When the Board Is a Tablet
My daughter and I both enjoy playing board games, and Ticket to Ride is one of our favorites. Recently she got the iPad version, and we play that sometimes because by adding computer opponents, the game actually gets a little easier. The game has a rules tweak when you go from 2 or 3 to 4 players, and Alex in particular likes to play with that tweak. The iPad version is very nicely done – it handles all the bookkeeping and conveys the game’s information well. But there is something a little lacking about the experience. In order to allow each player to maintain secrecy about his or her hand, only one person can look at the iPad at any one time. So you lose that sense of engagement when it’s not your turn – you can’t look at your cards, or look at the board, to plan your next move and try to think about where the other players will go. And I like that part of the tabletop game playing quite a bit. (Pattie posted a picture of me playing the physical version a year or so ago on Facebook. My cousins immediately replied, “I know that face.” So this is a longstanding habit.) Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to have the option to play the game without needing a bunch of cards or setup. But I think this is one of those things where the analog experience still has some value.
About Dave Thomer
Born and raised in Philadelphia. Studied philosophy at Fordham University in the Bronx, where I made many great friends and met my wonderful wife. We moved back to Philadelphia, where I studied philosophy some more and became a teacher. Online and off, I'm looking for ways that we can be better citizens and build stronger communities.