In Sweden, where balance and harmony—lagom—are deeply valued, exhibitions are not just about information; they’re about experience. Adding interactive games to your booth is a modern way to increase footfall, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impression.
In this article, we’ll introduce 15 exhibition game ideas across four engaging categories for 15 Exciting Game Ideas for Book Fair. Whether your goal is brand awareness or meaningful interaction, these ideas are designed to resonate with Swedish audiences who appreciate thoughtful, playful encounters. Our team is here to support your implementation.
When people visit an exhibition, they often appreciate light physical activity—something fun, energizing, and not too complicated. In a society that values simplicity and movement, physical games can be a perfect way to break the ice and attract attention. These games don’t require deep thinking, but they do get people involved—ideal for creating a vibrant booth. For example, take a look at this activation we ran:
A towering wooden structure mimics a Sámi lavvu (tent), with a winding path of obstacles—think low hurdles and swinging “reindeer antlers.” Players race to herd plush reindeer toys from one end to the other using a custom paddle. The twist? The path narrows, forcing quick reflexes. It’s a nod to Sápmi’s nomadic heritage, and the crafted components ensure it’s a game to buy, not build.
A sleek, metallic “space station” booth features a rotating capsule with glowing target holes. Players toss lightweight, star-shaped discs into the holes, dodging a gentle airflow that mimics zero gravity. The dynamic motion and futuristic aesthetic tie into the Space theme, keeping it thrilling yet exclusive to your setup.
A sturdy platform with spring-loaded pads, styled like giant open books, challenges players to leap across in a timed sequence. Each pad lights up with a quote from a fair author (hello, Joyce Carol Oates!), and missing the rhythm sends you back. It’s fast, physical, and irresistibly bookish.
A horizontal rope structure, painted with constellations, pits two players against each other in a tug-of-war. The goal? Pull a glowing “meteor” across a midline. The bespoke pulley system and starry design make it a Space-inspired crowd-pleaser that’s tough to DIY.
A booth with a faux-snow track and a tilting balance board lets players “ski” a short distance, dodging pop-up obstacles like trees or rocks. The custom board and sensors ensure it’s a unique, energetic experience tied to Sápmi’s wintry landscapes.
These games are all about getting pulses racing while showcasing craftsmanship that screams “buy me!”—perfect for a Swedish audience that loves active, communal fun.
These games work well when placed on a digital stand in your booth and can also be extended to your website, social media, or internal communications. In Sweden, digital interaction is expected to be seamless, accessible, and informative. Knowledge-based games are great for educating visitors in a fun way—and they’re easy to adapt for two-player competition. Here’s a sample from one of our past projects:
This game blends education with urgency, resonating with Sweden’s love for learning and storytelling, all wrapped in a Sápmi-Space package.
If your goal is to boost engagement while maintaining a challenge, this format is ideal. Visitors try to beat a high score, track their own progress, and climb the leaderboard. This game style aligns well with the Swedish love of fair competition and personal improvement. A transparent leaderboard motivates people to participate again and again. Check out this example in Plastteknink Nordic fair:
Players trace constellations on a touchscreen to “write” cosmic tales, racing a 90-second clock. The smooth, flowing motion feels like penning a story, tying into Space and literature.
Tap a digital drum in rhythm with falling runes to summon a protective spirit. The beat-driven skill nods to Sápmi’s musical heritage, keeping it snappy at under two minutes.
Swipe to flip through a virtual book, catching falling “plot points” (glowing orbs) while dodging “typos” (dark smudges). It’s a literary dexterity test with a Space twist—think orbiting pages.
This format works best when your brand is already well-known, and you want to create excitement. If your product or service is unfamiliar, we don’t recommend starting with this type. Swedes often value fairness and transparency, so be sure your chance-based games feel lighthearted and fun—never gimmicky. Here’s how we’ve used it in the past:
A digital wheel styled as a carved wooden disc, etched with Sámi patterns. Players spin for prizes like book vouchers or seminar passes, with the rustic design grounding it in cultural heritage.
A slot machine with reels of planets, stars, and books. Three “Mermaid Awards” trigger a win, linking to Joyce Carol Oates’ honor. The sleek, starry interface screams Space exploration.
A Plinko board shaped like an open book, with pegs as floating asteroids. Drop a glowing disc, and it lands in prize slots—Space-themed goodies or Sápmi-inspired trinkets. Simple yet visually striking.
Exhibition games are more than just fun—they’re strategic tools to engage visitors, communicate your message, and differentiate your booth. In a culture that values subtlety and meaningful interaction, gamification offers a respectful and impactful way to connect.
We invite you to explore your options by filling out our Exhibition Game Design Form for 15 Exciting Game Ideas for Book Fair. You’ll receive a free one-hour consultation and get to see some of our latest creations. Let’s design something unforgettable together.
