When it comes to games, board games are usually most commonly known in American culture. Though there are many different types and genres, all board games typically share common features of game pieces, and most importantly, a "board". However, these universal elements of board games are currently being scrapped due to the recent rise of board games now available as video games. Classic games such as scrabble, monopoly, and chess are now accessible on computers, game systems (Playstation, X-Box), and mobile devices.
The transfer from the classic "board" to the LCD screen has caused a some criticism among purists. Many of them say that it takes away the tradition of forming relationships with family and friends. Board games create an atmosphere of interaction.
While digital board games diminish socialization, modern technology provides many other unique benefits. Board games played on the computer or gaming system can be done "live" through the internet, allowing one to interact with multiple of players in real time, either by immediately showing the opponent's move or sending an email notification. Also if you do not have time to finish a game, digital games allow you to put the game on "pause" and return later whenever your convenience. Digitized games eliminates the problem of keeping account of all the pieces of a board game, sometimes using DVDs, CDs, or software installation as an alternative. However, if you do want to play with a physical board, internet gives the option printing mock versions of the board from online, providing a much more cheaper selection. Most notably, technological board games allow solo play against a computer, and thus one is not dependent on finding another available person to play the game at any time.
Some now think that board games are doom to be overthrown and replaced by digital board games, but others think that their unique trait of providing socialization will keep them alive. What do you think? And which do you prefer, physical or digital board?
Here is a link to a few board games made into Wii video games.
-Jen Joseph
This is a great post...as a child, I loved playing board games/card games with my friends and family. Some of my favorite games were: UNO, Sequence, Jenga, and my all-time favorite, Strat-O-Matic. I have very distinct memories of sitting on my best friend's floor, playing the baseball version of Strat-O-Matic, and playing all afternoon. While we did play some digital board games, especially the ESPN version of Scene It, physical board games were always way more fun. I think converting physical games into digital games undermines the social aspect of what board games are all about--sitting around a table with friends and family and having fun, spirited competitions.
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