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What is a Dexterity Game, and how does it relate to games in general.
Generally speaking, when a board game involves an element of executional complexity (requires the player to physically perform some action at some level of competency) it is often in the form of a dexterity test. This is why the category of dexterity game exists.
These games come in many forms such as Operation, Twister, Jenga and the like. The unifying factor is that the players must perform an act of acute balance, aim, or control to achieve points or victory.
Consider the game Monstrous. In this game players take the roll of greek gods raining havoc on the populace, throwing monsters at various famous greek cities. This is represented as players literally throwing cards a target cards that have been set up on the table. If they land on the card, the monster is successfully deployed. If they bounce off of it, slide under it, or miss it entirely the monster fails to make landfall, hurtling into the great abyss.
It's a simple game with a simple concept but because of the executional component winning is still a non-trivial affair. This is one of the intrinsic strengths of Dexterity games, and indeed (most) games that focus on executional complexity in general. The rules can be simple, because the primary engagement comes from executing a task that is physically very hard to do.
The nice thing about dexterity games is that while there is some initial training people can undergo to prepare for them they usually don't require the same amount of rigor that traditional sports games and gladiator games demand (due in no small part to the lack of officiation. That changes everything). Because of this these tend to be easy to understand crowd pleasers that are as much about performing well as they are about creating silly and fun experiences.
Consider Twister. The rules of the game are simple. When asked to do so, you must touch a declared limb to a colored spot on the mat without falling over. When they touch a spot, they must remain in contact with that spot as they reach for others. The twist (get it?) is that all players are playing at the same time and must maneuver around each other to reach the spots they are called to touch. The last player to fall over wins (assuming everybody doesn't fall over)
The rules are simple, making the learning phase of the game (called "The Teach" in designer circles) very quick. Players can immediately hop into the action and start having fun. This is a double edged sword as it can lead to games being "solved" very quickly, but at the same time, the executional component tends remain a challenge even after elements of strategy have been discovered and perfected.
So dear reader, what kinds of dexterity games have you encountered? Do you have a favorite? What would you like to see happen in the realm of dexterity games? Comment below, inquiring minds want to know!
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