Bonding over the board

Tiếng Việt

Bonding over the board

Board games bring people together, encouraging face-to-face interaction and strengthening relationships through shared experiences and collaboration.

Game beyond coding 

“It is a popular stereotype that a game equals coding,” said Dr Renusha Athugala, Program Manager of the Game Design program at RMIT Vietnam.  

“The revival of board games demonstrates there is a broadened understanding of game design, and coding is just one component of digital games”, he said. 

The history of board games in cultures around the world shows that games, understood both as entertainment and cultural artifacts, have accompanied humanity through the centuries. 

Board games have their own distinctive definition. RMIT Lecturer in Game Design, Dr Agnieszka Kiejziewicz, indicated that: “Board games are structured forms of play that can contain various tangible components and rules, scenarios, pieces and mechanics.  

“They can have different objectives, such as gaining resources, completing missions, winning races or defeating opponents,” she added. 

In Vietnam, the potential of board games is undeniable. With a strong annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.73% expected from 2022 to 2029, the market is set to expand significantly, reaching an estimated value of US$15.47 million by 2029.  

Board games can foster a sense of connection among players.

As interviewed RMIT lecturers observed, board games are often linked to social interactions, enhancing their appeal by creating opportunities for playful competition among friends. The tactile experience makes board games unique, engaging multiple senses during play. 

Mr Nguyen Ngoc Toan, Founder and CEO of Maztermind, a Vietnamese company specialising in high-quality board game design and production, said: “Board games provide an opportunity for people to put down their phones, allowing families and friends to bond and learn from one another.” 

Undoubtedly, board games contribute to the development of intelligence and strategic thinking, while also embodying a sense of humanity. 

From a player to a designer  

Experts highlighted that designing a board game requires not only a deep understanding of gameplay flow and its components but also a genuine passion. 

Dr Kiejziewicz believes that local culture can be a vital source of inspiration for designers.  

“Board games that align with a local culture’s history or folklore are more likely to resonate with local players, creating a sense of belonging and connection to shared knowledge,” she said. 

Dr Athugala added: “Components such as characters, values, norms, and traditions can influence both the reception and the game mechanics.” 

“Adaptation to local markets, on the other hand, is directly connected to marketing and distribution.” 

RMIT experts highlighted that our board games should have both international appeal and strong roots in local identity, serving as a medium to share Vietnamese culture with the world.  

Dr Athugala said that Vietnam has a strong tradition in board games, with studios like Maztermind contributing to the industry by localising global games and gaining international exposure. Meanwhile, studios like Ngũ Hành Games focus on designing original board games.  

What makes board games truly unique is their tactile experience.

From a board game developer's perspective, Mr Toan emphasised that localisation is crucial. According to him, the biggest challenge is embedding cultural values into the product.  

“You need to thoroughly understand the culture and find cultural stories that not everyone knows. It’s about discovering something new or uncovering something old that hasn’t yet been revealed,” he said.

Developing board games involves blending passion, purpose, and financial viability to create something both meaningful and profitable. 

To encourage creative learning and innovative, practice-based thinking, the University’s Game Design program partnered with Maztermind to host an RMIT x Maztermind Day for students, staff, alumni, and board game enthusiasts in Ho Chi Minh City.  

Over 300 attendees experienced Maztermind’s products and took part in exciting chess and caro tournaments.

Dr Athugala said: “We want to show students that game design has many facets, and board game design should be considered a viable career path.

“Additionally, we seek to enhance critical thinking by engaging students in playful activities that provide new insights and valuable experiences,” he said.

The event also introduced students to new industry connections and potential internship opportunities.

At the event, Associate Professor Donna Cleveland, Interim Dean of School of Communication & Design, RMIT Vietnam emphasised: “RMIT’s Game Design students excel in creativity and innovation, with strong skills in both digital and analogue game development.

“Their technical proficiency, combined with a deep understanding of game mechanics and the value of play, enables them to create engaging and meaningful experiences.”

This holistic approach to learning ensures that RMIT students are not only technically skilled, but also well-rounded thinkers, ready to make a significant impact in the game design industry.

Matthew Povey, a second-year student in RMIT’s Bachelor of Design (Games), said: “The program enhances creativity by allowing us the freedom to explore any ideas we choose.”

He decided to study Game Design because “games aren't just for entertainment. They can also serve as educational tools, foster competition, and improve problem-solving skills, paving the way for a promising future.”

Story: June Pham

Communication and design

23 September 2024

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