Old Games that were brought online and became instant hit

The lockdown saw shutting down of sports events like the IPL and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics which would have been the highlight of 2020. During this lockdown period, many people turned to online games due to social distancing norms. Some games saw increased popularity among people of all age groups due to the nostalgia it brought to many about old games played in groups before the internet age. These games saw a rejigged version of them which were downloaded and played by many users across the country.

• Ludo

Ludo is a game inspired by Pachisi, a medieval board game (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Ludo is a game inspired by Pachisi, a medieval board game that had the original rules of circling tokens around the board. It involves rolling dice to progress around the board and reach the finish before the opponents do. This four-player game has been one of the favourite pastimes of many during the lockdown with downloads exceeding millions on phones.

• Snake and Ladders

The board game that was a reminder of childhood for many people, snake and ladders received a digital port (Source: Pinterest)

The board game that was a reminder of childhood for many people, snake and ladders received a digital port which saw many downloads from mobile players all over the country. Some apps allowed a multiplayer feature to help play with other users of the game. The game has Indian roots and was originally known as Moksha Patam and can be played by two or more players.

• Brainvita

Brainvita (also known as Peg Solitaire) is a classic mind game.

Brainvita puzzle involves a circular board that has dome-shaped capsules where the players place the marbles. The end goal of this game is to eliminate all marbles until a single one remains on the board. This saw an increase in downloads during the lockdown with many players participating through mobile phones. This game is based on strategy and logic which makes it engaging for all to play.

• Mancala

Mancala is one of the oldest games to still be played. (Source: Pinterest)

Mancala is a very popular game that has roots tracing back to Africa. It is a two-player game where the end objective is to capture some part of the opponent’s pieces or all of them. Though initially played with beans and tiny pebbles with holes or pits dug in the ground, it has evolved into a board game and is now played completely digital by many. It is one of the oldest games to still be played. Mancala game is also known as Pallanghuzi or Pallankuli, played in South India especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

• Tigers and Goats

Tigers and Goats have inspiration from the Indian game Aadu Puli Attam

A Nepal origin game initially called Bagh Chal, Tigers and Goats have inspiration from the Indian game Aadu Puli Attam. It is played on a 5x5 grid and has two players, one of which handles four tigers and the other, 20 goats. This game saw a rise in popularity during the lockdown and saw many user downloads.

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