Game Word Book
A Word Book uses words and visual symbols to help players communicate during a game. It can support people who communicate without speech, find spoken communication difficult or benefit from visual prompts.
About this accessory
A Word Book is a collection of words, symbols and short phrases organised into clear categories. Players can point to an item to communicate a need, make a choice, ask a question or respond to another player.
It can include useful gaming vocabulary such as “yes”, “no”, “help”, “stop”, “my turn”, “your turn”, “again” or “I need a break”. The book can remain visible throughout the game without changing the rules or components.
Why use a Game Word Book?
Understanding or expressing spoken language can become difficult, particularly in a busy or unfamiliar environment. A Game Word Book provides another way to communicate while reducing the pressure to speak or respond immediately.
A Game Word Book can help players:
- Express choices, needs and preferences
- Ask for help, a pause or another explanation
- Communicate whose turn it is
- Respond without relying entirely on speech
- Understand common instructions and game vocabulary
- Participate more independently
- Communicate at their own pace
It may be particularly useful for players who experience:
- Speech, language or communication needs
- Difficulty finding or organising words
- Difficulty processing spoken information
- Situational or intermittent speech
- Anxiety around verbal communication
- Communication that becomes harder when tired or overwhelmed
- A preference for visual communication
- Wearing a noise canceling headphone making verbal communication impossible
It can also support players who are unfamiliar with the language being used at the table.
A Game Word Book should complement, rather than replace, a player’s established communication system. Always allow the player to choose how they communicate.
About our recommendation
We recommend the asmodee access+ Game Word Book, created around the words, choices and actions commonly needed during tabletop games. Players can use its visual prompts to communicate with the demonstrator and other players throughout the experience.
The asmodee access+ Game Word Book is available for free as a Print & Play resource, allowing demonstrators, families and organisations to print and assemble their own copy.
This accessory works well with
Communication and guessing games
The Game Word Book can help players ask for clarification, communicate choices and participate in group discussions.
Examples: Concept, Just One
Cooperative games
It can support communication between players when sharing information, requesting help or agreeing on an action.
Examples: Unlock!, Mysterium Park
Games with repeated actions and choices
Common prompts can help players indicate colours, actions, turns or whether they would like to continue.
Examples: Ticket to Ride, Azul
