BY CHRISTINA FLUEGEL
As a result of the modern digital age, the general population is gravitating towards new apps and electronic games rather than board games, which have been around for many millennia.
Because of this, board games are increasingly neglected and often left in attics collecting dust. We need to go back to our roots and continue to play board games, in addition to the convenient game platforms we carry in our back pockets.
Board games force us to socialize with others and take time away from our screens. Humans are social creatures in nature, so the more we stray away from face-to-face socialization, the more we become depressed and isolate ourselves from reality. We are getting more and more glued to our cell phones, an unhealthy habit both mentally and physically.
My sister had invited me over to play “The Voting Game” one night, during dinner. I hadn’t played board games since I was seven years old, years away from owning an iPhone. Let’s just say I almost choked on my food several times from laughing so hard. It allowed my sister and me to grow closer and get to know each other better by spending time together without any other distractions (except for my nephew chiming in and cracking us up even more).
“The Voting Game” gave us scenarios that we voted on who we thought best fit the given description, a very interesting, new replacement for 21 questions. Board games progress with the times, staying current and relevant, with more new modern board games being made every day, such as Cards Against Humanity, Pie Face and even a Bottle Flip board game.
Sure, games like “Heads Up” are sort of like board games in an app, and can provide some quality time among groups of people. But board games are unique in the way they help people come together. Board games inspire healthy competitiveness, allowing you to compete against real, live people, instead of computer simulations as seen in video games. In an age where most games are impersonal tapping simulators, board games are a great way to connect with others in an engaging, refreshing way.
Overall, while video games and apps are more convenient because you can sit down and play them whenever you have a spare minute, we all need to set aside some time to appreciate playing board games with some of our favorite people.
Photo courtesy of The Oddessy Online
