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Are board games a thing of the past? Are board games too out-of-date for today's kids and adults to enjoy? The answer is NO. In fact board games are as popular as ever, at least according to marketing statistics.
Games like Risk, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit and The Game Of Life are some of the classic games that are still very much in demand and well loved. Yes the board game industry is still alive and well. New games are being invented and marketed almost on a daily basis. And traditional games like chess, checkers, and backgammon will always be favorites.
There are also new board games hitting the market on a regular basis. Some of the "old favorites" board games are being re-released with new technical twists. These types of games incorporate technology that includes your TV or DVD player to display the game board or other aspects of the game on screen. The Scene It? Games (see resource box) are good examples of dvd games.
Still a favorite, Monopoly remains one of the most popular board games in history. Currently there are over 200 variations of Monopoly being sold. The current versions of Monopoly range from branches of the military like "Air Force Monopoly" to big cities like "New York City Monopoly" and from sports teams like "Los Angeles Lakers Monopoly" to cartoon characters like "SpongeBob SquarePants Monopoly." There are even Corvette, Ford, and Harley Davidson versions of Monopoly. Monopoly is still one of the best selling board games after being created by Parker Brothers in 1936, and probably has the most variations of any board game now being sold.
One reason why board games constantly remain popular is because many are based on hit television series or popular movies. Some of these include: CSI Senses - The Game, Simpsons Clue, The Office DVD Board Game, Stratego: Pirates of the Caribbean, and Sex And The City Trivia Game.
Some board games also have the advantage of being educational as well as entertaining. Candy Land, Cranium Cariboo, and the Name That Country Game teach kids while they are having fun. Board games are in many cases a better entertainment choice for children because they tend to develop reading and math skills better than with video games.
Although most people think board games are just for children, there are lots of adult board games and a large selection of games which are strictly for adults only (XXXopoly and Match Mate Game For Adults being just 2 examples).
Board games are the perfect way for families to spend a fun night together, they often provide a solid platform for kids to learn basic reading and math skills, and they spice up adult parties. Whether it be for a child of four or an adult of forty, there is such a wide variety of board games available today that everyone can be sure to find the perfect board game to fit any occasion or preference. Board Games Are A Blast!
