Genres of the Era
Board games have been around for centuries and have gone through numerous evolutions and breakthroughs. Each board game genre has its unique elements and gameplay mechanics, making them stand out from one another.
Board game genres history
Let's explore the evolution of various board game genres and how they have become more popular through major breakthroughs and successful games.
- Strategy games: Evolution from traditional war games, major breakthrough with "Risk" and "Axis & Allies," popular games like "Settlers of Catan" and "Ticket to Ride"
- Deck-building games: Originated from collectible card games, breakthrough with "Dominion," popular games like "Star Realms" and "Legendary"
- Party games: Emerged in the 1980s and evolved with "Trivial Pursuit" and "Taboo," breakthrough with "Cards Against Humanity," popular games like "Codenames" and "Telestrations"
- Co-operative games: Originated from war games, major breakthrough with "Pandemic," popular games like "Forbidden Island" and "Arkham Horror"
- Worker placement games: Emerged in the 1990s, breakthrough with "Caylus," popular games like "Agricola" and "Lords of Waterdeep"
- Role-playing games: Originated from tabletop wargames, major breakthrough with "Dungeons & Dragons," popular games like "Pathfinder" and "Shadowrun"
- Eurogames: Originated in Germany, breakthrough with "Settlers of Catan," popular games like "Puerto Rico" and "Power Grid"
- Social deduction games: Emerged in the 1980s, major breakthrough with "Werewolf," popular games like "The Resistance" and "Secret Hitler"
- Legacy games: Emerged in the 2010s, breakthrough with "Risk Legacy," popular games like "Pandemic Legacy" and "Gloomhaven"
Each board game genre has its own unique mechanics and gameplay elements, which have been influenced by the evolution of board games throughout history. From traditional war games to co-operative games and legacy games, there has been a significant breakthrough in each genre that has contributed to their popularity. It is fascinating to see how successful games like "Risk," "Dominion," and "Settlers of Catan" have paved the way for more modern board games like "Gloomhaven" and "Pandemic Legacy."
Board games have come a long way from the traditional games like chess and backgammon, and with each passing year, we see new and exciting games being developed.
