During the COVID-19 pandemic, people had to stay indoors as much as possible. To pass the time, we massively turned to Netflix, books, knitting and… video games!
People love to play games, but why? Relaxing, exercising, learning.. We use the game element in a lot of things. But is this gaming as well? Stefan Schevelier will reflect on what makes a game and the definition of playing in his lecture about Homo Ludens. Furthermore this series will discuss the long history of playing and gaming. From the earliest boardgames found in archeological sites in Egypt with Walter Crist, to innovation in history education through video games with Angus Mol.
Board games have been a part of human culture for at least the past 6000 years—perhaps even longer.
While you are reading this, Romans are fighting the Mongol Horde over who gets to control Machu Picchu, a group of Norse warriors has just raided an English monastery,