4 TRADITIONAL GAMES WHICH HAVE BEEN ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY

It certainly is no secret that the world we live in today has vastly become digital, from millions of apps to download onto your smartphone that could provide entertainment, information, music and so much more, to enhanced technological advancements in the way we do things versus how we used to do those same things in the past.

As we grow with the ever-changing times and keep up with the trends, we take a look at how the world of technology has transformed some of the world’s favourite childhood games into a digital or electronic version. Although some prefer the old school tabletop board game or vintage style of playing, let’s take a look at 5 traditional games which have been enhanced by technology.

CHESS

Chess has been known to be traced back to its origins from the 1500s and possibly even earlier than that; making it one of the oldest board games which have evolved through the centuries into a modern and competitive international game. From tournaments to world championships, the game of chess has always hosted a sophisticated and intellectual gaming experience between two players. As a purely strategic application, the chessboard hosts 64 squares arranged in an eight by eight grid formation and sixteen chess pieces for each player; the game aims is to call checkmate on your opponent’s king.

Through the modern and westernised evolution of Chess, a digital or electronic version can be experienced in three different ways when it comes to who you get to play against. With computerised versions, smartphone game app versions and online gaming, the technological strategic game can either be played against the computer, an online player who could be sitting anywhere in the world or even your friend as you share the app on your phone.

For many it might not be as fun to play against a computer or to digitally experience a game that was once iconic for its board and physical and strategic placement of the chess pieces but for those who have immersed themselves into technological gaming; a good game is sure to be had – as long as you are ready for the computerised challenger on the other end.

BINGO

The game of Bingo has always been thought to be a fun and exciting game of luck and gamble. As it dates back to its origins in Italy, from the 16^th century, through the years it has adapted to various versions depending on the country. Britain and America have their versions of Bingo as well as other countries throughout the world. The great thing about bingo is that it can have a large group of players taking part, as it all forms part of the fun – the more the merrier. A player will be handed a card with a variety of numbers displayed on the card. There will always be a bingo master or host and their job is to, at random, select a number and call it out. Within a competitive speed, all players need to try and locate the called out number on their card and mark it down. The first player to have marked off their entire card from the numbers called gets to shout out BINGO! This will conclude that round and players can then continue onto the next card for a new round.

Bingo is loved all around the world and now it is possible to enjoy a game of bingo in the comfort of your own home, without having to leave your apartment. Established around 1996, the game of bingo was able to turn electronic. Instead of having a host select random numbered balls, the numbers are selected by a computerised generator. Once the number is selected, the online game automatically marks off the number from your digital bingo card, almost doing half the work for you. The winnings can depend on your buy in’s as there are various online bingo games and apps that allow for inexpensive playing right up to the high rolling bingo players who want to take their competitive streaks seriously.

DARTBOARDS

Another favourite that found its way into many homes, as well as bars and restaurants, is a good game of darts. A great way to pass the time with friends or for those who always enjoy a good competitive challenge, there are competitions and professional arenas where you can take your dart game to. Throughout the world, there are professional dart players who have played for the title and the money. The basic concept of this game is usually two players competing against one another. Starting with a score of either 301 or 501, the player’s objective is to try and get their score down to zero before their opponent.

Outdoor dartboards are a round-shaped target, with numbers all around the board. The numbers are strategically designed to ensure that the high scoring numbers are not easily reached through quick luck shots. Using small, sharp and pointed darts, a player will aim and skillfully throw the dart to try and hit a high scoring number target. The highest scoring target on a dartboard would of course be the bullseye which gives a player a score of 50 to be deducted from the starting score. This game can be a lot of fun and can even enhance your hand-eye coordination.

Now, the dartboard has found its way onto the electronic shelves with incredibly advanced and digital versions of the game. You can choose from the most realistic looking dartboards still offering the digital platform to the dartboard which aims to completely transform your experience digitally.

SCRABBLE

For those who have always loved a good word game, Scrabble has certainly found its way into the hearts of many who enjoy the literary application and using their intellect and vocabulary in a good competitive gaming platform. From two to four players, the game aims to place lettered tiles onto the board, strategically to form high scores, but also within the parameters of using the other letters already on the board. There are various rules which apply to Scrabble such as the word must be able to be read from left to right or downward and however the tiles are placed on the board, every letter visible is to form part of a word which can be found in the dictionary.

In the 21^st century, you can download variations of the Scrabble game as an app on your phone and enjoy competing against many players at a time, with different games going on at the same time, and against anyone in the world. The computerised version of Scrabble makes it easier to know if your word is allowed and totally up to your scores but it has certainly found its way into a fun and technological version to be enjoyed by all.

As we’ve mentioned, with millions of apps to be downloaded onto your smartphone and the increasing need to advance in the technological and digital world of entertainment, it would be a rarity to not find almost all of your favourite and traditional games on an App Store or available in an electronic version.

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Dan Dunn

Executive Managing editor

Editor and Admin at MarkMeets since Nov 2012. Columnist, reviewer and entertainment writer and oversees all of the section's news, features and interviews. During his career, he has written for numerous magazines.

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