Whether you’re a champion or a board game apprentice, you’ve probably noticed the rise in popularity for board games recently. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many have tried to find new ways to keep themselves busy and entertained. It makes perfect sense why so many people have turned to board games in 2021. Board games are an excellent way to pass the time and have fun with your friends and family. In a time when connecting with people is so hard, board games provide an excellent way to do just that.
If you’re new to this world you might be wondering “What’s so great about board games and why should I be interested?”. There is so much more to board games than just having fun or trying to win. Board games can help you gain knowledge and skills. They can help sharpen your mind and even help you make friends! If you’re still not convinced why you should get into board games, we’ve got you covered. Get motivated to start board gaming with these fun facts and thank us later!
Board games can be good for you!
Believe it or not, board games can be good for your mood and your mental health too. Studies have shown that people who frequently play board games are less depressed than people who don’t. Playing traditional board games like chess, mahjong, or Go helps calm the mind and center the player, even if they’re not that good at it. You don’t have to be a pro to reap the benefits of playing. People who play board games often are also less likely to have dementia in old age. So next time you’re in the mood for some downtime, try picking up a board game.
Make friends and build a community
Board games are a great way to bring people together. Through board games, you can bond and connect with the people closest to you or from all over the world. Thanks to the recent rise in popularity and the internet, you can now play all your favorite games online. There are so many different digital versions of games, online chatrooms, and lore to check out on the web. Whether you prefer playing Pictionary with your online friends or exploring player created guides on MTG, there’s a place for you online. Connecting with like-minded people and creating a community has never been easier
Board games to be the new Esport?
About 20 years ago, board games used to be reserved for nerds. Today, in 2021, board games might just be the next big thing. With their recent rise in popularity, competitive board gaming might become the next big Esport. We always knew that you could win big with chess tournaments and LOL, but we never thought that you could win big money with other games too. More and more board game tournaments are happening all over the world, so it might be a good time to start sharpening your skills. There’s no time like the present to start getting into board games if you want to earn some serious cash.
The hardest board game ever: Go
Some games are only hard until you learn the rules. Most games require quick thinking, intelligence, and quick reflexes. Board games, like many things in life, require some skill to be a pro. One of the oldest and hardest board games known to mankind is Go. Go is a Chinese-originated board game much like chess. Two players move their black or white keys around a board and try to capture as much territory as possible. This game requires careful planning and a good strategy to succeed. If you want to impress others with your board game chops, consider learning how to be a pro at Go.
Board games make excellent teachers
Apart from the rules of the game, there are plenty of things you can learn from board games. To start with, board games teach you how to play with others. Through games, people learn how to work in teams, how to be patient, and how to do their best. Board games teach you social skills and can help improve your cognitive function. Whether the game is simple or complex, board games teach people how to strategize, set goals, and win. Not only that, but depending on the game, you can also learn a lot about the world. Games based on historical events, teach you about history. Games based on scientific facts, teach you science. The learning opportunities are endless with board games.
Popular video games as board games
Many people might think that most board games are outdated and boring. If you’re used to playing video games, you might find these more traditional games less interesting. Luckily for you, you don’t have to feel that way anymore. With the advancement of technology and the rise in interest, plenty of popular video games are getting a reboot in board game form. Whether you prefer games like Resident Evil or The Witcher, there’s going to be a board game version of it for you to enjoy. In 2021 being a gamer doesn’t mean you have to stick to only one platform.
Are board games an extreme sport?
Have you ever had the urge to go back and revisit some of your old board games? You might be surprised to find that you don’t remember them being quite as violent or as twisted. Of course, we cannot compare playing a board game to free climbing, but some games are more dangerous than others. If you grew up in the 1970s, you might remember a game based on a mousetrap that kills mice. Games in the early 1960s had a knack for being inspired by explosives or hitting things. Even in the 1990s, you could find games where you had to operate on a scared-looking human. Some say video games are violent, but it turns out, board games can be pretty extreme too.
So there you have it! Some games may be harder than others, but there’s a board game out there for anyone willing to give it a go. With the recent climate and the many educational aspects of board games, it might be worth getting into. We hope this article has helped get you back in the game, or ready to start a new one.
