Re: [piecepack] insights into the evolving world of board games

[George Harnish <lefou23@...>]

Some interesting points made. I agree that electronic games are a major
market, but I don't think physical games will go away. Of course things
will change, but we still have printed books, staged plays, radio,
broadcast television, and movie theaters, even though the internet has
changed the availability and access to entertainment. There's a strong
aesthetic to physically handling the pieces of a game, be they pawns, dice,
cards or counters that cannot be substituted for electronically. The sounds
they make as they contact the board don't replicate well. I can recall late
night debates on the subject of the aesthetics of wood vs plastic pieces
among my friends.

  Sure, electronics are convenient, efficient, and sparkly and make beeping
noises. It's nice to click a button and have the game automatically set up,
multiple decks of cards shuffled instantly, pieces sorted. Similarly,
cleanup is a button click away, and you never misplace or damage pieces.
Takes up no more space than the device no matter how many games you own.
And if you can't find anyone to play with, the games often come with
opponents of various "skill". Very strong arguments. Throw in animated
pieces that walk, drive, build and fight, flashy video effects, beepy
sounds or music, and you've got an entirely new aesthetic going on. Just
not the same kind of fun.

  I'm looking forward to the desktop CNC machines and 3D printers. Imagine
the true print-and-play capabilities of sculpted 3D wood or metal pieces,
laser etched, printed wood boards... Heck, as long as I'm dreaming, lets
create game rooms with surround sound and espresso machines. I'm not saying
I won't play electronic board games, since I do almost every day. I'm a
computer programmer and I love games. I just crave getting together with
friends, face to face at a table, unfolding the map, pulling pieces out of
the box, taking a swig from my cola and saying "What color do you want to
be tonight?"

On Thu, Dec 8, 2011 at 11:21 PM, Daniel Ajoy <da.ajoy@...> wrote:

> **
>
>
> Dominic Crapuchettes provides his insights into the evolving world of
> board games and technology and a TEDx talk
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3oeVg8uRQS0
>
>


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