The Ungame – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Ungame

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Board Game1973

58%

WISE Score

3.2

Board Game Geek

A 1973 'game' that's really a conversation therapy tool—great for feelings, terrible for fun.

The Ungame

Board Game

5+, 1973

58%

WISE Score

3.2

Board Game Geek

A 1973 'game' that's really a conversation therapy tool—great for feelings, terrible for fun.

4.6

3.2

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4.6

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Where to Play

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be honest: The Ungame is a therapeutic conversation tool with a board slapped on it, not a game. The BGG rating of 3.2/10 from 338 gamers tells you everything—this is boring as hell if you're expecting actual gameplay.

But here's the thing: for families who need structure to talk about feelings, or therapists working with kids, it's genuinely useful. The questions are thoughtful, the non-competitive format removes performance anxiety, and the 'code of silence' listening rule is solid. Amazon's 4.6/5 rating (versus BGG's 3.2/10) shows the split: parents and therapists appreciate the tool; gamers hate the 'game.'

The 1973 design is painfully dated—roll-and-move mechanics, no replayability, zero entertainment value. Modern families have better options: conversation card decks, apps, or just... talking. But if you specifically want a structured, board-based prompt system for family feelings time, this does what it promises.

Just don't call it game night.

Age Fit

Officially 5+, but realistically works best for ages 8-14 when kids can articulate feelings and engage meaningfully with reflective questions. Younger kids might need simpler prompts; teens might find it cheesy unless they're already comfortable with family vulnerability. Adults in therapy or support groups still use it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Non-competitive design explicitly encourages listening, sharing feelings, and building understanding. The 'code of silence' rule teaches respectful listening. Questions explore emotional topics (anger, loneliness, happiness) in a structured, supportive way. Used by therapists and counselors for family communication—that's a strong endorsement for emotional health.

Imaginative

This is fundamentally a conversation prompt tool, not an imaginative game. Questions like 'What do you think life would be like in 100 years?' invite some creative thinking, but the roll-and-move board mechanics (BGG weight 1.2) are utterly basic. No world-building, no creative expression, no exploration. It's a therapeutic tool dressed as a board game.

Safe

Extremely safe. No mature content, no competitive conflict that creates bad feelings (it's literally non-competitive), no gambling mechanics. The emotional questions are designed to be processed in a supportive environment. BGG categories include 'Religious' but nothing indicates proselytizing—just values-oriented questions. The only minor consideration is that some emotional topics might feel vulnerable for certain families, but that's by design and therapeutic.

Enriching

Strong therapeutic and communication skill-building value—used by thousands of counselors and therapists. Develops active listening, emotional vocabulary, and empathy. Questions prompt reflection on values and feelings. However, entertainment value is minimal (BGG rating 3.2/10 with 338 ratings tells the story). It's enriching as a tool, not as a game.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely useful for families who struggle with open communication—provides structured prompts to discuss feelings and values
Non-competitive design means no winners/losers, just connection (used by therapists and counselors for decades)
The 'code of silence' rule teaches active listening skills in a concrete way
Questions span light topics to deeper emotional territory, so you can adjust the depth based on your family's comfort
At 60 minutes, it's a real commitment to being present with each other—no phones, just talking

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What to Watch For

This is not a game in any traditional sense—there's no strategy, no challenge, no winning. If your kids expect actual gameplay, they'll be bored in 10 minutes
The 1973 design shows its age: roll-and-move mechanics, dated card questions, zero replayability for entertainment (BGG rating of 3.2/10 is brutal)
Some questions can feel uncomfortably vulnerable—'What are you most afraid of?' hits different when you're 8 and sitting across from your sibling
Best used intentionally as a conversation tool, not pulled out for family game night expecting laughs and excitement

Conversation Starters

"What question from the game surprised you the most? Was there one you didn't want to answer?"
"Did you learn anything new about me (or your sibling/parent) from their answers?"
"Would you rather play a game where you compete to win, or one where you just talk and share like this?"
"If you could add your own question to the game, what would you ask everyone?"

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