History of the Board Game - Morals vs. Capitalism | US History | Extra History

Summary

This script explores the evolution of board games, highlighting the 1883 card game 'Banking' created by George B. Parker, which marked a shift from moral instruction to entertainment. It delves into the history of games like 'The Mansion of Happiness' and 'Snakes and Ladders,' revealing their Victorian moral underpinnings. The narrative follows Parker Brothers' rise, influenced by capitalism and role-playing, leading to iconic games like 'Monopoly' and the adaptation of British games, showcasing the transformation of board games into vehicles for fun rather than moral teaching.

Takeaways

• 🎲 The script discusses a group of teenagers in 1883 playing a card game called 'Banking,' which simulates market speculation and investing, contrasting with the moral and instructional games of their time.
• 👦 George B. Parker, a 16-year-old player, created the game 'Banking,' marking a shift in game design philosophy towards entertainment rather than moral instruction.
• 🏛 The Mansion of Happiness was a popular early Victorian board game that focused on moral values and instruction, with players moving through virtues and vices to reach a 'Heavenly Vista.'
• 📚 Board games in the 19th century were tools for moral and ethical instruction, reflecting the growing recognition of childhood as a distinct period for shaping individuals.
• 👧 Toys and games of the era reinforced gender roles and societal expectations, with different types of toys for boys and girls preparing them for their future roles.
• 👩‍💼 Anne Abbott, a minister's daughter, became America's first notable game designer with her successful game 'Dr. Busby and his Neighbors,' selling 15,000 copies in its first 18 months.
• 🤹‍♂️ Milton Bradley, a Massachusetts game publisher, introduced the first mass-produced portable game case for Union Army troops during the Civil War, including secular versions of moral instruction games.
• 💼 George Parker, dissatisfied with the moralistic nature of games, sought to create games that were purely for fun and replayability, leading to the creation of 'Banking' and the establishment of Parker Brothers.
• 📈 Banking introduced a new style of gameplay with players taking on roles as stock traders, incorporating elements of role-playing and capitalism into the game.
• 🚀 Parker Brothers grew to become a major player in the game industry, with George Parker publishing games with contemporary themes and eventually acquiring the rights to 'Monopoly,' though he did not create it.
• 🌐 World Anvil is highlighted as a software solution for creative world-building, offering tools for tabletop gamers, novelists, and narrative designers to organize and manage their ideas.

Q & A

What year was the game 'Banking' played by the group of teenagers?

The game 'Banking' was played by the group of teenagers in 1883.

What is the main theme of the game 'Banking'?

The main theme of the game 'Banking' is market speculation and investing, with players making leveraged bets using cards.

How does the game 'Banking' differ from the games played before its time?

The game 'Banking' differs from previous games in that it is about capitalism and does not focus on moral values or instruction.

Who created the game 'Banking'?

The game 'Banking' was created by George B. Parker, a 16-year-old player at the time.

What was the purpose of games like 'The Mansion of Happiness' and 'Snakes and Ladders' during the Victorian era?

Games like 'The Mansion of Happiness' and 'Snakes and Ladders' were used for moral instruction, teaching players about virtues and vices through gameplay.

What was the original win state in the game 'The Mansion of Happiness'?

In the original version of 'The Mansion of Happiness', the win state was reaching a heavenly vista of gardens and a great mansion, symbolizing a good life and reaching heaven.

How did George B. Parker's philosophy of play differ from the prevailing view of the time?

George B. Parker believed that games should be primarily for entertainment and fun, rather than for moral instruction, and he wanted games to be endlessly replayable with different strategies.

What was the significance of the spinner in 'The Mansion of Happiness'?

The spinner in 'The Mansion of Happiness' was used instead of dice to avoid the association with gambling, which was considered dangerous and inappropriate for children.

Who was America's first great game designer mentioned in the script?

Anne Abbott, a minister's daughter from Salem, Massachusetts, is mentioned as America's first great game designer.

What game did Milton Bradley create to entertain Union Army troops during the Civil War?

Milton Bradley created a mass-produced, portable game case containing chess, checkers, backgammon, dominoes, and his own version of 'The Mansion of Happiness' called 'The Checkered Game of Life'.

What was the name of the game company that George B. Parker founded?

George B. Parker founded the game company Parker Brothers.

What was the name of the game that Parker Brothers acquired rights to, which became a smash hit?

Parker Brothers acquired the rights to the game 'Monopoly', which became a smash hit.