Overview
Can your friends and family read your mind? That’s the question when it comes to Codenames — a word guessing game that requires you to try and think like your teammate. First, we’ll do a quick overview of what the game is and how to play, then we’ll get into any content concerns parents need to know. Let’s begin!
This game is played with two teams of at least two members per team. There will be a setup of 25 word cards on the table that everyone can see. Each team will have a spymaster and a field operative. The spymaster will be given a secret list of words from the 25 that they have to get their partner to guess. Then they have to come up with one word — a code, if you will — that would allow their partner to guess the words assigned to their team correctly. The spymasters will go back and forth, giving their field operatives their “code” word, until one of the field operatives guesses all the words correctly.
Make sense? Of course, it’s always easier to learn a game when you get to play it yourself, but here are a few extra details to be sure it’s safe for your next family game night.
Harmful Content ❗️
Codenames does not have any harmful content. The setup is simple, as it’s essentially just a deck of cards with random words on it. All the words are neutral and family-friendly.
Parents should know that there is an adult-only version of this game called Deep Undercover, so be sure you don’t accidentally pick this one up for family game night!
Language
The content of this game has no inappropriate or adult language.
Sex
The cards do not contain any sexual content.
Violence
There is no violence in this game, aside from the “Assassin card” component of the game. Within the set of 25 cards, there will be one “assassin card,” and if the field operative guesses that one, they lose the game. This is just part of the premise of the game; the assassin card itself is not actually graphic or violent.
Positive Value 💫
Codenames is a fun, strategic game that truly puts yourself in your teammates’ brain. It encourages critical thinking and communication skills, and “outside the box” thinking. The game is best played with four people (two per team), so it may not be the most conducive to a larger group. But each game comes with 400 words, so it’s a game that is highly replayable for a new and hilarious experience every time.
So, should my kid play it?
Yes! We suggest this game for ages 10 and up. The content of the game is appropriate for all ages, but the setup and rules can be a bit complicated for younger kids.
