<![CDATA[An effective learning process is not only limited to achieving cognitive goals, but must also consider the development of students' social skills. Cooperative learning, combined with educational games such as Make & Match, can contribute to achieving this goal. This game is designed to improve social interaction, cooperation, and communication among students. This quantitative quasi-experimental study used a single-group pre-test/post-test design. This study involved 31 8th-grade E students at SMP Negeri Banjarmasin No. 7. Data were collected using a social skills questionnaire that met validity and reliability requirements. Data analysis was conducted using a paired Student's t-test and calculation of effect size (Cohen's d). The analysis showed a significant difference in students' social skills levels before and after the implementation of the "Make & Match" game (p < 0.001). The average social skills score increased from 104.35 in the first assessment to 111.26 in the final assessment. The calculation of effect size resulted in a Cohen's d value of 1.518, indicating a very large effect. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the "Make & Match" game is effective in improving students' social skills, particularly in communication, cooperation, empathy, self-control, and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively. Therefore, this game can be used as an alternative cooperative learning strategy, encouraging active and collaborative learning and contributing to students' character development.]]>
