Board Games: Beyond Fun
April 2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Introduction
Dive into the fascinating world of board games with a twist! In Games with Frontiers, an eye-opening article from MIT, discover how the beloved board game Puerto Rico and others like it are more than just fun and strategy. These games, set in colonial times, subtly embed themes of domination and exploitation, raising big questions about the messages we're playing with. Join MIT's Mikael Jakobsson and Dartmouth's Mary Flanagan as they uncover the hidden narratives in our favorite pastimes and explore how new game designs can shift perspectives. Ready to rethink your game night?
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Unpacking the Game Box
Games are more than just play; they're a reflection of our history, culture, and the values we hold. The popular board game "Puerto Rico" and others like it offer a window into how colonialism and empire-building have been normalized through entertainment. These games, while engaging, subtly perpetuate a narrative of domination and exploitation, often glossing over the harsh realities of history. Understanding the implications of these games is crucial, not just for historical awareness but for fostering a more critical approach to the media and entertainment we consume. This topic matters because it challenges you to look beyond the surface of your favorite games and consider the messages they may be sending. It's about becoming more discerning players and creators in a world where games shape, and are shaped by, our understanding of history and power.
Speak like a Scholar
Colonialism
The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
Sanitized
Made clean and free from elements that are considered undesirable, often by removing or altering parts that are harsh or unpleasant.
Propaganda
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
Mechanics (in games)
The rules and procedures that guide the player's actions and the game's response to those actions.
Narrative
A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.
Tropes
Commonly recurring literary and rhetorical devices, motifs, or clichés in creative works.
Independent Research Ideas
Cultural representation in modern board games
Investigate how different cultures are represented in board games today and explore the impact of these representations on players' perceptions of those cultures.
The evolution of board games from colonialism to inclusivity
Trace the history of board games from their roots in colonial themes to the present day, where there is a growing effort to include more diverse and inclusive narratives.
Propaganda through play
Examine how board games have been used as tools of propaganda throughout history, focusing on specific examples where games have influenced political or social views.
The psychology of competition in board games
Delve into the psychological aspects of why people enjoy competitive games and how the themes of domination and power play into this enjoyment.
Reimagining history through games
Explore the potential of board games as educational tools for presenting alternative historical narratives, focusing on resistance and struggle rather than conquest and domination.
