Warm up for Games Day, which falls on December 20 every year. Video games, live games, card games, board games, mobile games, trivia games — everybody loves games! With good reason, too; games are a fun way to bust some stress. And that is just one of the many ways they are good for us. More on that later. Let the games begin!
History of Games Day
Considering they are a fun break from routine, games have been around in some form or the other throughout our civilization. After all, games sharpen our problem-solving abilities, our goal-focused strategies, focus and concentration, coordination and communication skills, social interaction, and multi-tasking. They can also be a motivating way to learn, and also give us a better understanding of different cultures.
So how did an official day to pay respect to games come along? Originally, Games Day was the name of an annual gaming convention that first took place in 1975. Sponsored by the British game production company Games Workshop, the convention takes place in Birmingham in the U.K. In 1975 itself, a games convention in August got canceled, so Games Workshop decided to fill in the gap by having its own convention. After a few delays, it finally held the event on December 20 at Seymour Hall in London.
The company, which started out producing traditional games like backgammon, later moved on to fantasy games like Warhammer. At the time, the convention was groundbreaking, since there were very few outlets for gamers to come together and play. Such an event, naturally, contributed to the growth of the gaming scene in the U.K. Soon enough, such conventions showed up all over the U.S. and became very popular, as they were the best platforms to showcase both gamers and gaming companies. Now that you know where the tradition came from, surely the best way to honor this day is to play some games!
Games Day timeline
One of the earliest arcade video games, “Pong” is released by Atari.
Games Workshop debuts Games Day in December.
The famous dot-munching game, “Pac-Man,” is released.
Nintendo releases the Gameboy and Sega releases its Genesis system; both are revolutionary platforms
Sony launches the PlayStation, arguably the most popular gaming platform, even today.
Games Day FAQs
Can I download games?
You can install apps, games, and other entertaining digital content on your device from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Sometimes you can also use instant apps that don’t require installation or even the internet. Some games are free to play and some need to be bought.
How can I create a game?
Pick a concept — generate a few game ideas to see what kind of game you want to make. Next, gather information — game creation involves extensive research. Start building and then refine your concept. Once you’re ready to test the game, good luck! If you succeed, then all you must do is market your game well.
What games can you play alone?
Solitaire — the name gives it away. Then there are hopscotch, Simon Trickster, SET, Bananagrams, Jenga, and more. The best way is often to find games you can play against the computer, so even though you’re not playing with someone, you’re still playing against someone.
How to Celebrate Games Day
Play classic games
Try some of the old classics, such as chess, checkers, or maybe tic-tac-toe, Ludo, or Connect4. These are simple games, but far from simplistic. Chess is arguably one of the most intellectual games on the planet and is a delight to play with anyone.
Play board games
Board games such as Monopoly can keep the entire family busy, while its many different versions only add to the fun. Catan has emerged as a new favorite for people all around the world. Strategic heads can also revert to Battleship or Clue.
Play card games
We don’t mean Uno cards or Cards Against Humanity. Actually, those too, but we meant your classic playing cards comprising games like poker, rummy, and a thousand others. The reason we’ve not mentioned any online, digital, or video games in this entire list is because we get enough screen time anyway.
5 Facts About Video Games
Everybody loves games
Maybe it was due to the pandemic, but an estimated 2.7 billion people played video games in 2020 alone.
Literally everybody
Long gone are the days when games were for kids — a recent study deduced that the average age of a gamer is 34 years.
Finish them
The popular phrase “Finish him!” comes from one of the most successful fighting games of all time — “Mortal Kombat” — which was developed by just four people in 10 months.
Stationed to play
Sony’s PlayStation 2 remains the best-selling video game console of all time, passing sales of 155 million units so far.
Tetris vs trauma
Alexey Pajitnov’s gaming classic “Tetris” was the subject of researchers’ study in 2009, where they discovered it reduces trauma and may cure insomnia too.
Why we love Games Day
Stressbusters
No doubt about it, playing games can reduce stress. Even if it’s a brainy game, it will still leave you feeling relaxed. Realistic video games are a great option!
Skill testers
Games sharpen skills, reflexes, focus, and reasoning abilities. Playing games makes us better at problem-solving, achieving goals, strategizing and foresight planning, coordination, and communication.
Bond formers
This might just be the most important element. Playing games with your friends and family will probably strengthen that bond you have with them — no matter how competitive you or they may get. Playing together is a bonding experience for many animals, including us.
Games Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 20 | Friday |
| 2025 | December 20 | Saturday |
| 2026 | December 20 | Sunday |
| 2027 | December 20 | Monday |
| 2028 | December 20 | Wednesday |
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