Engineers aren’t quite like the rest of the population. Because they work to solve such complex problems with a high level of precision, they need to excel in a variety of areas. For this reason, only the best students will go on to become successful engineers.
Obviously, not each type of engineering position is the same. Electrical engineers don’t have much in common with the day-to-day of civil or aerospace engineers, for example. Given their fields, engineers each have unique specialties that correlate to their interests, whether that’s deep space or public works.
But there are a few game suggestions that will appeal to the engineering mind. Below, we’ve compiled three different types of games that are perfect for engineers looking to enjoy a little downtime. And don’t worry—not all titles are digital formats only or mega-hits like Call of Duty.
Card & Table Games
Card and table games are some of humankind’s earliest critical thinking puzzles. Let’s cover two suggestions in each field. First, a card game like blackjack is a great option because it’s based on probabilities. Blackjack is renowned for offering a slight edge over the house when compared to other games. However, it’s really the challenge of memorizing and weighing the movement of the game that engineers will find rewarding.
Additionally, some online formats allow insurance on certain games. Blackjack insurance, for those who don’t know, lets bettors cover themselves in the event that the dealer hits blackjack. These little elements make the game a bit more complex and rewarding for the analytically minded.
In terms of table games, even titles from Hasbro can provide hours of entertainment for engineers. For example, RoboRally bridges the excitement of robotics challenges in a tabletop board game. Players must navigate a dodgy factory as a robot using minimal commands and moves. For engineers in robotics or an adjacent field, it’s a wonderful break from the standard challenges of their job.
Simulation Games
Many engineers today developed an early interest in engineering without even realizing it through simulation games in the 1990s. Titles like Sim City and Zoo Tycoon let players take a stab at civil and other imaginative types of engineering. Fast forward thirty years and other simulation games are pushing the envelope even further.
For engineers looking to explore something totally new, try out Microsoft Flight Simulation. The game is hyper-realistic—enough that companies use the game to help educate upcoming pilots. Plus, the settings are also painstakingly accurate, letting players virtually explore the world.
Those who want to take things in a new direction can sample any number of top-tier simulations. A few exciting new titles include Jurassic World Evolution, which lets players craft their own Jurassic zoo experience. Others, like Railway Empire and Kerbal Space Program, take a more traditional approach to space and rail travel. Those who want an incredibly hardboiled approach to efficient design can try out the Czech title Factorio, considered one of the most challenging (and rewarding) sims.
RTS Games
Most engineers are already acquainted with real-time strategy games. Whether a tabletop title or a video game, the RTS genre is incredibly varied, from Settlers of Catan to Warcraft to StarCraft. With so many options available, which are best suited for engineers?
Massive hits like Civ VI are widely adored for a reason. If you haven’t sampled the game where you can create your own civilization and take over others, then it’s worth trying out. The title offers a much more complex variation of Settles of Catan, allowing players to juggle a variety of pressing issues as their civilization expands and becomes more powerful.
However, RTS games are also great for engineers with a creative side—and especially those with a great imagination. Sins of a Solar Empire, for example, takes players deep into outer space where their strategic moves will dictate the outcome of space battles. Other titles like Northgard instead focus on historical settlements and a more fantastical take on visual design, settings, and characters.
