In a world that can seem increasingly digitised and isolating, board games offer a unique chance to connect with others. And over the holiday period, the right game can make all the difference while spending time with friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But board games are part of a multi-billion dollar industry, so it can be hard to decide which games to try out \u2013 or which ones to gift. Luckily I have some recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Board games have been part of societies for at least 4,000 years. The Royal Game of Ur, which scholars discovered in the tombs of ancient Sumer (now modern-day Iraq), can be dated back to around 2500 BCE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This not only showed board games as an integral part of ancient homelife, but something people held dear. From what archaeologists can glean from the re-discovered rules, the game involved moving pieces around a board (and probably inspired later games such as backgammon).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, in Mediterranean cultures such as Athens and Rome, dice games were often played at taverns, with people gambling on the results. Indeed, according to historian Karl Galinsky, the Roman Emperor Augustus \u201cloved gaming, literally rolling the dice for hours\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, tabletop games are a massive industry. Some games, such as Kingdom Death: Monster and Frosthaven, were boosted by millions of dollars raised through online crowdfunding campaigns<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Modern board games can range from party games that can take about half an hour, to epic war games that can take a whole day. Australia has contributed significantly; one of the most critically-acclaimed board games of the 21st century, Blood on the Clocktower, was designed by Sydney-based Steven Medway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those prone to decision paralysis, there are a number of resource devoted to covering the vast range of board games available. These include critic channels such as Shut Up and Sit Down, as well as YouTube channels such as No Rolls Barred, where you can see various board games being played.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are even online digital libraries such as Board Game Arena, where you can try games (including some of the list below) before you buy them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that said, here are my seven recommendations for anyone wanting to try out a new board game these holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Sushi Go Party<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This colourful, fast-paced game] has great art, and a \u201cmenu\u201d that can be changed depending on the number of players (up to eight) and their familiarity with the game. Players win the game by creating the best combination of cards, depending on what\u2019s available, by rotating the cards from player to player like a sushi train. It\u2019s easy to learn, and relatively cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n