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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, handpicks her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Although it may be too late in the year for this suggestion to be of use, consider gifting the board game enthusiast in your life the Royal Game of Ur for next Christmas. This ancient Mesopotamian strategy game, with rules dating back to 177 BC, has been reconstructed by the British Museum’s Irving Finkel. The original game pieces can be seen on display in the museum, offering a connection to our shared humanity through a timeless pastime.
Why do we continue to play games, from board games to video games? One reason is the sheer enjoyment they bring, whether played collaboratively or competitively. Gaming also reveals aspects of our personalities that may remain hidden in everyday life, shedding light on our true selves through our choices and behaviors during gameplay.
Unlike ancient times, we now have a vast array of games that can be enjoyed solo, reflecting the evolution of gaming over the centuries. Games like Tetris and Wordle draw inspiration from traditional puzzle games, while modern titles like Suzerain and Slay the Princess offer immersive storytelling experiences akin to choose-your-own-adventure novels.
Thanks to advancements in technology, we can now track and analyze our gaming habits in detail, gaining insights into our preferences and decision-making processes. Games that present moral dilemmas, such as choosing between good and evil, offer valuable insights into human nature and the choices we make when faced with ethical decisions.
In both video games and real life, our choices can reveal our underlying values and beliefs, highlighting the complex interplay between morality and gameplay. Ultimately, gaming can serve as a mirror reflecting our inner selves and providing a deeper understanding of who we are.
