“The Art of Emotions” – a simulation game

About the game

“The Art of Emotions” is a board game-simulator based on Robert Plutchik’s wheel of emotions. At the heart of the mechanics are eight basic emotions: joy, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust, trust, and anticipation. Cards and life situations invite you to notice, name, and discuss various reactions, including more complex states that are formed from a combination of basic emotions.

The game does not determine which feeling is “right.” The same situation can elicit different reactions from different people, and comparing these views is an important part of the session.

How is the game going?

Participants choose chips and move around the fabric field. The sector determines the deck from which the next card is taken. It can be a situation, a question or a task related to a certain emotion. The player describes his possible reaction, names the feeling and explains what influenced him in the situation.

Other participants may compare their answers or suggest an additional question within the rules. Scorecards and chips structure the movement of the game, but in a professional session the moderator may focus more on discussion than competition.

Before the group begins, they agree on confidentiality, respect, and the right not to reveal their personal stories. The question can be answered through a fictional character or a common example if they are uncomfortable talking about their own experiences.

For example, one card might describe the anticipation of important news. One participant would name fear, another would name hope, and a third would name irritation. The facilitator does not choose the “right” answer, but helps clarify what thoughts, bodily sensations, and impulses to act are behind each name.

What does the game develop?

“The Art of Emotions” develops emotional intelligence, helps to better understand one’s feelings and learn to manage them effectively. Working with Plutchik’s circle reveals the connections between basic and complex emotions, supports personal growth, improves interpersonal relationships, and helps adapt to the environment.

• recognizing and naming emotions;
• the distinction between feeling, thought and action;
• description of the intensity and combination of several emotions;
• listening to different reactions to the same situation;
• question formulation and respectful group feedback.

For whom and for what situations

The game is suitable for psychologists, coaches, educators, game practitioners and other specialists who work with groups. It can be used in educational sessions, team meetings and professional practice to develop emotional intelligence, personal growth, improve relationships and adaptation.

Equipment

• fabric playing field;
• a brochure with rules;
• 8 decks of 20 cards;
• 90 score cards;
• 12 chips and a dice.

Manufacturer

JDG Dzmitry Sedler DSDruk
ul. Lokalna 12, 04-903 Warszawa, Polska
[email protected]