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How Do the Most Popular Games Vary Across the World?

A group of dices sitting on top of a cement floor photo – Free Dice Image on Unsplash

Throughout history, people around the world have been using games as a way to pass the time and have fun with loved ones. Playing games is a universal activity. However, people’s preferences vary depending on where they live. These differences are mainly due to the various cultural, historical, economic, and technological developments. Let’s explore the differences between the various regions.

Oceania

In places such as Australia, New Zealand and several Pacific Island countries like Fiji and Samoa, the residents take pleasure in playing a range of games. For instance, board games and card games such as Settlers of Catan and Magic: The Gathering are quite popular in New Zealand. Additionally, New Zealanders have a strong connection to traditional Māori board games, such as mengamenga and mū tōrere, which are played with stones on marked boards.

On the other hand, in Australia, slot machines or pokies are widely available at various venues, including clubs, hotels, and pubs, and the country is one of the top gambling nations in the world by per capita spend. According to gambling expert Vlad Grindu, many of the recommended pokie sites on Techopedia offer various bonuses and promotions, provably fair online pokies, and multiple tournaments for online pokies. Poker machines are not just a form of entertainment, it is a major part of the country’s culture and enthusiasm for gaming.

Despite the slight differences in tastes amongst Oceanic countries, Australians’ love for pokies is unmatched compared to the Pacific Islands’ love for video games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft.

Asia

The most popular games played in Asia are traditional board or card games, that has been part of the region’s culture for centuries. Mahjong holds a special place in Chinese culture which is deeply rooted in tradition. It’s a popular pastime at family get-togethers and social occasions, where players rely on a mix of skill, strategy and a touch of luck to emerge victorious. Additionally, Mahjong requires players to constantly evaluate their hands, calculate probabilities, and make strategic decisions, which is part of the game’s popularity.

Video games are very popular in countries like South Korea and Japan. The latter has been the birthplace of many popular gaming titles, including The Final Fantasy series, Pokemon, and Super Mario. Video gaming is a deeply ingrained part of Japanese culture, with at least 56% of the Japanese population engaging in mobile games. A significant percentage of gamers in Japan are females, accounting for 89%.

North America

There are several different gaming cultures in North America, especially in the United States. The U.S. has a wide variety of gaming options, including card games, board games, and video games. These games have been popular since the 70s and 80s.

The rich history video gaming has in the United States has attracted the world’s top gaming development companies, such as Rockstar Games, Activision Blizzard, and Electronic Arts. Games developed by these giants, like Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, and Madden NFL, have even had an impact on the country’s culture, influencing movies, music, and fashion.

In North America, card games like blackjack and poker enjoy a long and storied history, evolving from their European origins into integral parts of North American gambling culture. These card games are still widely popular at casinos, amongst friends, and various online gambling platforms. Their evolution from traditional card games to the modern phenomena it is today reflects their enduring appeal.

Europe

Europe is known for its long history of board games, requiring players to up their skills and improve their strategies to win. Chess has been played in this region for centuries. This game, which originated in India and came to Europe in the Middle Ages, underwent several changes to become a favourite amongst the aristocracy. The game of Chess is still seen as a symbol of intellectual prowess today, with a lively competitive scene and growing online community.

Beyond chess, Europe has a vibrant video gaming culture, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK being major markets for the gaming sector. Game developers in Europe are also responsible for popular titles, such as the Assassin’s Creed series from France and the Witcher series from Poland.

Africa

In Africa, there are many traditional games like Mancala, which is a strategy game that involves moving seeds or stones across a board. This traditional game has been enjoyed on the continent for centuries and is still loved and played today. However, mobile gaming has gained traction due to the increased adoption of smartphones and improved internet connectivity.

The popularity of mobile gaming is driven by its affordability and convenience. Games like Candy Crush, PUBG Mobile, and Clash of Clans have attracted millions of players across the continent. The mobile gaming sector is predicted to dominate the gaming market in Africa, reflecting broader global trends in digital entertainment. Countries like South Africa and Nigeria are leading in annual gaming revenues in Africa.

Conclusion

Gaming preferences around the world provide a glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of different regions. Whether it’s strategic games like Chess, Mahjong, or Mancala, the diverse gaming culture is a popular form of entertainment for all across the globe.

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