Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is ZIP & PLAY?
ZIP & PLAY is a board game designed as a portable, zippered textile pouch. Instead of a traditional box, the game board itself stores all elements inside, allowing you to open, play, pack, and carry the game with ease. It’s a different format — created for real-life use, not just for shelves.
Is ZIP & PLAY a brand, a product, or a system?
ZIP & PLAY is a design concept and product format. It describes how the game is built, how it’s stored, and how it fits into everyday life. You’ll see the ZIP & PLAY logo on games that follow this approach — textile board, zip pouch, portability, and thoughtful design.
How is a ZIP & PLAY game different from a traditional board game?
Traditional board games are rigid, fragile, and box-based. ZIP & PLAY games are soft, flexible, and self-contained. Everything stays together in one pouch, the board is durable and foldable, and the game is ready whenever you unzip it — without setup stress or fear of damage.
Will the textile board wear out over time?
The textile board is designed for repeated use. It doesn’t crack or crease like cardboard and handles folding, packing, and transport naturally. The material choice is meant to support longevity and everyday handling, not occasional play only.
Can the board be cleaned if it gets dirty?
Yes. One of the advantages of textiles is that it are more forgiving in everyday situations. The board can be gently cleaned when needed, making it more suitable for travel, family use, and frequent play.
Why use a textile pouch with a zipper instead of a box?
The zipper removes unnecessary friction. You don’t need extra packaging, inserts, or careful stacking. When the game ends, you simply place everything inside and close the pouch. It’s faster, calmer, and more intuitive than putting pieces back into a box.
Are ZIP & PLAY games meant to be played only on a table?
Not at all. ZIP & PLAY games adapt to your space. You can play on a table, the floor, a bed, a picnic blanket, or anywhere you can open the pouch. The flexible board doesn’t require a fixed or perfect surface.
What does personalization mean in ZIP & PLAY games?
Personalization means the game can reflect you.
From visual style and colors to themes or special editions, ZIP & PLAY games are designed to be adapted to individual preferences. It’s about creating a game that feels familiar and meaningful, not generic.
Do all ZIP & PLAY games include digital features?
Not all games require digital elements.
Some ZIP & PLAY games include optional digital layers such as QR-based or NFC-linked content. These features add variety or extra depth, but the physical game always works on its own.
What are digital cards, and how do they fit in?
Digital cards are interactive elements accessed through your phone.
They can introduce new rules, challenges, or surprises, extending gameplay when you want more variation. They support the physical experience rather than replacing it.
Is ZIP & PLAY connected to the 8doodles platform?
Yes. ZIP & PLAY is part of the broader 8doodles ecosystem, where physical games and digital tools work together. The platform provides the infrastructure for digital content, personalization, and extended game experiences.
Why is the ZIP & PLAY logo placed on the game board?
The logo is a signal, not decoration. It tells you the game follows a specific design philosophy — portable, textile-based, durable, and built for everyday use. When you see the ZIP & PLAY mark, you know what kind of experience to expect.
Who are ZIP & PLAY games designed for?
ZIP & PLAY games are designed for people who value thoughtful design, flexibility, and shared moments. They work equally well for quiet evenings, travel, casual play, or meaningful gifts — wherever and however you like to play.
Is ZIP & PLAY meant to replace traditional board games?
No. ZIP & PLAY offers an alternative. It’s a different approach for different situations — one that prioritizes mobility, durability, and ease of use. Both formats can coexist, each serving its own purpose.
Why was ZIP & PLAY created in the first place?
Because play should fit into life — not interrupt it.
ZIP & PLAY was created to remove small obstacles that make games feel heavy or inconvenient, and to bring play closer to everyday moments.