How PlayFours™ Stacks Up for Unity
In a world too often split by division, PlayFours™, the clever 3D strategy game from Fours Board Game (Pty) Ltd in Cape Town, South Africa, is all about bringing people together. At PlayFours™, we’re passionate about the ideals of Spiel des Jahres e.V.’s “Playing for Tolerance” movement, designing a game that fosters connection and inclusivity for all. This initiative, championed by the renowned Game of the Year Association, uses play to stand against racism and xenophobia—and we’re here for it, stacking discs and building bridges one game at a time.
A Game Where Everyone Belongs
PlayFours™ turns a simple 4×4 grid into a playground of possibility. Players stack discs to connect four in a row—horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or in stepped patterns—across a three-dimensional board. It’s easy to pick up in minutes, yet its strategic depth keeps you plotting for hours. What makes it truly special? Inclusivity is baked in. With tactile discs (textured black vs. smooth white) and Braille instructions, PlayFours™ welcomes blind and visually impaired players to the table. Its compact, play-in-the-box design means it’s ready for any setting—family gatherings, lunch breaks, or community events—making sure no one’s left out.
This mirrors the heart of “Playing for Tolerance,” which declares that playing “brings people together, it doesn’t divide them.” It’s about equality, respect, and shared rules—values PlayFours™ lives by. Every stack you build is a chance to connect, proving that differences don’t have to mean distance.
The Movement: Gaming for Good
“Playing for Tolerance” began in 2018 with Spielejournalists Harald Schrapers, Udo Bartsch, and Martin Klein, later amplified by Spiel des Jahres e.V. It’s a bold stand against the rise of hate in society—racism, xenophobia, disinformation—things they say “we would have thought impossible in our enlightened and modern times.” Their message? The gaming table’s values—fairness, respect, equality—aren’t just for play; they’re vital for life. And for those who reject these norms, their response is clear: “We won’t play with you!”
PlayFours™ takes this to heart. On our small grid, it’s about grinning through a blocked move or cheering a clever win—always with respect. In the bigger game of life, it’s about saying no to exclusion and yes to community. Whether it’s kids from different backgrounds giggling over a match or strangers at an event swapping strategies, PlayFours™ turns players into teammates, stacking up moments of unity.
Small Stacks, Big Impact
We’re not just playing a game; we’re playing for something bigger. “Playing for Tolerance” inspires us to see every match as a chance to reflect its values. Picture a school where kids learn teamwork through a quick 5-15 minute round, or a family swapping screens for discs and stories. Crafted entirely from recycled plastic, PlayFours™ stacks sustainability into every piece—because caring for each other includes caring for the planet.
Join the Play
PlayFours™ invites you to join the fun—and the fight—for tolerance. Host a game night with someone new. Bring it to your community with #PlayingForTolerance. Every disc you stack is a move toward a more open world. As Spiel des Jahres e.V. reminds us, the principles that make games great are the ones we need most in life. With PlayFours™, you’re not just stacking four in a row—you’re stacking up hope.