We’re at a point in our lives where technology surrounds us constantly. In our pockets, we carry tiny computers capable of bringing the latest news, weather, gossip, and games to pass the time. There is now voice controlled technology for our homes so we can control the TV, the lights, even the stove! So is the next logical step to bring our favorite table top games to the digital age?
The term “digital board game” seems like an oxymoron. Aren’t board games made to be played as a group, around a table? For some, absolutely yes. I love my game group and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. But does this new format give us an opportunity to expand knowledge of our hobby? Nintendo is interested in helping and is in the process of bringing multiple titles to it’s platform.
Asmodee Digital and League of Geeks are taking the lead with expanding the board game horizons. Last December, the classic board game Carcassonne was released on the Nintendo Switch. It’s easy to teach, has a shorter playtime, and is great for a so many ages. Settlers of Catan is another easy, familiar choice. A quick scan of Asmodee Digital’s library shows over 40 games! From Zombicide, Gloomhaven, Terraforming Mars, and Scythe to family favorites like Potion Explosion and Ticket to Ride: First Journey.
I think there are benefits to embracing this digital option.
- Space – Wow, how many of us are trying to find enough space for our games? My game room has room for about one more Kallax before I have to start getting creative.
- Availability – People don’t have to leave their homes to even find these games. It’s instant availability.
- New Players – This could be the most important reason of all. It provides an opportunity to educate a larger population on this amazing hobby of ours and show them it’s more than Monopoly and trivia games. For some, this is the first exposure they have to this type of board gaming.
There are cons to this too, I think, but they’re manageable. The biggest impact I could see would be to your friendly local game store (FLGS). The growth of online retailers already has an impact on them, and this is just one other caveat. Promoting your FLGS is another article for another time, but I think a lot of us gamers are quick to point someone in the right direction to find a great game.
I think from a hobbyist perspective, this new platform is worth checking out. Am I ever going to be willing to let go of those tangible components and that new game smell, probably not. I’ve picked up a few favorites in digital format to have “on the go,” but time will tell if I’ll own a game only on a digital platform.
What about you? Are we ready for the digital age of board games? Tell us what you think in the comments!
I enjoyed that you added your thoughts around the benefits and potential negatives in regard to table top games getting digital releases in addition to their physical release.
I personally compare this to MTG releasing their digital Arena platform which, from my experience has injected a whole new group of players excitement money and rule updates into the community. Originally I was hesitant to accept some of the changes but so far it has all been positive from my perspective.
I think it is hard to compare MTG digital arena to board games. Board games tend to be played among friends. MTG has a much bigger scope with tournaments. So naturally playing with a variety of others online would help one practice for a tournament but not detract from physical cards. Electronic board games sound awesome and can help with space but you will always have the hardcore gamers who like the feel and smell of physical board games. I would personally keep my physical board games. I enjoy activities that keep me away from screens and it would be a shame for people to lose that.