What America’s first board game can teach us about the aspirations of a young nation
What America’s first board game can teach us about the aspirations of a young nation
What America’s first board game can teach us about the aspirations of a young nation
By Matthew Wynn Sivils
June 2, 2024
Summary
In 2023, the board game industry reached $16.8 billion, projected to grow to $40.1 billion by 2032. While classics like “Scrabble” evolve, new games such as “Pandemic” and “Wingspan” have gained popularity. During a visit to the American Antiquarian Society, I discovered “The Travellers’ Tour Through the United States,” the earliest known board game printed in America in 1822. This geography game reflects America’s early identity and aspirations, emphasizing education and cultural pride while omitting darker historical truths like slavery and Indigenous dispossession. Today’s board games continue to explore history, with titles like “Freedom: The Underground Railroad” enriching the genre.
Reference
Sivils, M. W. (2024, June 2). What America’s first board game can teach us about the aspirations of a young nation. BusinessMirror. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/06/02/what-americas-first-board-game-can-teach-us-about-the-aspirations-of-a-young-nation/