Market Research

Before we decided which models to put through our rigorous testing process, we surveyed the market. We scouted math games at toy conventions, examined the holdings at retail stores, and plunged into the deepest depths of online reviews. We carefully considered 68 math games (yes, 68!) across 34 different brands before boiling down the list.

 

We wanted to focus specifically on addition and subtraction, so we excluded any games that required multiplication, division, or other more advanced math concepts. We also wanted to focus on games that included a math component, so anything that felt too flashcard-y didn't make the cut (same for apps and electronics). Others were put aside due to quality concerns. We ultimately selected the nine most promising math games of varying price, popularity, and math-centricity to test. 

 

Purchase Methodology

We paid retail for all nine models, just like you.

 

Assessment Criteria

After inspecting the pieces and playing (many!) rounds of each game, we calculated a "Fun Quotient" and a "Math Factor" for each game. Here's how we came up with the scores:

 

The Fun Quotient

Meant to assess the overall enjoyability of the game. How fun is it to play? How quickly does it move? Would you want to play it even if it weren't a "math game?" More points for anything that makes the game fun; points deducted for anything that makes it frustrating. 

 

We used the following metrics to calculate the Fun Quotient:

 

• Length of Play (5%):  Loss of points if games tend to drag on too long.

• Quality of Components (15%):  Loss of points if pieces don't work well, components fall apart, or game has a funny smell.

• Clarity of Directions (5%):  How easy is it to understand how to play (and win) the game?

• Degree to Which Winning Requires Strategy (Rather than Luck) (10%): More points for games that require at least some strategy.

• Number of Special Spaces / Wild Cards (15%):  Twists in the game can keep play lively.

• Degree to Which Play Remains Fresh (15%):  Loss of points if the game quickly grew repetitive. 

• Artwork Quality (5%):  Sometimes looks matter.

• Time Between Turns (10%):  Our littlest testers (and sometimes the big ones) don't want to have to wait too long to get in on the action. 

• Frequency of Player Controversy (15%):  Loss of points if testers end up in tears.

• Backstory / Humor of the Game (5%):  We appreciate a little creativity. Bonus points if the backstory is amusing. 
   

The Math Factor

All so-called math games are not created equal. They varied quite a bit in how often math was required and the types and variety of math involved. This measure reflects the degree to which games revolved around mathematical concepts. In other words, a measure of the game's overall mathy-ness.

 

We used the following metrics to calculate the Math Factor:

 

• Math Frequency (65%):  A measure of whether the players are doing math constantly, only on their turn, or only occasionally.

• Variety of Math (20%):  More points for games that require more types of math (i.e., addition and subtraction) than for those that are one-trick ponies.

• Generate Equations (10%):  We love when kids can get creative with math. Points for games that ask players to be on the lookout for different combinations of numbers that can form an equation.

• Multiple Math Calculations (5%):  Why do one calculation when you can do two? Points for games that require players to consider multiple math problems before making their move.