Games have been around for at least as long as we have, going as far back as ancient times. They’re considered one of the oldest forms of human interaction. But why have they been enjoyed for so long? What is it about them that has kept us, and continues to keep us, entertained as the years have rolled by?
Why do We Love Games?
There are many reasons why we love games. They’re a form of play that often transcends age, meaning anyone can play. At the same time, they allow a break from the norm, for people to step away from the humdrum of their lives and step into a world of imagination.
Anyone can win them, which makes them so unpredictable, especially if they are games of chance, like a game of Pontoon, rather than games of skill, like chess. It encourages healthy competition, along with rules that set the framework for how to play.
Nearly most of us have played a game during our lives. This could include a board game, a computer game, or a game that doesn’t require anything else but ourselves to play. Some are more physically demanding, like a game of tag, whereas others are more intellectually demanding, like a crossword.
There is something for everyone when it comes to games, which is what makes them such an appealing pastime. Perhaps this is why they’ll continue to last well into the future.
Monopoly: A Game that’s Stood the Test of Time
In many cases, games capture a moment of time in society to be preserved and passed on to the next generation. An example of this is Monopoly. As the years have gone by, Monopoly has also branched out into different genres of games, like bingo.
Originally known as The Landlord’s Game, it was created in 1903 as an educational tool about the single tax theory by Elizabeth Magie. As the years went by, more was added to the game, and the Parker Brothers bought Magie’s rights to the game for $500.
By the time Hasbro got Monopoly through their acquisition of the Parker Brothers in 1991, they decided to make different versions of the game. They even sought public opinion about this, which was a clever marketing ploy. Since 1994, there have been hundreds of variations of the board game version, including Casinopoly and a Harley Davidson Legendary Bikes Edition.
Furthermore, Monopoly has evolved from being just a board game. It can even be played online, with players able to compete against others around the world. In the Lunar New Year version of this popular game, players get to celebrate the new year, possibly getting the mystery red envelope and could even win the jackpot.
Monopoly is one of many games that have stood the test of time. Part of this is because of its adaptability, with many games nowadays being able to be played online and as a physical board game, too. This means games get to be passed down and can be enjoyed by generations for years to come.
