Yes, we love video games, but it’s time to hit the pause button, turn off the headset, and set down the controller to revisit a classic form of entertainment that’s still going strong: board games.
Sure, video games boast flashy graphics, endless upgrades, and cutting-edge tech, but there’s something about those old-school game nights that screens just can’t replicate. Plus, with incredible innovations in the board game community, there’s more than just familiar childhood favorites on the table.
At Kraken Games Lab, we’re all about celebrating the unbeatable, enduring charm of board games despite the high-tech advancements of video games. We believe that gaming is more than just entertainment; it’s about creating connections and unforgettable memories that linger long beyond game night.
From epic showdowns to the sheer joy of flipping through physical game manuals, board games have a knack for bringing people together in ways that video games just can’t match. Ready to see why board games are still the MVPs of the gaming world? Here are our top five reasons board games outshine video games every time.
When it comes to cost, board games often come out ahead of their digital counterparts. Here’s why:
Upfront Costs:
Board games have a nice, one-time price tag. Pay once, play forever — no surprise bills or sneaky fees. Buy a video game, though, and you’ll soon find out that your wallet is in for an unwanted workout. Subscriptions, DLCs, and in-game purchases? It’s like buying a pizza and then being charged extra for the cheese, the sauce, and, oh yeah, the crust.
No Extra Costs:
With board games, everything you need is right in the box, no strings (or microtransactions) attached. You want to play? Just open the box and dive in. Video games, on the other hand, can quickly rack up costs with add-ons, season passes, and in-game currency.
Longevity:
Board games have a remarkable longevity. You can pull out a favorite from years ago, and it’s still just as good. Video games? The minute some shiny new hardware drops, your old gaming system goes from cutting-edge to “vintage” in a second.
One of the best things about board games is their knack for bringing people together — no screens involved. They inject a jolt of social energy, instantly turning any gathering into an unforgettable memory you’ll look back on for years.
Board games are the ultimate conversation starters and icebreakers. They’re built to make you think, talk, and scheme with a group of good friends and great snacks. Whether you’re teaming up to outsmart the other players or arguing about politely discussing game rules with your opponents, that face-to-face smack talk is what makes the experience unforgettable. After all, nothing says “friendship” like competitive glares across a game board.
But it’s not all about the competition. Board games also create those genuine moments of real connection — like when you’re all celebrating a team win, high-fiving over a perfectly executed strategy, or sharing a collective groan when someone pulls off a surprise victory. It’s these moments of laughter, connection, and camaraderie that make board games a truly special way to spend time with the people you care about.
Board games are like CrossFit for your brain — minus the sweat and questionable protein shakes. They’re a sneaky way to flex those mental muscles, making you think ahead, solve problems, and plot like a mastermind. Every turn is a brain workout, whether you’re planning your next move, trying to outguess your opponents, or just figuring out how to keep a straight face during a bluff.
Instead of simply reacting to what’s on the screen, you’re actively engaging in planning and critical thinking. Every turn is a new puzzle, and every decision impacts the outcome, keeping your brain engaged and sharp.
Board games are also great for boosting memory and learning skills. They often require you to remember rules, track resources, and recall past moves, all of which sharpen your cognitive abilities. Unlike video games, which can sometimes involve passive play and repetitive tasks, board games (especially good ones) keep you on your toes, actively involving you in every aspect of the game.
When playing a board game, you’re not just along for the ride; you’re the one driving the bus, picking the route, and occasionally taking detours just to keep things interesting. Every session is a chance to learn something new, tweak your strategy, and get a little bit better.
There’s something deeply satisfying about the feel of a board game in your hands. The clink of dice, the shuffle of cards, and the slide of tokens all contribute to a tactile connection with the game that screen-based interactions will never capture.
While video games are sleek technological wonders, they lack the sensory feedback of physical gaming experiences. The digital world is flat, sterile, and lifeless compared to the sights, sounds, and smells of a game night with friends.
Board games also come with a hefty dose of nostalgia. Indeed, they aren’t just games; they’re time machines. They take you back to family game nights, sleepovers with friends, and those rainy afternoons playing Monopoly for six hours straight. They carry the weight of tradition, serving as a bridge between the past and present.
Whether it’s the game you always played during the holidays or that one with a missing piece that everyone still remembers fondly, board games are more than just entertainment — they’re a link to cherished memories and the warm feelings that come with them.
They’re the ultimate group activity, perfect for bringing everyone together, whether you’re a seasoned player with a strategy guide in your pocket or someone who still asks, “So, how do you play again?” five rounds in. Unlike digital games that can sometimes feel like a solo mission, board games are all about inclusivity — there’s literally a game for every group size, age, and interest.
From classic family games that get everyone around the table to more complex strategy games that spark lively debates, board games cater to all kinds of social dynamics. They’re incredibly versatile — whether you’re looking for a cozy one-on-one showdown or a chaotic, everyone-yelling-at-once multiplayer melee, there’s a game that fits the bill.
Many families and friends have that one game they break out every year, turning game night into an epic saga of victories, defeats, and questionable rules that no one remembers agreeing to. Whether it’s a holiday ritual or a spontaneous weekend event, board games have a way of weaving themselves into the fabric of your social life, creating little pockets of joy that pop up whenever the dice start rolling.
Think of the board games that become the centerpiece of your get-togethers — the ones that spark loud laughter, fake outrage, and the occasional “I swear you’re cheating!”
The fun of playing, the friendly rivalries, and the shared experience make these games way more than just ways to kill time — they’re the stuff that bonds are made of, creating moments that stick with you long after the board is packed away.
Board games still hold their own, even in a world brimming with high-tech video games. They bring us together with genuine face-to-face interactions, challenge our brains with strategic thinking and problem-solving, and offer a tangible, nostalgic experience that digital games simply can’t match.
As you enjoy your video games, give a nod to the board games that have been making us laugh, think, and bond for years. Dust off those familiar favorites or unwrap a new find, grab your crew, and break out the snacks — you have memories to make.
Looking for some fresh game ideas? Swing by Kraken Games Lab to see what we have in production.
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