Board games have always been the social glue for many. They have evolved for centuries to attain the modern form of what we see and play today. Consider Ludo as an example. The modern version of Ludo is just 130 years old. It was configured from an age-old board game called Pacheesi. Its earliest evidence can be found in the caves of Ellora, dating back 6th Century CE. It was a popular game in the Indian subcontinent. In fact, Asian countries have versions of this game that have existed for thousands of years.
How did this board game survive so many cultural changes? How did this board game transcend so many languages? Walking down the lanes of history, we find that this game’s easier rules and simplicity connected people of all levels of intelligence, age, gender, and economy. The set of rules makes this game so intriguing and thrilling for the players. To understand its superiority and popularity, let us find out the reasons behind the universal appeal of Ludo rules followed across the world these days.
Why Ludo Has a Universal Appeal?
What makes a board game popular? Why do almost all kinds of people prefer playing a board game? Why it is a fun activity that draws people even after a tiring day. Well, these points will answer these questions efficiently.
#1. Accessibility
There are board games and sports of many kinds we admire. The accessibility of the gear to play such games decides the level of popularity. For instance, playing ‘Monopoly’ is a board game that many could not afford. The advent of smartphones and simple mobile applications made such games easier to access. In this aspect, Ludo is something many could afford back in the day.
A simple piece of clothing with four colors and tokens made of shells was enough to start a fascinating game with commoners. The material used to make the old formats of Ludo was easily accessible to all. In modern times, anyone can play Ludo if they have a smartphone. In fact, admirers can play with anonymous players across borders and transcend the language barrier easily.
#2. Simplicity
The second most important aspect that makes Ludo a highly-popular game is its simplicity. This is a minimalist board game that anyone can play. The rules are very simple and can be followed by children of the age of 3 or more. Imagine how immersive this game can be! The learning curve of this game is not steep. A simple description of the game makes a newbie start right away. All you have to do is to focus on rolling a die, bring out the tokens from your quadrant, make calculated moves, and aim to reach the home section quicker than every other player to win it.
These simple rules make this game popular among people from many countries. Players can quickly grasp the minimal explanation given. The concept has mostly stayed the same, but there are local versions that players make to make it more interesting. Despite this fact, Ludo, like many other board games, is very simple to follow and play.
#3. Visual Engagement
The colorful interfaces of this board game and the thrill of seeing strategy convert into success make Ludo exceptionally engaging. A gripping stage is developed when all four players are continuously working on morphing their strategy to counter the moves of the others and reach the endpoint.
The tactile engagement appeals to the players at a sensory level. It also successfully bypasses the need for verbal communication. Players observe every move and start making contingency plans. In fact, every plan changes when a move is made on the board. This dynamic, game-changing environment engages players of all ages, languages, and cultures.
#4. Universal Theme
Undoubtedly, the theme of Ludo, which involves racing tokens to reach the center, is a concept that can be easily understood across cultures. The idea of competition, strategy, and reaching a common goal resonates universally, fostering a shared understanding and enjoyment of the game.
The thoughts of all admirers resonate. The frequency of the fans playing this board game matches, and that’s where the fun lies. Ludo exceptionally binds people who are culturally different. There is no input of language which makes it a universally-appealing board game.
#5. Social Interaction
Imagine four players connecting on a board of Ludo after a tiresome day! They will share lighter moments and laughter and interact with each other. It means that Ludo brings people on the same platform. It makes them happy by distracting them from professional and personal stress.
They connect, revive and build relationships in due course of time. In fact, people can even forget their language and culture barriers over a board of Ludo. Regardless of the competition, people interact and connect socially and go beyond the barriers of culture and language.
Ludo is Bigger Than the Borders
Board games are flexible creations that add customs, choices, and fun. Games like Ludo are universally accepted and are played across the world. Players with immense differences in culture and language can easily connect and communicate. The simplest rules and the shortest learning curve of this game make players transcend the culture and language barriers and unite over a board game.
The shared experience and the easier accessibility of digital Ludo apps have also contributed to this board game’s popularity. This game goes beyond borders connecting people irrespective of their nature, culture, and language.
