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The Resurgence of Board Games in a Tech-dominated Society
April 10, 2020
It's a comeback story: even as technology has become an integral part of our lives, board games have experienced a renssance, according to researcher Zachary Horton at the University of Pittsburgh. As the Department of English assistant professor studies various forms of media, he taught Pitt’s pioneering board game course in fall 2019, titled Post-Digital Gaming. Focusing on games from the '70s to today, it's one of few courses nationwide centered specifically on this subject.
Horton and his colleagues often gather for small groups to play diverse genres of games. It’s a great way to unwind from academic research and teaching, he laughingly admitted. Now during the COVID-19 pandemic, the group is embracing remote gaming while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
The surge in popularity can be linked to social media and smartphone technology's rise, according to Horton. The influx of casual games on mobile devices has likely contributed to this tr. Yet, he also notes a more discerning interest among adults for intellectually stimulating games that require strategy-a hallmark of hobbyist board games.
The appeal lies in the opportunity to gather with peers and explore complex worlds different from our everyday reality, he explned.
Hobbyist board games are experiencing their most significant expansion right now, Horton asserts. These games come with intricate rules but offer engaging challenges for players to navigate together agnst the game itself-be it a cooperative effort or a strategic battle among participants.
As online platforms and conventions grow in popularity, hobbyist gamers have access to an ever-expanding universe of new board games. The most successful Kickstarter campgns often involve these kinds of games, which offer backers unique experiences.
Board games can serve as a bridge between people who share similar interests, Horton continued. The excitement around this kind of gameplay is palpable.
The Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh houses the oldest running hobbyist game store in the U.S., Games Unlimited, dating back to the 1970s. Despite its current closure due to coronavirus restrictions, the store remns an online presence on Facebook and hosts virtual hangouts for those craving gaming interaction.
Horton himself predicts a return to in-person gatherings once the pandemic eases. Once it's over, he sd, we're all looking forward to gathering agn.
In , while technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, board games continue to hold their own as a cherished form of entertnment. As they adapt with the times, incorporating digital elements like online gaming communities and virtual meet-ups, traditional tabletop game enthusiasts continue to find new ways to enjoy this timeless tradition.
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