by Confession time: I have a love affair with both board games and video games. Sprawling fantasy RPGs on the PC? Yes, please! A tense game of social deduction with friends? Absolutely! But choosing between them? That’s a whole different story. They’re both amazing hobbies, and while they also provide a lot of the same benefits, they each have their own unique itch to scratch that the other can’t quite get.
Board Games: The Tactile Triumph
Ah, board games. The satisfying clink of dice, the tactile joy of shuffling cards, the triumphant “Aha!” moment when your strategy clicks – board games offer a unique experience. There’s something quintessentially human about them, and it’s fun to think how people have been playing some form of board games for basically the entirety of human history.
Pros:
- Social Butterfly Booster: Board games are inherently social. Laughter erupts when a friend rolls snake eyes, groans fill the room when someone pulls a cutthroat move and victory celebrations are a shared experience. There’s nothing like having a live audience to your greatest comeback in Settlers of Catan history.
- Brain Food: Board games can be strategic beasts, forcing you to think critically, plan ahead and adapt to changing situations. And since you’re not just playing against a computer, you’ve got to really push the limits of your strategic thinking and be prepared for the random and often unpredictable actions of fellow players.
- Budget-Friendly Fun: Board games are a relatively inexpensive hobby, especially considering the replayability. That copy of Carcassonne you bought years ago is still going strong! Some of the more expensive board games might be about the same price of a video game, but you don’t have to worry about buying a new console every few years (or backward compatibility).
Cons:
- Time Commitment: Board games can take a significant chunk of time. Setting up, learning the rules and actually playing can eat into an evening. However, once everyone knows what they’re doing, a lot of setup and gameplay can be streamlined. Still, some board games take hours and hours to complete.
- Finding the Right People: Not everyone enjoys board games, and some find the learning curve intimidating. Finding a dedicated group to play with can be a challenge. Everyone has different tastes and different skill levels, which certainly complicates the match ups.
- Limited Replayability: While some board games offer high replayability with variable setups and expansions, eventually, you’ll have seen it all. Plus with certain games will inevitably have “best moves” you’ll quickly learn, and that could make gameplay repetitive.
Video Games: Virtual Worlds Await
Video games offer a different kind of magic. Transport yourself to fantastical worlds, become a cunning assassin, or build a sprawling civilization – the possibilities are endless.
Pros:
- Immersion Extravaganza: Video games offer unparalleled immersion. Cutting-edge graphics and sound design can truly transport you to another reality. Remember conquering your fear of heights by scaling a virtual peak in Skyrim? Breathtaking!
- Solo or Squad Up: Video games can be a solitary or social experience. Want to unwind with a single-player campaign? Go for it! Craving some online competition? Team up with friends for a night of virtual mayhem. Most multiplayer can take place online too, which makes it really easy to find someone to play with and schedule a game, unlike trying to set up an in-person board game night.
- Constant Evolution: With new releases, updates and expansions, video games offer a never-ending stream of fresh experiences. While DLC and microtransactions can drain the pocket, a lot of games these days offer continual free updates and good DLC gives you hours of extra gameplay.
Cons:
- The Cost Can Climb: The initial cost of a console or gaming PC can be hefty, and let’s not forget the constant temptation of new game releases (guilty as charged!) With a new console every few years, and multiple consoles to begin with plus console exclusives, it’s possible to make video gaming a very, very expensive hobby.
- Screen Time Blues: Spending hours glued to a screen can have health drawbacks. It’s important to take breaks and get some fresh air! Sedentary hobbies (or jobs, for that matter) are always a health concern, especially as people are generally less active these days because of screens and technology.
- Social Disconnect: While some games offer online interaction, video games can be isolating compared to the face-to-face interaction of board games. Even if you’re playing multiplayer, a lot of times those match ups are faceless Internet randos, which don’t really feel like a real person as far as your brain chemistry is concerned. (Explains why trash talking gets so heated!)
The Verdict: It’s All About Balance
The truth is, there’s no need to choose! Both board games and video games offer unique advantages. When that competitive itch needs scratching, I fire up a fighting game. But for a fun-filled social gathering, nothing beats a board game night. It’s really up to you, and both hobbies are pretty customizable as they each offer a broad range of games to consider, and plenty of options when it comes to how you include others in your hobby.
Ultimately, the best hobby is the one you enjoy the most. So, grab your controllers, dust off your favorite board game and embrace the joy of gaming in all its forms!
