For just about as long as human beings have been around, they have been playing games with one another. Some of these games emerged gradually, building on previous iterations. In some cases, they’ve been sudden inventions, brought about by a single designer.
Whatever their origins, only a minority of the games we devise go on to stand the test of time. Think about classics like poker, blackjack and chess. But exactly what qualities do the enduring classics have in common? Let’s take a look. Some games, like Bingo 90, have lasted in part because of their ability to evolve, with countless variations now being available on countless formats.
Innovation and Influence
Sometimes, it’s the addition of a fresh set of mechanics that can make a game appeal. You might think of the introduction of the analogue stick on the Nintendo 64 controller, which made gradual movement in Mario 64 and other games possible.
For a game’s innovations to be easily replicable, of course, it needs to rely on technology that’s widely available. It’s partly for this reason that so many games are based on a classic deck of playing cards.
Cultural Impact and Community
Sometimes, a game can have such an impact that it creates warm, fond memories for an entire generation. This sense of nostalgia can provide a reason for players to return to a given game, even decades later. In some cases, this can become part of a recurring family tradition, or a much larger cultural phenomenon. Just about everyone in the UK might have memories of playing Monopoly or Scrabble as they grew up.
Adaptation and Relevance in the Modern Era
Sometimes, classic games can be made more accessible and convenient with the help of modern technologies. You might think of digital card games that take place exclusively on mobile applications. Digital slot machines, roulette wheels, and craps tables are all available.
On the other hand, despite many predictions, games that rely on physical objects and tactile mechanics, like dice and cards, are still in good health, even in a digital world. You might find that many board games are still played, and that there’s a vibrant market for new ones. Games like Pandemic and CATAN provide a modern take on the classic board game.
Of course, digital trends represent the main force driving modern gaming forward. And the availability of new digital tools means that game design is now something that everyone can get into, even if they’re developing in complete isolation. The huge success of Balatro proves that there’s still plenty of life left in traditional playing cards – even when they’re being presented in a distinctly non-traditional form!
