InStructures Builds Better Communication Through Gameplay

What do many entrepreneurs and Forbes magazine agree on? In a February 2010 article, Forbes cited “Communication” in the top skills vital to success in the workplace, something that entrepreneurs have already known. Communication –– the ability to relay your own ideas, to make yourself understood, and to be able to understand what others are saying –– beat out all other skills for the primo slot and is the real nuts-and-bolts of any business.

The problem is that our educational system is not exactly geared towards honing communication skills, so when graduates hit the workplace, they’re typically in for a shock. While a variety of solutions have been proposed to address this issue, nothing really beats the old-fashioned method for learning: hands-on experience. And who says that learning to communicate well has to be an exercise in tedium? The folks at Fundex Games have figured out a great way to help everyone, from students on up, to practice their communication skills in an exciting new game.

Billed as “The Game of Construction by Instruction”, InStructures goes well beyond architecture: it actually has enjoyable learning down to a science. It took home MENSA’s award for 2011 — no small feat considering that MENSA caters to only the top 2% of intellectuals in the world. But it’s no surprise to learn that the game was developed by the folks at Fundex Games.

Fundex, originally started by the father and son sales duo who worked on the launch of UNO, is no stranger to outsized success. The developer of such popular games as Jarts and Gnip Gnop, Fundex has been bringing quality fun to families for over 25 years. The company has partnered with big-named brands to further expand its reach via licensed products including Marvel, Pinkalicious, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

InStructures is the most recent game innovation by Fundex, filling the need for games that exercise the brain and communication skills. In essence, the game sounds simple: two teams race to complete structures on the game cards. The caveat is that they need to follow the directions of another player, a “foreman” who directs the team because he is the only one allowed to see the design. The first team to successfully complete the design moves forward towards victory. The key to winning? Good communication, which is where InStructures melds fast-paced fun with real-world necessity. There are several variations on the game that will ensure hours of hands-on amusement.

Game night brings families together. Put a game center in your store to build sales, communication skills and brainpower. Start at www.Fundexgames.com