Let's be clear here: the concept of "play" is not new.
Cavemen back in the Stone Age exchanged blows and threw tantrums after a cave mate rubbed it in their faces and talked trash that their stone wheel rolled on edge longer in competitive stone rolling.
But "play" in the last 10-15 years?
Welcome to a new world, brought to you by "play," which is no longer a four-letter word.
Remember, back in the early 2010s, play was stigmatized, looked down upon by some, and blamed for the perceived downfall of society. Now, however, everyone and their grandma has a gaming console or has argued about the best island in Animal Crossing.
Gone are the days when gaming was relegated to dimly lit basements.
Today, it's a cultural phenomenon, embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds. But this playful revolution isn't just about flashy graphics and epic loot drops. It's about the power of play itself that's transforming how we learn, connect, and even heal. Let's take a victory lap through some of the ways play has leveled up in the last decade:
How "play" has improved society - Board Games: Remember those dusty old Monopoly sets that spent years gathering cobwebs in the closet? Let's take them digital, baby! Board games are back and they're cooler than ever.
From complex strategy games to hilarious party fillers, these social experiences have become a staple for game nights and family gatherings. These are not necessarily relegated exclusively to video game consoles, of course.
There are some great physical board games nowadays thanks to, frankly, less gatekeeping for ideas to come true.
How "play" has improved society - The Rise of the Casual Gamer: Ahhh, the casual gamer. This perhaps is the key factor in "normalizing" play so that its reputation goes from a childish endeavor to an activity adults enjoy.
While complexity used to be king in the gaming world, mobile games, and casual experiences are making play more accessible than ever. From brain teasers like Candy Crush to quick bursts of fun with Angry Birds, these bite-sized games allow anyone to join the fun, no matter their experience level.
Just because you have 10 minutes of free time doesn't mean you can't level up your dragon in Rise of Berk!
How "play" has improved society - From Pixels to Prescriptions: Remember when video games were strictly for entertainment? That's not a thing anymore! Today, therapeutic games are booming. Using the power of play, you can address everything from anxiety to physical rehabilitation.
And the solutions are essentially genre-agnostic, too. Imagine battling virtual dragons while improving your hand-eye coordination. Or how about the exploration of fantastical worlds to manage stress?
Or a leaderboard that quantifies how often you take your medication. Play has been just what the doctor ordered. At least the cool doctors!
How "play" has improved society - Fitness with a Friend Request: The monotonous treadmill routine certainly has had an upgrade ever since gaming got involved. Nowadays, fitness trackers and interactive games have turned exercise into a - dare we say - fun activity.
Imagine battling virtual opponents on a stationary bike or exploring scenic landscapes while you jog. Let's not even get into the next-level things like creating a narrative experience that had people imaging they were being chased by zombies.
That's right: they tricked you into exercise using fear! Suddenly, that daily workout feels less like a chore and more like an epic quest.
How "play" has improved society - Learning While You Slay Monsters: There was a time when educational games meant super-pixelated spelling tests. Now, however, man, it's like playing an actual video game! Immersive and gamified experiences have made education more engaging and effective.
Imagine mastering historical events by commanding virtual armies, or exploring the wonders of science through interactive simulations. Suddenly, textbooks seem a little less exciting, don't they?
So, the next time you hear someone scoff at the idea of "just playing games," remind them that play isn't frivolous – it's powerful. It's a way to learn. Connect. Even heal. So, grab your controller, dust off that board game, or download a quick mobile game – level up your life with the power of play!
