A web developers' rundown of three classic games that went digital

Here at js13kGames, we’ve been challenging web developers to get ahead of the curve and push their creative boundaries since 2012 – and to do this, we have hosted coding competitions year-on-year. There are so many varieties of gamers and coders worldwide, but our main ethos is to stay below 13KB and you’ll be good to go. This year’s competition was an ode to the thirteenth edition of the online js13kGames competition – and what a ride it was!

We had many entries with a huge level of skill all battling against each other to insert the number 13 throughout their game. In an ode to a brilliant year of competitions, and to honor our infamous gamers in our community, we’re going to be taking a step back to appreciate the OGs of the game world - the classic board game.

The classic board games we grew up to know and love were why the game world evolved into what it is today. They have shaped our industry and inspired some of the biggest digital experiences of our generation – which is why we’re taking a walk down memory lane. From bingo to Monopoly, we’re going to be picking out some of the most timeless games that have gone and made themselves digital. Because after all, we’re so far ahead in this technological world, we can’t leave board games to fall behind. Let’s explore how developers have brought some of the classics to life, and where they are now.

Bingo

You may have grown up steering away from the game of bingo if you’re under the pension age – but don’t let this classic game fool you! What was once a game reserved for the community halls or social gatherings of your grandparents has had a mighty fine upgrade.

You don’t need to all gather together on a Friday evening to share details of your life with strangers – because real bingo online has been formed. Before you would gather with a few dozen people in a room and dab your card in the hopes of getting a full house, yet the premise has stayed exactly the same. Web developers have taken the simple, number-matching mechanics of Bingo and turned it into one of the most accessible games across the world.

The reason we find bingo so remarkable is because the digital evolution that it has gone through has cemented itself both in the gaming and casino space. It holds a core concept that can be built upon by game developers for decades to come. Tale the casino for instance – developers have managed to creatively explore their options with the simple game, as there are new themes, multiplayer options, and even added social elements to make it seem like the real deal. This game truly is proof that even the most basic of games can be reimagined to thrive in a GenZ-led world.

The tech may be advancing, but we’re all still chasing our last “legs eleven” on our bingo tickets – and it will never change. The effortless scalability and endless variations provide that even in this world, simplicity is the best way to truly innovate as a designer and developer.

Monopoly

We know Monopoly has been around on our mobile apps for some time now, but we can’t explore the world of classic games without an ode to the GOAT of board games. This iconic property-trading game is a staple in every household and is the definition of Christmas family time like we have never seen before. It’s filled the room for games nights, parties, or chilled evenings – but it has never changed its concept. The great thing about branching into the digital world is the time factor.

Though we love the basics, it usually does last for hours on end – which isn’t always ideal for those wanting a quick round of fun. Game developers took this idea and streamlined its complex mechanics for the online version.

Digitally, Monopoly is worlds apart from the classic version, as there are now computerized players programmed into the game. You could never play if you were alone, yet the online version lets you play to the end against a robot. Yes, undoubtedly harder than playing your grandparents, but that means nobody gets to miss out on the fun.

Developers also added multiplayer modes as well as robots, along with automated banking systems and interchangeable house rules. Although we love the fact that developers have made many new variations of this classic game, the idea and the outcome still match up with the reason why we love it – nostalgia. Buy, trade, sell, or ‘go to jail’ because digital monopoly leaves no prisoners and it’s here to stay for the long run.

Scrabble

A golden oldie that caused plenty of rows throughout the family dynamics. Scrabble has been around since 1938, so it truly has stood the test of time, and for good reason. This beloved word-building game is more popular than you think, and it’s had a huge facelift to get it to where it is today. Before its digital form, you would need a group of players (willing to play a spelling game) to sit around a board and play in person.

However, as of now, there is a Scrabble board waiting for you online, no matter where you are. Game developers have changed this old-fashioned game into its very own form of competition, as the online form allows you to participate in some pretty competitive leaderboards. No matter if you’re a competitive speller who loves a spelling bee, or just like to brush up on your OG skills – the scrabble board online gives you various ways to play the game.

Game developers also made sure that this traditional game provided built-in word checks, so that those times you would sift through the dictionary are no more. This is a revolutionary addition, as it bridges robotics and AI with the gaming world.

Overall, the mechanics of these three world-renowned games prove that interactive elements can breathe new life into things that are slowing down. Tradition doesn’t always mean it needs to be left behind, and with some of the world's greatest game developers around, we believe no game will ever disappear into the abyss.

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