Playing is essential for a child to discover and learn more about the world around him. When a baby plays he discovers every shape, texture or even color.
Later, he will grow and it will also allow him to develop his skill and patience. When he gets bored he will then create his own game or story (for example with characters that he will have around him at that time) which will allow him to develop his creativity and his imagination.
Playing will also make him more sociable. When a child plays with another, he develops a sense of sharing.
Educational games develop your child's logic. Some games are designed to make learning effective and fun like the Coloring Globe which will allow him to learn the countries and know the locations perfectly without the slightest effort but just with time and fun.