The Return of Cooperative New Games (Part 1)

What are New Games?

For some of us, cooperative New Games never went away. We just kept right on doing them since their introduction in the early 1970’s. For others who have come along since then, they may still not know what New Games are. “Oh, you mean computer games.” Um. No. “Oh, you mean non-competitive games.” Still, no. Simply stated, New Games are cooperative group interactive games that are played just for fun, even when there is competition.

Since it doesn’t matter who wins, we can include everyone, those of all ages, sizes, abilities, and both genders. You can be slow, very large or very small, young or old, not very coordinated, in a wheelchair or almost anything else and still be able to join. Even expert athletes enjoy these games because for a change, they can relax and just enjoy playing for the sheer joy of it instead of worrying about winning. Even while trying to win. New Games are one of the few physical activities that whole families can do.

Still don’t get it? No problem. Think of it this way, the games are icebreakers, energizers, and team builders, ways to get a group to relax and get to know each other in new ways. The games look similar to children’s games, but with subtle differences. Player’s jokes and suggestions are incorporated into the games. Winning isn’t everything. It’s only one element of the games, and not the most important element. Having fun and including everyone are more important, to start. We take care of each other so that no one gets hurt and it’s enjoyable for all. Mainly, the idea is to have fun and include everyone who wants to join. We sometimes change the rules so everyone has a chance to enjoy the game and be able to participate fully. That doesn’t mean the games are trivial. I’ll address that at the end of this article.

Where did New Games come from?

Read part 2, to learn how New Games developed and what it can do for your groups…

6 Comments

  1. Great article Dale. Nice start to the new site and gives a great overview of where New Games came from.

  2. Sorry, unfortunately I have to firmly oppose with this post. But nevertheless, I fully understand that in fact all of us all have our distinctive way of thinking.

  3. Appreciate taking this chance to speak about this kind of, I am strongly about this i enjoy understading about this kind of subject. If you can, while you obtain facts, you should increase this website with fresh information. We discovered this very useful.

  4. Typically I would not publish on blogs, even so would like to say that this submit truly compelled me personally to accomplish this. Very nice submit!

    • That’s a wetulthough–olt answer to a challenging question

  5. Will be traveling through chi town for you to hoffman locations with regard to work daily an awful idea?

Leave a Comment