6 days ago
Board games: Where fun and learning meet
Memories of childhood spent playing Ludo and Snakes-and-Ladder are almost disappearing with the tides of time, but other board game options have become popular among different social groups.
While Covid saw an exponential rise in the popularity of board games, their continued popularity is more surprising but happening for all the right reasons.
Already worth billions of dollars, the tabletop board game market is set to grow to $32 billion by 2032, according to Forbes. This is a massive rise for a past-time which was considered more suitable for retirement communities and rainy days.
An important reason for the rise of board games is the need for tangible experiences in a digital world of screens.
Gathering around a table and actually playing with someone across the table adds a dimension that younger players may not have experienced.
Of course, nostalgia is a big factor too. Many millennials have fond memories of playing board games with family and friends and they do try to share the experience with their children. These games create memories and help to connect with our past, adding chatter and nostalgia to the mix.
Board games also provide social connections. It is not surprising that there is a trend towards cafes which offer board games to choose from. These create opportunities for face-to-face interactions, creating a community and enhancing social relationships that are being lost in the world of Zoom calls.
There is also a wide variety of board games to choose from today – not just the traditional Monopoly or Scrabble but also games like 'Catan' and 'Ticket to Ride', which cater to every taste and age. Some have also become competitive, with gamers meeting other enthusiasts in physical competitions.
Tabletop games have also re-invented themselves to stay relevant. There are story-driven and interactive games which depend on collaboration and narrative immersion. Games like 'Pandemic' make players work towards a common goal, increasing and improving collaborative skills.
Narrative games like 'Gloomhaven' immerse players in a story where the choices they make will change the course of the story. This creates opportunities for players to understand the consequences of human action, even through fiction.
Of course, board games have found a digital space as well, with players engaging in interactive games online. It is this adaptability that makes the games popular.
Board games offer nostalgia, social connections, imaginative space and technological possibilities. But they also have many educational benefits. Games like Settlers of Catan help with strategy, Sushi Go enhances calculation skills, and of course, Scrabble improves language abilities.
But games also help in developing other skills like cooperation, team building, communication and cultural awareness. They also help in developing personality traits like patience, politeness and concentration.
There is almost no negative side to playing board games. They remain a popular way for families to bond. Allowing children to choose the games and explain the rules gives them ownership and makes them feel valued.
This long summer, introducing our families to the age-old tradition of board games may be the best use of our time.
