Both board games and video games have their own milestones of popularity and following. Both have different rules and require varying skill sets. However, with their evolution and growth in the digital world, it’s important to ask; are board games better than video games?
Not really. Board games may have been around for a longer time than video games, but this doesn’t mean they’re entirely superior to them. If anything, both board games and video games have their separate harms and benefits.
Board Games vs. Video Games
While comparing the two types of games, it’s crucial to understand one thing; neither is completely bad or good. Playing games, whether indoor or outdoor, has a whole range of advantageous effects on you. On the other hand, careless and mindless playing, with board games and video games, can do some severe harm to your health.
In other words, there are a lot of grey areas when it comes to putting these two categories into different boxes. Since labeling and stereotyping an entire group is never fair, we should perhaps take a look at how board games and video games are good and bad for us.
Board Games
When you mention the term board games to anybody, most of them will think it’s something meant for nerds and kids. However, we do often exaggerate the beneficence of board games. Let’s go through a step-by-step breakdown of the good and bad sides of board games to fully understand their effects.
Pros of Board Games
Strategic Skill Building
Board games give you all the time you need to think, brainstorm, and choose your next move. With most of the board games available in the market, there are no time limits, except for a few cases. This means that with each move, you get a chance to think and rethink your decisions.
By extension, board games help you work on your strategic thinking and allow you to improve your brain’s responsiveness and decision-making speed, too.
Improves Problem Solving Skills
What do you do if four of your seven Scrabble tiles have an ‘A’? You obviously find a way to get rid of them while getting the most points. What do you do if your Chess pawn is surrounded by those of your opponent? You plan to get away with the most significant jump possible!
Each board game basically revolves around problem-solving methods. This also teaches you to stay calm when you find yourself facing complex realities.
Offers Healthy Socialization
Board games are also a great way to learn casual etiquette. Kids, teens, and adults in different social settings experience a pretty healthy social interaction with other players.
Lowers Screen Time
Every person today worries about the dangers of excessive screen time. Playing board games offers a healthy and fun alternative to pass your time.
Cons of Board Games
1. Board Games Can Be Really Long
Some board games last a few hours, some go on for days, and some even weeks!
Even though those games are planned really well and can be quite interesting, there aren’t many people who are up for playing such a long game.
2. They Aren’t Compact
Board games usually come with foldable cardboard and are contained in large cardboard boxes.
You can’t carry these if you want to keep your luggage light and easily portable.
3. They Can Get Boring
Believe it or not, even the most enjoyable games get boring after a while.
It’s human disposition; we can’t stick to one game forever!
4. They Are High Maintenance
If you lose one tile, or one pawn, or a die, or a shaker, your game set becomes incomplete.
You might be able to find some sort of substitute for the missing piece, but that’s not always possible.
5. There’s a Player Limit
Board games can usually entertain a maximum of four players and a minimum of two at a time.
You can’t add players in the mid of a campaign, either.
Video Games
Video gaming, both paid and free, often gets undue criticism and skeptical comments.
It’s not all bad and ugly, but it does have quite a few adverse effects as well.
Now that we’re done with the pros and cons of board gaming let’s move on to an analysis of video games.
Pros of Video Games
1. Heightens Sensory Coordination
The recent video game gadgets allow you to see, hear, and to some extent, even feel the game’s contents and details in a surreal manner.
You could literally be on your couch, battling foreign invaders with your friend who is playing across the seven seas.
This exhilaration is precisely what makes video games so unique and lovable.
2. You Can Play On Your Own
With video games, you don’t always need to call actual humans to play with you.
You can play alone or go for a few bots to play with or against you.
3. You Can Play From Anywhere
All you need is electricity and an internet connection.
With these two in place, you can connect with people from any location and get gaming like you’ve known them forever!
4. You Can Get Them Repaired and Upgraded
Most consoles and equipment are easily repaired and can be upgraded just at the cost of a few bucks.
In the long run, this makes video gaming a lot safer in terms of money.
Cons Of Video Games
1. They Can Be Used for Cybercrime
Video games are primarily assisted by technology.
This is an excellent risk for kids and even some teen adults because cybercriminals usually lurk in the most unsuspected corners of such technologies.
Online harassment, bullying, trafficking, and blackmailing can, therefore, do you a great deal of damage if you leak your personal information.
2. They Can Promote an Aggressive Behavior
The sensory overload and stress often caused by video games lead to abusive language and a lack of composed behavior.
3. Not Great for Your Health
Video games are proven to be harmful not only to your eyes but also to your back, neck, legs, and even your ears.
Conclusion
Board games have been a staple in gaming for centuries and for good reason.
They are fun, social and can be played by kids, teens and adults of all ages.
Board games have been around since the days of ancient Egypt. And although their video game counterparts are relatively new, this doesn’t necessarily make them worse.
The reason they have become so popular today is that they offer something for everyone.
They can be challenging or easy to play.
They can be fast-paced or slow-paced.
Now – which one do you prefer, board games or video games, and why?
Leave your answer below and don’t forget to check out our other content as well!