The Ultimate Guide to Comparing Board Game Prices in 2025
In recent years, board games have undergone a massive resurgence. From intricate strategy games to fun family favourites, there’s something for everyone in this growing market. As the interest has grown, so too have the prices, making it more important than ever to be a savvy shopper when hunting for your next tabletop gem.
The world of board games is vast, with hundreds of new titles released each year. Whether you’re looking for the latest Kickstarter sensation or a tried-and-true classic, prices can vary significantly depending on the retailer. That’s why platforms like www.daddyprice.co.uk are becoming essential tools for enthusiasts aiming to get the best deal on their favourite games.
One of the first steps in comparing board game prices is to know your priorities. Are you looking for the lowest price possible, or do you value extras like limited editions and exclusive content? Not all listings are created equal, and what appears to be a good deal at first glance may not include expansions or important game components.
Shipping costs can also make or break a deal. Some retailers may offer attractive base prices but offset them with high shipping fees. Conversely, others might offer free delivery over a certain amount or discounts for multiple purchases. Always check the final total before clicking ‘buy’.
Price comparison is not just about saving money—it’s also about timing. Many board game retailers run sales around key periods like Christmas, Black Friday, or even seasonal clearances. Signing up for newsletters and alerts can give you a competitive edge.
Another factor to consider is whether you’re shopping for games that are new, used, or reconditioned. While new games ensure pristine components and shrink-wrapped packaging, used or second-hand games can be far more affordable. Just be sure the condition is clearly described and that all parts are included.
Beyond price, some buyers consider the retailer’s reputation. Check reviews and ratings to ensure your purchase will be smooth and that any issues will be resolved quickly. A reliable customer service team can sometimes be worth paying a little extra for.
It’s also worth exploring international retailers. With global shipping options and currency conversions, you might find that a game costs significantly less abroad—even after shipping. Just be mindful of language editions and compatibility if the game includes text-heavy components.
When comparing, don’t forget to look at bundle deals. Some shops offer starter packs or game bundles that include multiple games at a reduced rate. This is particularly good for new gamers building their collection, or for gift-givers looking for a well-rounded present.
Some tools and websites allow you to track historical pricing. This can help you understand whether a current price is truly a good deal or if you’re better off waiting for a sale. Graphs and price history charts are great for visualising trends over time.
Collectors should pay special attention to reprints and stock status. Out-of-print games often spike in value, so knowing the release timeline or restock estimates can influence your decision on when and where to buy.
Online forums and communities such as Reddit, BoardGameGeek, or Facebook groups often post discount codes and retailer tips. Engaging with these communities can yield not just pricing advice but full reviews, recommendations, and rule clarifications.
Also, don’t ignore local game shops. While online retailers usually dominate on price, your neighbourhood store may offer personalised service, free demos, and community events. Supporting them contributes to a thriving gaming culture.
Comparing prices doesn’t end once you’ve bought a game. If you’re a regular buyer or collector, maintaining a wishlist or spreadsheet of games, along with their average prices, can help inform future purchases.
Lastly, remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Consider the total value: packaging quality, retailer reliability, shipping speed, and customer support. Make an informed decision based on a balance of cost and confidence.
2025 will undoubtedly bring even more innovation to the world of board games—new mechanics, hybrid digital titles, and enhanced production values. Price comparison remains a smart habit to maximise enjoyment and minimise spending. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned collector, staying informed and strategic is the best way to keep your shelves and your wallet happy.
The Science Behind Audiobooks: Are They Really Good for Your Brain?
Audiobooks have rapidly evolved from a convenient alternative to traditional reading into a cultural phenomenon. With smartphones, earbuds, and smart speakers making literature accessible from virtually anywhere, listening to books is more popular than ever. But as audiobooks continue to dominate charts and reshape publishing, a new question arises: What is actually happening in the brain when we listen to a book instead of reading it? Is the cognitive experience the same, and more importantly — is it just as beneficial?
Many purists have long believed that “real reading” can only happen with the eyes on the page. But recent scientific studies suggest otherwise. Listening to audiobooks engages many of the same neurological pathways as traditional reading, and in some cases, it may even offer cognitive advantages that go unnoticed. As neuroscientists explore how the brain processes language, comprehension, and emotion in different formats, the evidence in favor of audiobooks is stacking up.
This shift is not only technological but also philosophical. As platforms like philosophy and literature show, audiobooks are becoming a preferred way to experience complex, intellectually engaging material. Listeners are no longer simply seeking convenience — they’re pursuing substance, meaning, and depth through voice. This convergence of science, technology, and storytelling makes audiobooks not just valid, but powerful tools for lifelong learning and cognitive enrichment.
When you listen to an audiobook, your brain processes language in much the same way as when you read visually. Studies using fMRI scans have shown that listening and reading activate similar regions in the brain’s left hemisphere, including the temporal lobe (responsible for processing sound and language) and the frontal cortex (critical for comprehension and memory). This overlap confirms that listening is not a passive activity — it engages deep, active cognition.
Moreover, audiobooks can enhance emotional engagement with the material. A narrator’s tone, pacing, and vocal inflection add layers of meaning that go beyond the printed word. Listeners often report feeling more emotionally connected to characters and narratives when they hear them aloud. The brain responds to human voice with a sense of empathy and attentiveness, especially when the narration includes expressive storytelling or multiple characters brought to life.
Comprehension levels between reading and listening are also comparable. In a 2016 study published in the journal *Memory & Cognition*, researchers found no significant difference in comprehension when participants read versus when they listened to the same material. Whether processing words visually or aurally, the brain’s ability to retain and understand information remained consistent. This reinforces the idea that listening is not “cheating” — it is simply an alternative sensory pathway to the same intellectual outcome.
In fact, for certain types of learners, audiobooks may offer an advantage. Auditory learners — those who absorb information better through sound than visuals — often find they can recall more from audiobooks than from print. People with dyslexia, ADHD, or visual impairments also benefit greatly from audio formats, as they reduce barriers to accessing information. In this way, audiobooks promote inclusivity and accommodate different cognitive profiles, allowing more people to engage with literature meaningfully.
From a memory standpoint, audiobooks also help develop auditory working memory — the ability to hold and manipulate information in one’s mind after hearing it. This skill is crucial for verbal reasoning, mental math, and even social interactions. Because audiobooks require you to track narrative arcs, character shifts, and thematic changes in real-time, they sharpen this essential function of the brain.
Multitasking while listening to audiobooks — like walking, cooking, or commuting — does raise concerns about attention. However, research suggests that the brain can effectively split attention between physical and cognitive tasks, as long as the activities aren’t both language-heavy. In many cases, adding gentle movement to listening can actually enhance focus and retention. It’s similar to the way some people absorb information better while pacing or doodling.
There’s also growing evidence that audiobooks can support mindfulness and mental wellness. The act of listening requires presence — you can’t skim or skip without missing important content. This enforced focus fosters a kind of mental stillness, encouraging listeners to slow down and tune in. When paired with calming narration, audiobooks have even been shown to lower stress levels and improve sleep quality, especially when used as part of a nightly routine.
And of course, the social aspect of storytelling is reborn through audio. Humans evolved listening to stories, not reading them. Campfire tales, oral traditions, epics — these were all spoken long before they were written. Audiobooks reconnect us to this primal mode of communication, creating a bridge between ancient oral culture and modern literary expression. The brain, in turn, responds instinctively to the voice as a trusted vehicle of knowledge, narrative, and connection.
In sum, the science is clear: audiobooks are not just good for your brain — they can be just as enriching, and sometimes even more so, than traditional reading. By combining cognitive stimulation, emotional resonance, and accessibility, they expand the ways we learn, feel, and grow through literature. And in a world filled with distraction, they offer one of the rare experiences that asks us to pause, listen, and truly understand.
How to measure the ROI of corporate events
How to measure the ROI of corporate events?
Corporate events represent a significant investment of time, resources, and capital. Whether it’s a leadership summit, product launch, training retreat, or client appreciation evening, companies are increasingly expected to prove their value beyond applause and attendance. Yet, measuring return on investment (ROI) in the context of events isn’t as simple as comparing expenses to revenue—it’s about understanding impact. From lead generation to team performance, ROI can be tangible or intangible, short-term or long-term. So how do you accurately measure it?
The first step is defining your objectives. Every event should begin with a clear understanding of its goals. Are you aiming to boost employee morale, generate new leads, drive product awareness, or foster client relationships? Without concrete objectives, measuring ROI becomes guesswork. Objectives act as the benchmark against which success is evaluated. They should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
For companies organizing high-stakes events, working with a specialized partner like Preference Events agency can help ensure that KPIs are integrated into the planning process. From experience design to data capture, agencies bring in-depth knowledge of how to align your experience with outcomes that can be monitored and measured. This ensures that ROI is not an afterthought, but a guiding principle throughout the event lifecycle.
One of the most straightforward ways to measure ROI is through lead generation and client acquisition. For B2B events in particular, track the number of qualified leads gained, follow-up meetings booked, and new accounts opened. Compare these metrics to historical averages or the investment made in securing attendance. If the cost per lead is lower than your average digital marketing spend, you’ve already gained efficiency.
Sales conversion is the next layer. Post-event tracking should assess how many leads from the event convert into paying customers—and how quickly. Use CRM systems to monitor this over 30, 60, or 90 days. For existing clients, measure upsell or renewal rates. Events that foster strong emotional connections often outperform cold outreach or digital campaigns when it comes to closing deals.
Employee-focused events such as training programs, team-building retreats, or internal conferences call for different metrics. Pre- and post-event surveys can gauge changes in employee engagement, knowledge retention, and satisfaction. Look for shifts in productivity, collaboration, or retention over the following months. Happy, informed employees are more likely to stay, contribute, and advocate for your brand.
Brand awareness and perception are more qualitative but still essential. Track media mentions, social media engagement, and website traffic before, during, and after your event. Use sentiment analysis tools to understand how people are talking about your event. Hashtags, shares, and influencer participation are useful indicators of reach and resonance. If your brand message is being amplified, your investment is generating long-tail returns.
For training- or knowledge-based events, consider evaluating learning outcomes through quizzes, certifications, or follow-up assessments. Effective knowledge transfer can be measured through applied performance and improved output. Employees who are better equipped to do their jobs more efficiently provide ongoing value that surpasses the cost of the event.
Feedback is also crucial. Collect real-time input via mobile apps, interactive polls, or surveys at every stage of the event. Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a widely used metric that measures satisfaction and loyalty based on attendees’ willingness to recommend the event. Consistently high NPS scores indicate strong emotional resonance, which correlates with long-term brand affinity and engagement.
Operational ROI should not be overlooked. Did the event stay within budget? Were there any unexpected costs or savings? Track your actual expenses versus projected budgets and analyze which investments yielded the highest returns. Small details—like switching to digital brochures or optimizing catering orders—can add up to significant savings.
To consolidate all this data, develop a post-event report that brings together both quantitative and qualitative insights. Segment the data by stakeholder group (attendees, sponsors, staff, partners) and link each insight back to the original objectives. This document not only supports ROI analysis but also guides future planning and strategic alignment.
Technology plays a major role in making ROI measurable. Use event management software to track engagement, mobile app usage, session attendance, and lead capture. Integrating these tools with your CRM or analytics platforms allows for deeper visibility into long-term results. The more data you collect, the clearer your understanding of what works—and what doesn’t.
ROI is more than a percentage—it’s a narrative. It tells the story of investment, experience, and value. Measuring the ROI of corporate events is not about reducing everything to numbers but about aligning purpose with performance. When planned with intent and assessed with the right tools, corporate events become not just a cost—but a powerful catalyst for growth.