Parker Simpson

different social spaces. In our home, I saw firsthand the unifying effects that simple card games like Uno and Exploding Kittens could have on kids from hard places. Even teens from tragic backgrounds would start to come out of their shells when sitting down for some wholesome, unassuming playtime. Understandable distrust towards adults made it difficult for these kids to feel comfortable in a stranger’s home, but when presented with a safe space to just be a kid, some of them began to cautiously let their shields down. Sharing genuine laughter around a table for a twenty-minute game is like a beacon of light when the realities of life feel dark or tense. Emboldened by these experiences, I turned my creative focus toward bringing to life games that might give those same feelings of joy and connection to others.