The Brain Architecture Game

This tabletop board game experience was designed to engage policymakers, community and business leaders, health and education service providers, and government officials in understanding the science of early brain development—what promotes it, what derails it, and what are the consequences for society.

Originally developed in 2009 through a partnership of the Center on the Developing Child and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, the game has been play-tested by more than 12,000 people in teams at small workshops and large conferences.

The game is now available for purchase–in ready-made and do-it-yourself versions–through a partnership of the Center on the Developing Child, USC’s Creative Media and Behavioral Health Center, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, and the FrameWorks Institute. DIY versions are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Additionally, a Remote Team Edition of the Brain Architecture game is also available. In this edition, you can play from a single page via videoconferencing and screen-sharing in groups (and virtual breakout rooms) of 3-6 people. Note that one person will still need pipe cleaners, straws, and weights, and a functioning webcam. For more information, visit: https://play.thebrainarchitecturegame.com/.

Since its release, the Brain Architecture Game has been purchased in all 50 states and dozens of countries. The blue dots on the map below indicate where the ready-made game has shipped in the United States and Canada. The orange dots indicate where the DIY version of the game has been downloaded.

For more information about the game, go to http://www.thebrainarchitecturegame.com/

For more information about the scientific concepts used in the game, go to Key Concepts: Brain Architecture.