Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Gamesver Team and JC Franco
Getting ready for game night with your best buds? Try putting together an exciting trivia game; surely, everyone will be itching to come! But have you ever wondered just what it is about trivia games that people love so much?
Keep reading to find out what makes trivia games such a hit with everyone.
These are 15 reasons why people like trivia games:
1. Winning Releases Dopamine
Do you recall that feeling you have when you’re able to give the correct answer to a question that stumps most people? That warm, fuzzy feeling you can’t seem to get enough of? That’s a rush of dopamine, the so-called happy hormone, into your brain’s reward and pleasure center.
This dopamine rush makes people feel good, improving their state of mind and mental health. It’s actually the same rush people get from playing video games or gambling, but without the addictive effects that nobody desires. So it’s all safe, clean fun.
2. They Sharpen the Mind
Playing trivia games also sharpens our cognitive skills, particularly our memory. It allows our brains to work out, so to speak, by tapping into tucked-away bits and pieces of information and memory that we don’t usually use in everyday life.
They are also an effective way to quicken our decision-making skills and enhance our brain’s performance. Because of this, trivia games are a great way for older folk to keep their minds sharp and combat memory loss.
3. They Connect People
Trivia games are socially engaging, allowing for people (long-time friends and family members, as well as those who have just met) to connect and form a bond. This is because the game allows us to interact with people in a fun way, enabling us to shed the initial awkwardness that’s so common with new acquaintances.
Also, no matter our differences, we always have a common ground while we’re playing – making sure that our team wins! More often than not, that’s more than enough for new friendships to form.
4. They Improve Self-Esteem
What do you do with all the random information you keep in your head? You use it to answer questions on trivia night! Many say that getting the correct answer to some little-known topic improves their self-esteem and encourages them to be more curious about the world.
If you think that knowing lots of random stuff makes you weird, try joining a trivia game and discover how people love that exact same thing about you!
5. They’re Fun
Like any competitive event, playing trivia games is fun. More often than not, trivia nights are organized with friends and family as a way to get together, bond, and simply have a great time. So even if you don’t come prepared with answers to all sorts of trivia, the mere experience of being there can be a big deal in itself.
Imagine grandpa scratching his head fishing for the answer while you and your siblings spout information, hoping to say the right one. Or you and your friends laughing at each other over the ridiculous answers you’re all throwing around.
Trivia nights are guaranteed fun.
6. They Reduce Stress
If you’re one of those people under constant pressure at work or school, sitting down with friends for a wholesome night of trivia games is one of the best ways to alleviate stress – mental, emotional, or physical.
Trivia nights take your mind off quotas and bosses and deadlines and turn your attention to questions about obscure and even humorous topics. You get to laugh it off when someone gives a far-fetched answer and enjoy a jolt of dopamine every time you get questions right. You also spend time with people you love, which can sometimes be all the stress-relieving we need.
7. No Need for Physical Exertion
Want to have fun and relax at the same time? Play a trivia game with friends!
Sure, there’s a place and time for more physically demanding activities like sports. But when you just want to chill, guessing the answers to random questions about anything under the sun can be the perfect relaxing pastime. It’s also a great way to let those with physical limitations join in the fun.
8. Many People Can Play
Unlike other games where the number of players is limited, you can invite as many friends as you like to trivia and play simultaneously. In fact, the more people you have around, the better your chances of having a blast. Also, more heads mean more people who can figure out the answer.
This also makes trivia games excellent for social functions or get-togethers where you want everyone to be included. This way, there are no butterflies on the wall or silent onlookers; everybody gets to participate.
9. There’s Healthy Competition
Trivia games also provide a healthy level of competition, which is essential for thrilling game time. There’s plenty of cheering, triumphant shouts, and even laughter to go around, especially as each team vies for the spot at the top.
Make sure to set clear ground rules, though. You want to ensure that the game stays fun even when the competition heats up.
10. You Can Use What You Know
Another great thing about trivia games is that you can come prepared, but you don’t really have to. You can simply show up and use what you already know! In fact, that’s what most people find enjoyable about the game. When you get a correct answer, it’s all thanks to the ocean of knowledge in your head and an excellent memory.
11. You Learn New Things
Trivia is not just about the things you already know; you also get to learn lots of new things playing trivia games. Even if you’re organizing the game and not participating, preparing questions can help you discover many interesting things about the world.
You never know; you may need those bits of facts someday.
12. Most Ages Can Play
Trivia games are also very inclusive. If you’re planning a get-together and worried about the age gaps and differences in preferences, you can always rely on a good trivia game to bring everyone together. Everyone can play and have fun, from the little kids to the grannies!
This is also one of the reasons why lots of older people enjoy trivia games. They can be sitting the whole time and answering trivia questions without a problem. And the little kids? Notice how their faces seem to glow when they get the answer?
Trivia games are definitely for everyone.
13. You Can Play As Long as You Want
Unlike other games where you have a definite time limit, you can play trivia games as long as you want (or as quickly as you wish). You can spend the whole night answering questions if you like. Because the longer you’ve played and the more points you’ve earned, the more pumped you’ll be to keep playing.
14. Questions Are Limitless
Boring questions? Limited choices? There’s none of that with trivia games. The topics you can ask questions about are endless. You can ask anything, from history and science to movie stars and rap music. It doesn’t even have to be about documented bits of information. Questions can be about anything, including the people in your neighborhood.
15. You Can Serve Food and Drinks
And last but not least, you can spice up any trivia night with food and drinks. You can enjoy food while playing or take a break to have some snacks.
Any competitive group game where food abounds is sure to be a hit. And if you’re all of age, how about spicing things up with a bottle of wine? It doesn’t have to be wine, but you get the point.
This article was co-authored by our team of in-house and freelance writers, and reviewed by our editors, who enjoy sharing their knowledge about their favorite games with others!
JC Franco
JC Franco serves as a New York-based editor for Gamesver. His interest for board games centers around chess, a pursuit he began in elementary school at the age of 9. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Mercyhurst University, JC brings a blend of business acumen and creative insight to his role. Beyond his editorial endeavors, he is a certified USPTA professional, imparting his knowledge in tennis to enthusiasts across the New York City Metropolitan area.