Games have existed across the globe throughout human history. They have helped teach social norms (such as abiding by rules) and skills (like strategic thinking or collaboration). They have also served as a means of bonding with others and as entertainment. In the past, the types of games played varied from culture to culture, often reflecting the values and social norms of the region. Today, games frequently have a global appeal and are played across borders and cultures.
Over the course of gaming’s long history, a handful of games have stood the test of time and become iconic, beloved games recognised and enjoyed by people worldwide. These games come in various forms, from board and card games to video games. Of the many games out there, these eight are the most notable and the most iconic.
Board Games
Board games first appeared 5,000 years ago, and these ancient games have paved the way for some of today’s most popular board games, such as chess and Monopoly.
Chess
One of the oldest board games still played is chess, which originated in India during the 6th century. It has been played in royal courts and rural villages by both men and women, transcending social and political barriers. It has become a professional sport that showcases people’s abilities to think strategically and tactically (it started as a way to teach military strategy) and requires patience. The digital version of the game, which allows people to play solo or multiplayer on their laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, is also immensely popular.
Monopoly
Monopoly is a beloved—and simultaneously loathed—board game that has led to family arguments and vows to never play again (though luckily these vows are usually broken). The classic board game is family-friendly, with each player working to be the last one with money in their hands. It allows players to make investments and negotiations, all with the ever-present risk of going bankrupt. The game is based partly on strategy and chance and, in many ways, emulates financial success and risk in the real world.
Since being patented in 1935, the game has become ingrained in our lives, with terms like ‘monopoly money’ and ‘get out of jail free card’ commonplace well outside of the context of gameplay. It’s so popular that it has been translated into over 27 languages and is available in 103 countries.
Card Games
The deck of cards we’re familiar with today, with its four suits and aces, jacks, queens, and kings, first appeared in the 15th century in France. Its invention allowed us to add many different card games to our game catalogue. The most well-known card games include poker and bridge.
Poker
While the origins of poker can be traced back over 1,000 years, the version we are most familiar with, with five cards dealt to each player, is believed to have developed in the early 1800s in New Orleans. Since then, poker has become a widely popular game, many attributing its popularity to its combination of skill and a bit of luck alongside the thrill of winning the pot with the best hand. It continues to be a popular gambling option at land-based and online casinos like those found at casinos.com.
Bridge
Although it originated as a proper English game, bridge has become a casual game played by millions worldwide. It’s a game of camaraderie and competition, where two players team up to try to outscore their opponents with winning tricks. The game’s appeal lies in the socialisation, friendly competition, and mental stimulation of playing, making it a popular and now iconic game.
Video Games
Video games have not been around nearly as long as board and card games, but their popularity leaves these other games in the dust. The first known video game, Tennis for Two, launched in 1958, and by 1972, one of the most iconic video games was born: Pong. The video game industry has only progressed since then, becoming more influential and reaching more people. It has become a creative hub where composers, animators, and designers create entire worlds that captivate players.
Pong
Pong’s gameplay is simple: A ball is hit back and forth with a paddle. Each time the paddle hits the ball, the game makes a simple monotone sound, which is still widely recognised more than 50 years later. It was one of the first games to gain popularity, making it nothing short of iconic.
Space Invaders
Another of the world’s earliest video games remains widely known and recognised decades later. That game is Space Invaders. It was one of the first shooting games in which players aim to shoot alien swarms before they reach the bottom of the screen. While the objective is simple, the game was considered a technological feat when it was first released and is regarded as an early pioneer of today’s new video games.
Tetris
Dubbed by some the ‘perfect’ video game, Tetris is a simple yet challenging game with players aligning different geometric shapes to create complete horizontal lines so that the line will clear and leave more space for new shapes falling from the top of the screen. As players reach higher levels, the pace of the falling shapes increases, making it all the more challenging to clear rows. The simple concept has become a game that has sold over 520 million copies and remains a popular option more than 40 years after its release.
Super Mario Bros.
Another video game that has become wildly popular, with its characters and soundtrack recognised worldwide, is 1985’s Super Mario Bros. Since its release, more than 200 games in the Super Mario universe have been created, each featuring recognisable characters like Mario, Luigi, and Donkey Kong.
Conclusion
People have long been drawn to games for the escapism, socialisation, and opportunities to learn and compete that they provide. The eight games discussed here are among the most iconic of all the games invented. They have stood the test of time, and some even led the way for the more modern games we love today.