A New Way to Learn Through Play
Game On is a learning platform created through the Erasmus+ project GameChangers: Play, Learn and Innovate, combining education, creativity, board games and AI to support young people’s learning and development. In today’s fast-changing world, success isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about being able to think critically, work collaboratively, and adapt to new challenges.
Traditional learning methods often rely on books and screens, but Game On offers something different: an interactive, hands-on experience that develops essential skills in a fun and social way. The project was led by Projekta (Malta), together with project partner Veronika Liotard (Czechia), combining youth work, game-based learning, creativity and innovation. Through gameplay, young people don’t just absorb information—they experiment, solve problems, and turn ideas into action.
Board Games as Tools for Growth
Board games provide a unique way to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and decision-making—skills that are valuable not just in education but in everyday life. Unlike screens, which often promote passive engagement, board games encourage active participation, where players must communicate, strategise, and react in real time. They challenge players to think creatively, negotiate with others, and solve complex problems, all while having fun. Whether through cooperative play, competitive strategy, or storytelling, these games cultivate essential life skills in an engaging and pressure-free environment.
But Game On isn’t just about playing games—it’s about unlocking their full potential as educational tools. Participants will explored how different games can support learning, develop leadership skills, encourage creative thinking and strengthen problem-solving abilities. By using games as a learning method, young people gain valuable insights in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Game Library & International Experiences
Game On goes beyond gameplay by making high-quality board games accessible to schools, youth organisations, and community centres—completely free of charge. Through the Game On Board Game Library, organisations can borrow and experience a variety of strategy-based and educational games that might otherwise be too expensive or unavailable to them. This initiative ensures that more young people, regardless of their background, can explore the power of play in a way that’s both educational and engaging.
In addition to the Games Library, Game On created opportunities for international learning through PlayQuest. A group of Maltese participants travelled to Czechia, where they explored the world of game design and entrepreneurship, met industry professionals, discovered how board games are created, and examined their role in education, business and social impact. This hands-on international experience gave participants first-hand exposure to game design, entrepreneurship and different approaches to learning, innovation and creativity.
Bringing Back Real-Life Connections
In a world where screens play a major role in daily life, young people do not always have enough opportunities for meaningful, face-to-face interaction. Social media, streaming and digital gaming offer many possibilities, but board games provide something different: a shared space where people can connect, communicate and interact through play. Whether working together to solve a puzzle, competing in a strategy game, or negotiating in a role-playing scenario, participants engage in real, dynamic interactions that can build relationships, communication skills and emotional awareness.
By stepping away from screens, young people will rediscover the value of teamwork, negotiation, and leadership in a setting that feels fun and natural. At the same time, Game On embraces technology in a smart way—showing participants how AI and digital tools can be used creatively, not just for passive entertainment but for innovation and game design. This balance between hands-on play and digital creativity prepares young people for a future where critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability matter more than ever.
Roll the dice, unlock your mind.
Benefits of Playing Board Games
Playing board games is more than just a source of enjoyment—it can also help develop useful skills and create meaningful connections. Board games encourage critical thinking, inspire creativity and challenge players to approach problems in different ways. Unlike passive screen time, board games create an interactive environment where face-to-face communication thrives, and learning feels natural and engaging.
Games also teach teamwork and collaboration. Whether working together to achieve a shared goal or competing against each other in good spirit, they cultivate a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. They also provide a safe space to experiment with strategies, take risks, and learn from failures—all essential skills in the real world. Furthermore, board games help set goals, build resilience, and even reduce stress, making them a holistic activity for personal growth.
Develops problem solving
Can help reduce stress
Encourages teamwork
Encourages Goal-Setting
Taking it Further
Game On takes the traditional benefits of board games and amplifies them through innovative and inclusive initiatives that go beyond just playing.
Game Library: Recognising that not everyone has access to high-quality board games, Game On established a shared library where schools, youth groups and community organisations can borrow educational and strategy-based games for free. The library continues to help make board games more accessible to young people, regardless of financial constraints or other barriers.
Game Design: Participants went beyond playing games and became creators themselves. Through hands-on methods and AI-powered tools, young people explored how to adapt games for educational purposes and develop new ideas of their own. This encouraged creativity, resourcefulness and innovation while developing skills relevant to education, business and entrepreneurship.
International Learning: The project created opportunities for young people to learn beyond their local environment. Through PlayQuest, a group of Maltese participants travelled to Czechia, where they met designers, entrepreneurs and educators and explored how games can be used in education, social initiatives and business.
AI Integration: Game On shows how technology can support creativity and innovation. During the project, participants explored how AI tools can assist different stages of game design, from developing ideas and mechanics to creating visuals, content and prototypes. These tools and experiences are also shared through Game On’s AI & Game Design learning resources.
Together, these initiatives show how board games can go beyond entertainment to support creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, learning and international exchange.
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