When I rediscovered board games a few years ago, it was clear to me how far they had come over the years. The art was vibrant and of a much higher quality than the games of the 70′s and 80′s. Instead of simple plastic pieces, these games had sculpted figures. The game boards were heavy instead of thin and fragile, and the rules sheets had gone from simple black and white to rich color full of examples and pictures.
But that’s just the physical aspects of the games, what about the gameplay? The influence of games from Europe, mostly Germany, has had a big impact on games. So big in fact, that many still refer to a whole category of games as “German Style”. These games often allow the players to work together rather than be in direct conflict. Each player takes actions that help themselves, but also might help other players. As a result, there’s a lot less conflict, and fewer hurt feelings. This also allows players to talk about the game more as a lot of the information is pubic to everyone playing.
Also, most modern games have gotten rid of the old rules on eliminating players from the game. Players can now play, and be competitive right up to the end of the game. Game designers now go to great lengths to make sure that no one person can “run away” with the game, without having to penalize the person doing the best.
The Future of Board Games How about games that come with a DVD explaining the game? If that sounds too expensive, then how about posting the video to your web site, or to YouTube. And what happened to electronic components in games? Sure, they were crude in the beginning, but why didn’t they evolve? Electronics could be doing so much more than they are now, keeping track of the score, playing opponents in solo play or in co-operative games, or adding atmosphere through sound and visual effects. Microsoft Surface and other tabletop computers hold a lot of promise for interactive games. Surface is computer built into a glass topped coffee table. As well as being able to display images on the glass, the computer has the ability to recognize objects placed on the table. Unfortunately, these devices are currently too cumbersome for anyone but commercial spaces like hotels and casinos. Microsoft’s XBOX 360 comes with a built in service to allow players to connect to anyone else in the country and play the game together over the internet. No need to go to a web site or play a special online version of the game, the connectivity is built into the game. Why play games where there is so much else to do? While it’s true that hobby games compete for people’s attention along with movies, video games, the internet and such; it’s also true that many of these diversions are designed for a single person. Games are a social experience. One that’s been bringing friends and families together for a long time, and will for a long time to come.
Photos by gadl and Martin Cathrae
