Not the "Video" That Makes the Game

Video games may have killed the motion picture, but they haven't killed the board game.

In a Wall Street Journal review of new book Fun Inc., by Tom Chatfield, which highlights the progress of the video game industry, reviewer Robert Ferrigno critiques the arguments presented in the book.

Not surprisingly, what I find most interesting about the article are two quotes buried deep within the publication that seem to undermine both authors' glorification of the video game as entertainment medium.

Ferrigno adapts Chatfield: "'Videogames, he says, uplift the spirit, satisfy the neurological need to solve problems and possess the power to bring people closer together.'"

Interesting.

Say the same thing about board games and I'll give you an eager nod of agreement.

Later, in the same article Ferrigno revises Chatfield's hypothesis, expressing that the mark of a good game--one that gamers embrace--is not a result of some vague moral precedent, but whether or not the game is "compelling."

Board games rock (too) if they are compelling.

Board games rock (too) if they satisfy certain psychological needs.

A man walks into a store and asks for a good game, something that involves problem solving, something that will help him to develop better relationships with his friends or family. "It has got to be compelling!" He adds.

Would you not just as quickly offer one of the awesome new titles of board games than a video game? Would you not more readily offer a board game?

It's amazing how much technology has advanced and yet still, the standard for a good game remains the same. Perhaps this is why board games remain one of the most popular activities.

Give the consoles a rest.

Unpack a new board game this holiday season.