The Return of Traditional Games– In Digital Avatar

- Ramesh Kumar Raja

It’s kind of poonarjanm (rebirth) for the fading art of traditional games – albeit in digital attire! The gaming companies are now betting big on traditional games by focusing on bringing digital innovation to traditional Indian games to compete with the western world. The local gaming companies are, in fact, busy creating their own space within the gaming segment by virtue of their unique offerings. What’s more, considering the masses and their inability to afford expensive console systems etc, the android and iOS ecosystems provide a perfect low-cost alternative to expensive gaming systems. By introducing those games to the digital gaming world, Indian gaming companies are trying to connect the common man to the socio-cultural aspects of conventional games which are on the verge of extinction.

We have listed down some of the most popular traditional games which are taking the mobile gaming industry by storm in India akin to popular traditional card games such as teen patti, poker and rummy which have already seen many versions on virtual platform.

PACHISI

Pachisi is a cross and circle board game, which originated in 6th century ancient India. it is played on a symmetrical shaped board with coloured pieces and dice. it is also known as ludo in the present day. The game rules demand for the dice to be rolled out for the pieces to move around the board. Each piece moves from a start point, has to complete a round around the board towards the end point. Opponent pieces race you in the round. Should the pieces overlap, players who playing their turn can slash out the piece, sending it back to the starting point. The mobile version comes in handy with this game, should you cheat, no one needs to know.