Eurostar's Innovative Step: Introducing Calming In-Travel Board Games for Stress Reduction
Eurostar and Asmodee Partner to Enhance Travel Experience with Board Games
Eurostar, the high-speed rail service connecting various countries, and board game publisher Asmodee have joined forces to offer a selection of short, practical games for passengers on selected routes. The collaboration aims to make traveling with Eurostar more enjoyable by providing an alternative to electronic devices and offering a fun, interactive activity that promotes social connection and mental relaxation.
According to a study by Asmodee, playing board games on public transportation, specifically during Eurostar journeys, offers several benefits. The study highlights that engaging in board games helps reduce passengers' stress and anxiety by providing a fun, interactive activity. It encourages passengers to connect with fellow travelers, making the journey more enjoyable and less isolating. Additionally, playing board games can help pass the time more pleasantly, improving the overall travel experience on Eurostar.
Bert De Smet, Director of Asmodee Belgium, suggests choosing compact games with few pieces, such as card or dice-based options, and avoiding noisy or overly complex games. De Smet advises packing game components in sealable plastic bags instead of bulky boxes and suggests using a small mat or dice app to reduce noise on tray tables. This advice aims to avoid disruption and potential conflicts caused by noisy games or missing game pieces.
Travellers are encouraged to bring their own favorite games, but Eurostar and Asmodee have curated a selection of games for those who prefer not to pack their own. The selection includes fast-paced visual games like Dobble Dinosaurs and Dobble Animal Crossing, card games like Exploding Kittens, memory-based mind games like Trio, the reflex-challenging game Jungle Speed, and a calm, family-friendly option called Happy Mochi.
The benefits of playing board games during travel are not limited to entertainment. A recent study found that 61% of passengers believe that playing games makes time pass faster. Moreover, around 38% also say that playing games encourages positive social interaction, and 46% consider playing games to be a helpful way to keep children occupied.
However, it's important to note that the article does not mention any specific statistics or percentages about the impact of these new games on passenger behavior. Furthermore, the article does not mention any potential negative consequences of playing games during travel. It's also worth noting that a study shows that 64% of respondents have been disturbed by noisy children on public transport.
Alex Wood, Eurostar's Service Strategy Manager, states that the goal is to make traveling with Eurostar more enjoyable. Wood also states that the journey is where the holiday begins, regardless of the destination (London, Paris, Cologne, etc.). By offering board games, Eurostar hopes to create a more enjoyable and engaging travel experience for all passengers.
Eurostar runs 51 high-speed trains serving 28 destinations in various countries. Many travellers resort to bribing children with snacks, screens, tablets, and video games to keep them occupied during long journeys. With the introduction of board games, Eurostar and Asmodee hope to provide a healthier and more interactive alternative.
- The collaboration between Eurostar and Asmodee offers a selection of board games for passengers, aiming to make traveling more enjoyable and less isolating.
- Engaging in board games during Eurostar journeys can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote social connection, and pass the time more pleasantly.
- Bert De Smet, Director of Asmodee Belgium, recommends bringing compact games with fewer pieces and suggests using a small mat or dice app to reduce noise.
- Eurostar and Asmodee have curated a selection of games, including fast-paced visual games, card games, memory-based mind games, a reflex-challenging game, and a family-friendly option.
- By offering board games, Eurostar hopes to create a more enjoyable and engaging travel experience, making the journey feel like the beginning of a holiday, regardless of the destination.
