Human beings love to play games. From before the advent of recorded history, gaming and gambling have been part of cultures around the world. That may stay the same forever, but gaming technology has changed the way we express our need to play.
Here are some key bits of kit that have altered our habits, from pre-history to the present day.
Dice
Dice have been in use since before recorded history. The oldest dice in the archeological record are estimated to have been made in around 2800-2500 BC and were found in the remains of the ‘Burned City’ in Iran.
Dice have had such a long-lasting impact on gameplay because of one key thing: they are able to introduce the element of genuine random chance. Games throughout history have used dice to inject suspense, create unpredictable shifts in momentum, and create an even playing field.
Dice have changed shape countless times. According to new research, the changing shape of dice has reflected changing attitudes towards faith and chance. On occasion dice were deliberately weighted or shaped to suggest superstitions or gaming styles.
Playing Cards
Playing cards also have a long and storied history. First used by the Chinese before 1000 AD. They arrived in Europe in around 1360 AD and became immensely popular. Cards were a revolutionary piece of gaming technology because of their versatility.
Hundreds of games card based: From simple games like snap to complex games of Skill like poker. Variants on the deck of cards appear all over the world. The ‘suits’ of playing cards often reflect social strata or attitudes towards society.
Monopoly
Who doesn’t love a good board game? OK, we get it – it can sometimes get a little heated. Monopoly has a curious history. The famous game of finance and rivalry was conceived in order to make a political point.
In 1903, the American left wing activist Elizabeth Maggie patented the game. Her aim was to show the disastrous effects that land monopolies could have on society. Monopolies were becoming more common in the United States in the early 20th century, with oligarchs dominating industries and owning huge swathes of land.
Since Maggie invented the game it’s meaning has changed – although many will attest that monopoly can surely tear even the most coherent family unit apart for an hour or two.
Internet Bingo
The internet has fundamentally changed the way we casually game and gamble. A good example of how can be found in online bingo. Whilst in-person bingo play is on the decline, its online sibling is becoming far more popular. The internet has changed the way in which we socialize. Gaming, at its heart, is often an activity with a social function. Players can socialize across continents.
The internet has diversified the game of bingo, and sites clamor to offer favorable benefits and stimuli. Using a review or comparison website like www.bingositesreviewer.com can help cut through some of the confusion. Choose carefully and never rush in!
