Video games have evolved over the years, drawing inspiration from myriad sources. A rich and perhaps surprising source of inspiration has been classic card games. This article will delve into how classic card games have influenced video game design, mechanics, and narratives. We will explore how the elements of strategy, luck, and skill inherent in these games have been adapted and adopted into some of the most popular video games today.
Strategy and Skill
Card games, at their core, are about strategy. They require a player to use their knowledge, understanding of the game, and quick-thinking skills to outmaneuver opponents. This aspect of strategy is seen in many popular video games today, from real-time strategy games to complex RPGs. For example, in a game like ‘Civilization,’ strategic planning and tactics borrowed from card games are instrumental in managing resources, battling enemies, and controlling territories.
In the same vein, the use of strategic decision-making seen in online card games is also quite evident. A prime example can be seen on platforms that host online poker games.ย Online platforms like PokerStars offer a variety of options to choose from, including no-limit hold’em, hold’em tournaments, and cash games, wherein strategy, decision-making, and analytical thinking play a significant role. With tournaments available every day of the week and bigger ones weekly and yearly, players have access to some of the biggest online poker games. The strategic nature of card games has undeniably had a powerful influence on the mechanics of numerous video game titles.
Probability and Variability
A significant characteristic of classic card games is the element of probability. In a card game, the unpredictability of the next card to be drawn is closely tied to the concept of variability. This idea has been harnessed and transplanted into numerous video games in the form of randomised events or ‘loot systems’. Video games like ‘Fortnite’ or ‘Apex Legends’ have incorporated this mechanic, establishing a randomised reward system that infuses gameplay with an unpredictable edge.
The probability and variability embedded within card games have been effectively transferred into the dynamics of video games, simulating a similar atmosphere of suspense that comes with uncertainty. This ensures the gaming experience remains refreshing and novel, introducing a sense of anticipation and unpredictability to every round of play.
Importantly, the implementation of these concepts doesn’t just serve to elevate the player’s engagement; it also introduces an additional level of complexity and depth to the gameplay, inviting players to adapt their strategies according to the variability of in-game scenarios, much like in traditional card games. This transition of probability and variability elements from card games to video games underscores the subtlety of their unseen connection.
Narrative and Thematic Influence
Card games have long served as a rich source of narrative inspiration for video games, acting as both a narrative device and a mechanic. We see this exemplified in some video games that are entirely constructed around the premise of card games, like ‘Hearthstone‘. This digital card game pays homage to traditional ones, employing deck-building mechanics, turn-based play, and winning conditions that closely mirror those found in classic card games.
Moreover, the essence of card games often seeps into the thematic foundations of video games. Developers use card games as metaphors, imbuing their games with the themes of chance, strategy, and adaptability that are prevalent in traditional card games.
In some cases, card games are intricately woven into the narrative fabric of video games, serving as games within games. A notable instance is the card game ‘Gwent’ in ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’. This in-game card game doesn’t merely function as a mini-game; it is a part of the world, influencing character interactions and augmenting the main narrative. It enriches the game’s complexity, adds depth to the world-building, and provides an additional layer of immersion for the players.
In summary, the unseen connection between classic card games and video games is more profound than one might initially think. From their strategic planning and luck-based elements to their narrative and thematic influences, classic card games have played a significant role in shaping the world of video games. So, the next time you jump into your favourite video game, take a moment to appreciate the nuanced influences and inspiration drawn from a simple deck of cards.
