Local elements broaden appeal of board games

The Star

5 days ago

FOR as long as humans have had time to spare, minds to sharpen and rivalries to kindle, they have played board games.
Early iterations were humble affairs that used readily available materials such as stone, wood or shells as tokens and 'arenas' etched in sand.
Though a far cry from today's visually striking titles featuring 3D-printed playing pieces and elaborate graphics, the timeless appeal of such games remains.
Across centuries and cultures, they have challenged young and old, nurtured social bonds and tapped into our enduring desire to challenge ourselves and each other.
This spirit was on full display at the second edition of Asian Board Games Festival Malaysia (ABGFMY) at a mall in George Town, Penang.
'Durian Dash' by Origame gives players an insight into the import of our thorny delight, by sourcing popular varieties from farms while having to be wary of thorny setbacks to become the King of the King of Fruits.
Over the course of three days, visitors immersed themselves in over 100 unique titles from 40 different publishers across the region.
Every interest and experience level was catered to and the only thing visitors lacked was time to try them all.
To incentivise participation, event organiser and Malaysian creative studio Luma and their Singapore-based counterpart Origame even introduced a 'play passport' system.
Win or lose, players earned a stamp for each game they tried. Reaching designated milestones entitled them to spin a prize wheel stocked with goodies.
Players went from table to table, quickly learning the rules of the different titles in hopes of outsmarting opponents – who were oftentimes complete strangers.
Yet within moments, they became friends. Laughter rang out over missteps while groans followed narrow defeats.
There were also intermittent cheers as spectators offered encouragement, underscoring the inclusive and immersive nature of the experience.
Goh (standing, left) looking on as players get engrossed with the board game 'Kaki Lima' featuring George Town's famous five-foot ways.
Remarkably, it all unfolded with scarcely a screen in sight. Mobile phones remained tucked away in pockets and bags as participants were absorbed in the tactile, face-to-face activity.
This much-needed respite from digital addiction was welcomed by many, including Amanda Oh, a teacher at an international school who happened upon the event after strolling about the mall.
'Activities like these redirect our attention from screens towards something tangible that can be shared with friends and family.
'I have always enjoyed board games, as they challenge you to think and strategise,' said Oh.
Her sentiments were echoed by fellow enthusiast Intan Amalina Mohd Ali, a media lecturer who finds joy in unplugged pastimes.
'In a world where work and life keep us glued to our phones, it was nice to be able to put it aside and just have fun.
'Board games can be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating,' she said, adding that they were also a great way to meet people from all walks of life.
'I am part of a group that plays (board games) every weekend and this event is an opportunity to not only discover the latest titles but also meet the designers,' Intan Amalina said.
Pang showing cards for the coffeeshop-based game 'Kopi King' where players are required to make popular drinks, with the winner making the highest in earnings.
Ashton Yap brought his two teenage children to the event to remind them that fun times did not necessarily need to be found on a screen.
'When I was growing up, this was how we spent our free time. No screens, just people playing the games face-to-face.
'Kids are so reliant on digital devices nowadays that they barely communicate in person anymore. It could affect their interpersonal skills,' he said.
Yap said his children enjoyed the experience at the festival and he would probably get a few of the games for them to play at home.
'Activities like this also teach patience and problem solving.'
Regional flavour
Billed as the largest English-speaking board game convention in the region, Asian Board Games Festival was introduced in Singapore by Origame in 2019.
Luma brought it to Malaysia for the first time as part of George Town Festival 2024, and its return allowed fans to once again 'play their way through Asia'.
A group of friends trying a supernatural-themed game made by a Thai publisher during the Asian Board Games Festival Malaysia 2025. - Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
The tagline is a nod to the local or regional subject matter that most publishers incorporated into their titles to create more relatable experiences.
Luma founder Goh Choon Ean said modern board games had evolved far beyond the abstract puzzles and random mechanics of the past.
Today's titles explored a rich tapestry of cultures, histories, identities and narratives, she said.
This thematic diversity has allowed the hobby to grow and attract new fans.
Take one strategy title she came up with that invited players to walk around George Town's five-foot ways and navigate obstacles.
In Kaki Lima, there are tasks to be completed and lesser-known places to be explored as deeper questions of accessibility and history are raised.
Goh, originally from Petaling Jaya in Selangor, said she really enjoyed strolling along these paths when she first moved to Penang, as there were interesting sights down every stretch or corner.
'But you will often find something blocking it, be it a motorcycle, product display, table, chair or even hoarding.
ABGFMY, brought for the second time to our shores (above and below), allowed fans of board games to play their favourites, learn about new titles and also meet some of the developers.
'When George Town was first established, these five-foot ways were meant to connect one part of town to another and shield you from the elements.
'They were supposed to be shared public spaces, but accessibility to pedestrians has become an issue.
'I wanted to get people thinking about it in a fun way,' she said of the game's origins.
Its success led to a sequel that centred on Malaysia's capital called Kaki Lima: Downtown KL.
Goh is also known for a game that brings local wet markets to life, which proved popular during ABGFMY 2025.
In Bansan, players assume the role of market stall vendors and have to juggle managing stock and selling various produce with supplying ingredients to hawkers to fulfil their food orders.
ABGFMY, brought for the second time to our shores (above and below), allowed fans of board games to play their favourites, learn about new titles and also meet some of the developers.
Many quickly realised this was no easy feat – as did others who tried a particular title from Origame focusing on the King of Fruits.
Durian Dash gives players the opportunity to act as durian importers, sourcing the best varieties from different plantations while being wary of rotten fruit, which they can drop on opponents' decks in their quest to be the King of the King of Fruits.
Another family-friendly game saw visitors playing the role of coffeeshop operator brewing favourites such as kopi-o, teh tarik and Milo dinosaur.
Each drink in Kopi King has a requisite list of ingredients and players have to scramble to find them.
The game ends when a certain number of drinks are made, with the winner collecting the highest revenue.
Locals also loved another title literally made for all diets called Buffet Boss, where they have to stack up miniature pieces of food on a plate, just like they would in real-life buffets.
Each morsel carries different point values and the juiciest ones are the hardest to stack, often bringing the whole pile down.
Origame co-founder Nicholas Pang attributed the growing popularity of regionally inspired titles to people's natural desire for culturally resonant content.
'In the past, most board games were created in the West and they lacked themes that truly spoke to people in this part of the world.
'Food culture, for example, is deeply embedded in life across both Singapore and Malaysia.
'It is something we take pride in and love sharing with others.
'Perhaps that is why we have seen a resurgence of interest in board games in recent years,' he opined.
Another Malaysian publisher collaborated with a television network to develop a board game based on one of its shows.
They also released titles based on Malaysian folklore and festive delicacies.
Lim Jia Xian, who is a business partner at the company, said cultural specificity not only helped games stand out internationally but also fostered deeper connections among players.
'At global conventions, it is hard to make waves if your game doesn't have a unique premise.
'Staying true to our roots allowed us to create games that locals can relate to while offering foreigners a window into our culture.
'It is especially rewarding when we see younger players' curiosities piqued.
'A well-designed game can spark interest to learn more about the stories, characters or traditions behind it,' Lim added.
Expanding demographics
The appeal of board games has widened tremendously in recent years.
Women make up a significant portion of players globally – drawn in part by diverse themes but also the accessibility and opportunities for social connection.
Events like ABGFMY reflect this, with tables filled not just with seasoned enthusiasts but also curious newcomers, couples, parents with children, senior citizens, and groups of friends.
Many were first-timers who discovered that modern titles went beyond the classics of childhood.
Accounts clerk G. Shantini said she never realised there was such a broad spectrum of genres and subject matter available today.
'I played Scrabble and Monopoly during my school years but lost touch after that.
'Now there are even games that have you playing the role of e-hailing riders and navigating busy city traffic to fulfil orders,' she noted.
Wu Xin Yuan, who owns a board game cafe and also imports and exports titles, said roughly 70% of his current clientele were female.
'The industry has created an environment where women feel safe and included and this has slowly broken the stereotype that gaming is a guys' thing,' Wu shared.
This growing interest has proven beneficial for Malaysian publishers, who have been able to hire the right talent and as a result, churn out increasingly innovative offerings.
'Go back in time and imported board games used to be luxury items for most families due to their high prices.
'But with so many locally made options now, they have become much more affordable.
'Board games are one of the few products where you pay once and get countless hours of fun.
'Take good care of them and they will last years or even decades,' he pointed out.
Wu also found it funny how a hobby once dismissed as child's play had become popular among the elderly.
'Oftentimes, older folk will start playing to entertain their children or grandchildren.
'But very quickly, they also get hooked. Some have remarked that it helps keep their mind sharp.
'In some countries, board games are also used to alleviate mental health issues or delay the effects of neurodegenerative conditions,' he added.
Looking back on the event, Goh said the response was really rewarding.
'Last year, there was a steady stream of people sitting down to play at different booths.
'Quite a lot returned this year, in addition to many newcomers who revealed that they last played a board game when they were kids.
'It was a joy to see whole families go from booth to booth and spend meaningful time together.
'This shows that board games are a healthy pastime for everyone,' Goh added.