Play Matters

“My goal is for this to way outlast me,” Conway said. “I want to build an organization that can carry forward this powerful idea that play matters for generations to come.

Conway emphasized that the mission of The Spiel Foundation is focused on play as a lifelong endeavor and not just something for children — that it’s important to remember the value of play and community. He said he often has to remind people that the joy, wonder, and energy from playing games are not restricted to a certain age range.

“If anything, I hope that everything we do is just a reminder that the opportunity to play is always there. Giving yourself the permission to play at any stage of life is a powerful way to rekindle a sense of fun and perhaps even purpose,” Conway said.

At the end of the day, Conway said playing board games is less about the game itself or who wins, and more about the relationships, experiences and memories you build by playing.

“If the goal of play is to win, most people hate playing because you don’t win most of the time. It’s not something that happens all of the time, so there has to be something about play that is essential. It is a basic form of expressing our humanity, no different than music or art,” Conway said. “If you can apply that when you walk away from it, that’s the magic. [...] That feels powerful to me in a way that goes beyond boards and games and dice. Those are just vehicles — just the artifacts of play.”

If play also matters to you, there are many ways to support the foundation’s efforts. As a nonprofit organization with many lofty goals, The Spiel Foundation relies on financial support, donations, and volunteer work from individuals, the game industry, and the community at large. As Conway puts it, “The world needs more Champions of Fun. We’d love to count you among them!”

To donate or get involved, visit Thespielfoundation.com.