The era of physical media has come to an end. We are moving towards a more digital future, and though many are resistant to this change, they can do nothing to stop it. It is much more convenient to download a game from Steam or stream a film on Netflix than to purchase a physical copy. It is precisely because of the conveniences that the digital age provides that physical media is dying.
But what does that mean for classic games that still survive in the digital age? Will they, too, go the way of the dinosaurs, only to be remembered by old-school gamers and retro shops? Surprisingly, that is not the case. Classic games have carved a niche in the new era of high-tech gameplay and online multiplayer. We will discuss how classic games continue to thrive in an age that ought to be past their prime.
Poker and Internet Casinos
It really does not get any more classic than card games. The standard card deck, as we know it, has existed since the 15th century, but card games predate that period by about six hundred years. It is not hard to imagine players engaging in games similar to the ones that we still love to this day. It is difficult not to bring up poker when talking about card games.
Poker remains a staple of land-based gambling on both the professional and amateur levels. Poker tournaments attract some of the best gamblers in the world, many of whom can pull off incredible moves while at the table. Celebrity poker is also a popular pastime for many who want to watch their favorite stars lose a lot of cash in one go.
But how do card games like poker survive in the digital age? We have online casinos to thank for that. Internet-based poker rooms have shown the enduring appeal of playing Texas Hold’em in free online formats. They’ve also introduced alternative poker variants to new players who might not have heard of them otherwise.
The digitization of poker is instrumental in the game’s continued success. Land-based poker rooms are still thriving. But in an era when even Las Vegas has seen a drop in tourism; it is important to shine a light on an industry whose revenue is growing by the year. We wouldn’t be surprised if the future of gambling and poker is entirely digital.
Online Emulators Keep Classic Video Games Alive
Emulation is a prevalent topic of discussion in gaming circles. Some view emulators as a form of theft and piracy. They staunchly oppose the idea that games should be emulated, even at the cost of the titles being lost for good. Companies like Nintendo support this outlook on emulation and have even been known to remove certain emulators from the market.
The other side believes emulation is a good way to keep classic game titles alive. Many emulator creators don’t do it for the money but rather for the love of the game. That is why many of them have shared their emulators online for absolutely free. It is possible to find plenty of arcade games on the internet now and play them without spending a single coin.
It is true that many companies have released remastered versions of classic games that are available on a wide range of platforms. But plenty of games have been forgotten entirely by their developing studios. The fan base behind these games has found a way to keep their name and spirit alive on the internet. That is why we argue that emulators are a wonderful way for classic games to survive in the digital age.
Dungeons & Dragons and a New Era of Board Games
Gary Gygax started work on a game that would come to be called Dungeons & Dragons in the 1970s. The game was released by the decade’s end and quickly became a huge success. But D&D’s success was quickly curbed by the Satanic panic and the general distaste that mainstream audiences had towards “nerd culture.” It wouldn’t be until decades later that Dungeons & Dragons attained a mainstream following.
Board games like D&D are entirely reliant on physical media. We wouldn’t blame anyone who would assume that the digital age would spell their demise. But the internet only served to bolster the success of RPG-esque board games. Dungeons & Dragons is more popular today than it has ever been. In part we have the forums dedicated to the game to thank. They are a great place for anybody interested in the topic to begin researching the hobby.
There are online platforms that allow players to connect and run a long and complex D&D campaign. It may bewilder some to see how far general technology has improved since the past century. In an era when fake teeth no longer need to look fake, fans of one of the biggest board games can get together from continents apart and run a fascinating campaign.
