A tabletop activity employing stylized, human-shaped wooden figures, frequently referred to by a specific term, as playing pieces. These games often involve strategic placement of the aforementioned figures on a central board to claim territory, score points, or activate various actions. Carcassonne serves as a popular illustration of this style, where participants position their figures, representing followers, on tiles to control roads, cities, and fields.
This form of gaming offers numerous advantages, including enhanced strategic thinking, spatial reasoning, and social interaction. Its historical development can be traced to the increasing demand for accessible and engaging strategy games, moving away from complex miniature-based systems. The simple, yet versatile nature of the components allows for a wide range of game mechanics and thematic interpretations, fostering creativity and replayability.