Traditional Games in Digital Avatar: Transport You Back in Time

It’s not long back when children would prefer going out and form groups to play games which were officially not recognized to any course curriculum, but were best recreational activities in the neighbourhood and could be played at any vacant place without much expense. Born in 80s/90s kids must be knowing these traditional sports which they would learn on their own. Although these ancient games are now mostly confined to rural areas, thanks to the digital revolution, coupled with the proliferation of smartphones, the traditional games are finding wider acceptance among current generation as well.

It’s kind of poonarjanm (rebirth) for the fading art of traditional games – albeit in digital attire! The gaming companies are now betting big on traditional games by focusing on bringing digital innovation to traditional Indian games to compete with the western world. The local gaming companies are, in fact, busy creating their own space within the gaming segment by virtue of their unique offerings.

What’s more, considering the masses and their inability to afford expensive console systems etc, the android and IOS ecosystems provide a perfect low-cost alternative to expensive gaming systems. By introducing those games to the digital gaming world, Indian gaming companies are trying to connect the common man to the socio-cultural aspects of conventional games which are on the verge of extinction.

In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid emphasis on the fast-growing digital gaming arena by saying that India should tap the huge potential in this area and lead the international digital gaming sector by developing games that are inspired by Indian culture and folk tales.

We have listed down some of the most popular traditional games which are taking the mobile gaming industry by storm in India, akin to popular traditional card games such as teen patti, poker and rummy which have already seen many versions on virtual platforms.