There’s no doubt that digital games are great entertainment, but they do keep us tied to a screen – sometimes for hours on end. That’s fine when it’s cold outside but less good when it’s warm and you could be meeting up with friends to play a game in person. So if you want a digital detox or just a different way to challenge those little grey cells take a look at the many offline counterparts of popular games. They sometimes even provide a better all-round experience.
Here are just four examples of new ways to play and to connect with friends in real life.
Magic: The Gathering Arena vs Magic: The Gathering (MTG)
Magic: The Gathering Arena is the online version of perhaps the world’s most complex trading card games. The digital version is without a doubt convenient, but is it really better than shuffling a real deck of Magic The Gathering cards and playing face-to-face? Why not try both and decide for yourself.
The physical game brings players together at some brilliant nationwide MTG events, local events, game stores or literally anywhere. This classic game combines strategy with the human element of competition with a dose of fun thrown in. A bit like in poker you have to read your opponent’s reactions. (I can’t decide if “Magic Face” has a better or worse ring to it than “Poker Face”!). The community element of the no-digital version means you can also discuss deck-building strategies and celebrate victories in person to make the game more rewarding than its digital counterpart.
Chess.com vs a Chess Board
Online chess platforms like Chess.com are enormously popular and with good reason. The digital format of this centuries-old game allows you to compete with other players from literally millions of people across the globe; or to try your hand with AI opponents. Playing AI opponents can be a great way to play a “better” player and learn from their tactics. There are also analytics available so you can get insights into how well you played.
A game with a physical chess board and pieces is something quite different. Playing on a board means you have to focus and be very aware of what your opponent is doing – even when they might just be thinking. No app can really give you the same experience as the tactile nature of moving chess pieces, or the stillness and quiet between turns.
Wordle vs Crossword Puzzles
Daily word games like Wordle have become an obsession for many people. On the face of it so simple yet the limited number of guesses adds a bit of a challenge. Of course, there are offline equivalents such as the crossword puzzle requiring problem-solving with linguistic creativity.
Crosswords offer more variety and a range of complexity depending on how much of a mental challenge you’re after at any particular time. There’s also something very satisfying about filling in that grid with a freshly sharpened pencil. They are a screen-free way to enjoying a slower, more reflective pace of life yet still have some mental stimulation.
Among Us vs Werewolf/Mafia
Like a bit of bluffing and deception? Then Among Us could be the game for you. Offline, its classic counterpart is called Werewolf (also known as Mafia – do keep up!). You can play it in groups – indeed it’s a common party game. It relies on players trying to identify hidden roles within the group via persuasion, observation and reading body language.
The offline version, Werewolf, involves direct, in-person interaction and face-to-face debates. It’s a really sociable, high-energy game requiring both logic and intuition. And that’s very difficult – if not impossible – for a screen to replicate.
Why Offline Games Matter
Don’t get me wrong, digital games are convenient, accessible and fun. But stepping offline introduces new dimensions of play. That face-to-face interaction, tactile involvement, and, let’s be honest, the opportunity to slow down in our often hectic lives. These experiences challenge your brain but they also strengthen social bonds so are a counterbalance to solo screen time.
