What do calculators, watches, radios, calendars and newspapers all have in common? They’ve become largely obsolete thanks to the continuing developments of technology.
And it doesn’t end there. Physical DVDs have been replaced by streaming services like Netflix. CDs and vinyl records by Spotify and the like. Even video games are now seldom purchased in their physical form.
With that in mind, wondering if physical versions of board games will soon disappear isn’t very far-fetched. But there could be more keeping physical board games alive than you might initially think. Read on.
How the Digital Could End Up Replacing Tabletop Games
There are two ways that the digital revolution is affecting tabletop games.
One, it means a lot of alternative entertainment for those who like games. There are loads of video games available to play directly on whatever device you have rather than pulling up a box and setting everything up to play. You can also play with friends from a distance, or even let strangers join your game.
And, two, virtual versions of the same beloved games can often be more convenient than buying the physical games – not to mention you can play many tabletop games for free.
Will the Charm of Tabletop Games Prevail?
Logically, it might seem like card games, board games and other tabletop games will become totally obsolete within a few years. However, these games are deeply beloved; both by the casual player joining friends now and then, and by the deeply passionate player who knows all the rules inside out.
How the digital revolution is affecting the board game and card game industry is therefore not that straightforward.
Could Online Card Games Replace a Physical Deck of Cards?
As soon as computers started being used by hobbyists, virtual versions of card games started popping up. Today, you can find any variant of any card game and play against the computer, against strangers or your friends.
The rise of casino card games like online poker has completely changed the game. These days, you can poker from any computer, tablet or smartphone at any time, provided you have an internet connection. And not only can you play virtually for fun, but you can play with real money and other players.
Poker site rankings in the UK show some of the best platforms that let you play online poker – both for free and with money. On top of the virtual poker that you can play, there’s also live poker that lets you play online with a real dealer and even chat with the other players.
Does all this mean online card games are close to replacing physical decks of cards? Not too likely. Despite the convenience and life-like qualities of the online variant, playing cards are for many about the social aspect and the atmosphere.
The feel of the cards in your hands, reading another player’s face and the friendly chit-chat can’t be replaced by playing online – at least not yet.
On top of that, a deck of cards lets you adjust the rules and come up with new variants of games on the go, which is something virtual games won’t let you do yet. In some circumstances playing digitally will certainly be convenient, but other times physical cards will be better suited.
For these reasons, the deck of cards is safe for the foreseeable future.
Board Games on the Rise in the UK
According to a study by Parents Insights UK, playing board games is far from a dying hobby. The data shows many interesting statistics, including that as many as 91% of parents of kids aged 3-9 play board games together as a family activity.
The study also shows that it’s the 6th most popular toy type among kids from the ages 6-9 years old. The games most commonly played by families are the classics Monopoly and UNO.
Does nostalgia play a role? The study suggests that it indeed does. Nostalgia influences 12% of parents, with millennial parents being most influenced. Reliving your childhood through familiar games with your children can be a powerful way to bond.
But that’s not to say it’s just nostalgia. According to the data, key factors influencing parents’ toy choices for their kids include the toy’s ability to foster connection within the family – a priority to 22% of parents – and toys that develop problem-solving skills – 21%. Board games are especially good at these two things.
Conclusion: Tabletop Games Still Stand Strong
Despite the endless number of entertainment options, tabletop games are still standing strong in the digital age. While there’s a time and place for virtual games, and an app version of board games may make do in a pinch, one thing is clear: physical games still have a place in the heart of UK players and gamers – at least for now.
Feature image by F E on Unsplash
