10 brilliant games for people who don't play games

Everyone knows someone who says games are not for them. Usually they just have not found the right one yet: something with simple controls, no punishing difficulty and a clear sense of fun.

These games are the perfect place to start, whether you are sharing a sofa with a partner, a parent or a friend.

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The ultimate everyone-game. Optional smart steering keeps beginners on the track and auto-accelerate takes care of the gas, so a first-timer can race alongside experienced players.

Items keep races close, which means anyone can win.

Play it if: you want a game the whole family can play together.

2. The Jackbox Party Packs

Party games where everyone plays using their own phone as the controller. Draw terrible pictures, write funny answers and vote on each other’s work.

Nobody needs to know how to hold a gamepad, which makes it ideal for parties with non-gamers.

Play it if: you want a party game for a big group.

3. Monument Valley

Guide a silent princess through impossible, Escher-like buildings by twisting and rotating the architecture. Every level looks like a piece of art.

A few taps and swipes are all it takes to play, and it is calm, short and beautiful.

Play it if: you want a gentle puzzle game on your phone.

4. Florence

A short interactive story about a young woman’s first serious relationship. Simple puzzles stand in for conversations and memories, so the way you play becomes part of the story.

It takes well under an hour and says a lot about love in that time.

Play it if: you want a story you can finish in one sitting.

5. Tetris Effect: Connected

Tetris, but the music, visuals and sound effects all pulse and react to every move. It turns the most familiar puzzle game in the world into something almost hypnotic.

Everyone already knows how to play, which makes it a perfect bridge into games.

Play it if: you want something familiar but fresh.

6. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby’s first fully 3D adventure is bright, cheerful and gentle. Kirby can swallow cars, vending machines and traffic cones to borrow their shapes, and a second player can join in.

It is easy to enjoy without much experience, but it still has plenty of secrets to find.

Play it if: you want a happy 3D adventure to share.

7. Minecraft

In Creative mode, Minecraft is pure digital Lego: no danger, no pressure, just endless blocks to build whatever you can imagine.

When you are ready for more, Survival mode adds adventure. It is great for playing with kids.

Play it if: you love building things.

8. Nintendo Switch Sports

Swing a Joy-Con like a tennis racket or roll it like a bowling ball. The motion controls make everything instantly understandable.

It is the easiest way to get a whole room playing, including people who have never touched a game.

Play it if: you want something physical and fun.

9. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Every main Star Wars film retold in Lego, full of slapstick jokes. A second player can drop in at any time, and falling over only costs you a few studs.

There is little pressure and a lot to smash, which makes it perfect for parents and kids.

Play it if: you want a family-friendly adventure.

10. Snipperclips

Two paper characters cut shapes out of each other to solve simple, clever puzzles. It requires teamwork and causes a lot of laughter.

It is easy enough for anyone to pick up, and best enjoyed with someone sitting next to you.

Play it if: you want a co-op puzzle game for two.