gaming group. The rules explanation early in the evening appears to go well, and all players seem to have understood. You decide that you are all good to go and, following setup, 

playing commences. However after a couple of rounds, you begin to identify some of the following behaviours:-  

• Some players at the table repeatedly check their phones, seeming more interested in what they see there than what is happening on the table.
• Others engage in non-game-related conversations, frequently missing the cue when it is their turn to play.
• When it is a player’s turn to play, he or she frequently requests clarifications on procedural steps, often repeating the same request on successive turns.

What you are effectively seeing here are signs of disengagement. In my opinion, this could be caused by any of three possible factors. Each triggered by events that have somehow altered the perception of time for some of the participants, which could in turn be the result of a personal emotive response to what may been seen as an unpleasantness of sorts. 

The reaction might stem from a simple incompatibility between the player and the game, where the experience feels contrived leading to frustration. Additionally, it could be influenced by the player's individual traits or the surrounding social context.

If character traits influence the situation, complications may arise. Some individuals may dislike lengthy games or struggle with waiting for their turn, leading to boredom. This boredom can distort their perception of time, prompting them to check their phones or chat excessively, which detracts from the game. Choosing games wisely can help alleviate boredom for these players. Additionally, addressing the social dynamics can be even more challenging.

In exploring the social dynamics among participants, we aim to pinpoint situations that seem to stretch time for the affected player, often due to feelings of alienation or distractions that may have unintentionally arisen during (or perhaps even before) the game. The types of mental distractions can vary widely, reflecting the diverse personalities of the players at your gaming table. However, I believe there are several recurring archetypal scenarios that manifest repeatedly, albeit in slightly different variations.Here are some possibilities: -  

1. The player in question is shy when meeting up with new people.
2. The person might hold a grudge or have an aversion towards another player or players at the table.
3. The person may have a busy work or social life and may be trying to multitask while at the table.
4. The player in question might be catching up with another person he or she might not have seen in a while, and he or she might be using that interaction to escape boredom.
5. Something might be worrying this person, and for this reason, he or she might appear to be distracted.
6. The person might not be feeling well thus affecting his or her ability to concentrate.

From the onset, the first thing that comes to mind is that a bit of empathy goes a long way towards addressing most of the issues listed above. The truth is that while you might have brought these people together to play a board game, they are people first, and people tend to come with emotional baggage. 

Pairing up a shy player with a friendly, outgoing partner during play could help. The other player could act as a catalyst or an intermediary between the shy player and the rest of the table. Likewise, if a player appears worried, a friend might help that person vent their concerns in confidence and, in the process, perhaps return their attention to the here and now. 

There is little you can effectively do if a person happens to be a workaholic and subject to very demanding work conditions. They might have indeed made an effort to come over and enjoy a game night with you, but their work keeps pulling them away from the table. A bit of understanding in this instance would go a long way towards helping these individuals integrate with the rest of the group. 

In equal fashion, if it is clear that a person is unwell, then providing a space where that person can unwind, perhaps away from the table, would be a good idea. It may not benefit the game being played, but it could mean ensuring that the player will return for future events.

The worst problem to tackle is if a player at the table holds a grudge against another player or other players at the table. One might then ask why that person came over in the first place, but loyalties and friendships can lead to some complicated social gatherings at times. What you do in these circumstances is strictly up to your own personal character. Some may decide to tread lightly and perhaps reposition players to ensure that any antagonists are kept far apart. Others may decide to address the elephant in the room, call out the antipathy lingering between those concerned. In these instances, a “whatever works” mindset could just as well save the day.  

I must now acknowledge another crucial aspect of hosting a game night. As you invite guests, you will also bring their current mental state, including any anxieties, personal issues, or scheduling concerns. This necessitates flexibility and the ability to listen attentively to their needs, even if they are reluctant to discuss personal matters. Nonverbal cues can provide valuable insights into a person's mindset, and it is crucial to be sensitive to these signs. By creating a welcoming environment where guests can temporarily set aside their worries and enjoy a carefree evening, you can have a profound impact on their well-being. Therefore, it is important to approach such situations with empathy and be prepared to adapt to any situation that may arise.

II would like to revisit the idea of game selection, particularly the possible disconnect between the game chosen and the players present. It's generally expected that you want your guests to leave an event, like a board game night, feeling as though time flew by and that they had a wonderful experience. Ideally, you want them to later express how quickly the time passed and how excited they are to return for another delightful evening.

Great games have distinct structures and mechanisms that set them apart. Without these elements, their popularity would likely be unjustified, and they wouldn't be considered high-quality experiences. Understanding how these game mechanisms function and their impact on gameplay is important.

Games that combine short-term and long-term goals typically require players to stay engaged, leading to a heightened sense of involvement where time feels fleeting. In contrast, if players find the complexity overwhelming, they may perceive time as stretching.

Some games focus on immediate objectives that resolve within a single turn, requiring no long-term commitments. These games often appeal to players who prioritise social interaction over gameplay, as they tend to experience time passing quickly. However, others may find these games lacking in depth and lose interest, often questioning their purpose.

I believe the most effective games balance engaging gameplay with opportunities for individual achievement. These games challenge players to make strategic decisions while still providing satisfaction, regardless of the final outcome. Notable examples include Wingspan, which blends strategic bird placement with thematic abilities, allowing players to feel accomplished through their personal tableau, even if they don't win. Similarly, Meadow and “7 Wonders” offer unique card tableaux that players can evaluate at the end of the game, fostering a sense of personal achievement.

An understanding of the perceived elasticity of time is vital for enhancing the board gaming experience. By managing time effectively, game organisers can create an environment where players feel accomplished and satisfied, leading to greater enjoyment and anticipation for future sessions. Incorporating these strategies can elevate your board game nights, making them truly memorable for friends and family.

It is a striking paradox that when we are most immersed in enjoyable experiences, time appears to contract, even as we wish it would expand to allow us to fully savour the moment. Would it not be more desirable to achieve a situation where we accomplish more while still perceiving time as slowing down? However, this dilemma lacks a clear resolution upon deeper reflection.

The only viable approach I have come to terms with is to focus on maximising the impact and outcomes of each experience. Life is fleeting, and I feel that age and increased commitments tend to accelerate its passage. Perhaps we need to learn to engage in fewer activities and prioritise only those that truly matter to us and those we love. By simplifying our thoughts and nurturing what is essential, we might find serenity in stillness and, within that stillness, perceive time as moving more evenly. The notions of dilation and contraction would then dissipate, leaving only the full expression of ourselves in the present moment.

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