Board games are one of the oldest social activities that is still practiced today. For many people, sitting down around a table and focusing on a game is a great way to form connections. In the modern era however, board games have taken to the internet and are joined by a variety of digital games as well. With games being turned virtual, some people flock to them, being known as hardcore gamers. However, others stand by their predecessors and prefer playing games in person over the table with people they know such as with friends they see at school and want to get to know.
For some people, the difference between the desire to play a board game or online game comes down to what can keep their attention. Preference between one or the other is personal bias on the side of the players which is set by one’s own opinion as every person can attest to with their own experiences.
“As far as online games, the upside is that most people have the attention span for it…. Where in board games… [people need the] patience to play it,” junior Oliver Musters said.
This difference in preference can drive people in different ways. For some, board games are still a semi-weekly activity. Junior Lucas Spangler mentioned, “I like Catan, Risk and Stratego… some other board games I play are Blood Rage and Eclipse [Second Dawn of the Galaxy] and those I played as recently as last week…often when playing virtual games … it’s harder to keep someone focused on a game [compared to in-person games].”
When looking towards the past, those who have lived through times with both video games and board games available often share nostalgic stories, not so much about the game they play, but the people that play it with them which may evolve into a legacy for them to pass on.
Math teacher Mrs. Scott shared, “My dad taught me how to play chess, now I’m teaching my son how to play chess, my dad passed away when I was 22 so I was texting my uncle about [playing with him] and my uncle who is his brother said, ‘our dad taught us to play chess’ and I didn’t know that. So now, I hope it’s going to carry on.”
A common sentiment across many students and teachers alike at Marriotts Ridge is that both board games and online games both have a time and place to be enjoyed. Board games are often regarded as a more personal activity, but with the incentive of being physically surrounded by a group of friendly people, scheduling the event can be very difficult. Online games do not have this problem nearly as much, being accessible from one’s phone, tablet or laptop at any time or place. For this reason, people often resort to digital games rather than the effort it requires to be in person.
However, some people share the opinion of English teacher Mrs. Roberts, “I think I missed the value of [board games] so when I came back into the classroom… as soon as I allow [students] to get their phones they’re on a game playing by themselves. They go from talking and laughing and joking around to when they have their phones, just on their phones… [I try to] help students disconnect with their phones and get to know themselves, interacting with others. Card games and board games help.”
Board games have their place socially, but exclusive benefits to online play exist as well in addition to the ease of scheduling. The wider community is one aspect, as in the digital age, folks can meet people from across the world. Then, the environment of an online setting can fit nearly any mold to build that connection as digital games can be much more diverse and are arguably far more expansive than board games. Roberts also acknowledged, “[online games] like Minecraft builds [my kids] imaginations and teaches them dimension and creating these worlds, just construction and thought is really interesting.”
The debate of board games versus online games boils down to personal preference, ease of access and what one is looking to get out of a game. Board games require a larger time commitment in preparing, but for many, it offers a more rewarding experience than digital games which people often forget about in the quick access of the internet. The near infinite playstyles of individuals are also a factor as well as what can best grab and retain a person’s attention. Instead of choosing one over the other, what may be best, is for students who play games or are looking for some social activity to branch out to both communities and to find a balance of what suits them.