If you\u2019re tired of the same old Monopoly, perhaps it\u2019s time to try Settlers of Catan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a strategy board game for three to four players fighting to be the dominant force on Catan island. Settlers of Catan fundamentally changed the board game industry since its launch in 1995. It has sold more than 40 million copies and led to dozens of spinoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Catan offers the strategic thrill of Monopoly, without the endless arguments or (occasional) tears. Instead of bankrupting your family, you could be building roads, trading resources and collecting victory points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also an effective tool for developing strategic capabilities. These are skills that can be used to solve complex problems and plan for future success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strategic thinking is essential today as we navigate social challenges, job insecurity and rapid technological change. While businesses spend heavily on consultants and training programs, you could build these skills at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Game-based learning is a fun way to learn key business principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Catan island forms an artificial environment that mimics our social and business world. Players manage and trade resources to expand their territory by building houses, roads and cities to gain victory points. The first to reach 10 points wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Catan presents a safe, enjoyable and challenging environment to facilitate strategic thinking in the classroom, improve communication and risk-taking, develop self-expression and prepare students to deal with uncertainty in the real world, while promoting decision-making and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman said in an interview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPeople say, \u2018Where do I get my business strategy?\u2019 It\u2019s from game playing [\u2026] How much do you build for yourself, how much do you position against other people? [Catan is] the game that is closest of all the board games to entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n