New board game helps university students integrate and make friends

A new boardgame developed by students and staff at the University of Exeter aims to help with integration and forming friendships.

Entitled ‘The Belonging Game’ it focuses on building connections between students by stimulating conversations and contemplation. With questions ranging from surface level to thought-provoking this game offers a way for students to get to know one another without the pressure of having to craft the entire conversation.

Developed with the help of student interns, the questions resonate with real student experiences and are inclusive of all cultures and backgrounds. 

The game is played by moving around a board answering level one to six questions which have increasing levels of reflection. With questions ranging from ‘If you could swap lives with any fictional character for a day, who would it be and why?’ to ‘What core values from your culture have influenced your personal beliefs?’ the game takes into consideration mental wellbeing, helping people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Dr Dominic Wiredu Boakye, Senior Lecturer at the University of Exeter and game co-creator said: “The Belonging Game offers a fun and structured way for colleagues, students, or complete strangers to connect more deeply and build meaningful relationships. Over the past year, we have co-developed and piloted the game with academics, charities, and students, and we have seen it spark genuine friendships time and again. One of my favourite pieces of feedback came from a player who described it as a ‘low-key therapy session’ and we cannot wait for more people to experience it for themselves.”

Brought about due to feedback from their students, who said they found it difficult to mingle and make friends within their course, the team developed a prototype with funds from an Exeter University Education Incubator Grant.

Daisy Downs, final year neuroscience student who gave feedback during the game’s development said: “The belonging game was a lot of fun, and I could have played for hours. I loved the variation in questions, which allowed you to get to know each other while also tackling deeper experiences and emotions. I think playing creates genuine relationships and gives a sense of belonging between players and people outside of the game.”

Following the widespread praise and positive feedback from students and staff the team partnered with Focus Games to commercialise and make the game widely available.

Dr Musarrat Maisha Reza , Senior Lecturer at the University of Exeter and game co-creator said: “The Belonging Game was our team’s heartfelt response to student voices and born from a simple but powerful idea that meaningful connection builds belonging. Seeing it come to life and now launch officially is a proud moment, and we look forward to the impact it will create in classrooms and communities.”

The game is designed to work in academic settings, workplaces and informal group gatherings. The questions spark laughter, reflection, and even vulnerability. In a time where people, especially those from minoritised backgrounds are still grappling with belonging and visibility, this game offers a gentle, structured way to connect.

The game was designed and developed by; Dr Musarrat Maisha Reza , Dr Dominic Wiredu Boakye, Dr Shalinee Dhayal, Dr Iveren Winifred Nyinoh and Dr Katarina Kos.

The game is now available and can be purchased online.