The Things We Play

The Checkered Game of Life was created in the winter of 1860 by a young man named Milton Bradley; he was 24 at the time.  By the next year, in 1861, over 45,000 copies of the game were sold.  The game was created with a focus on a person’s life from poverty to wealth. Over the time the original game was undated to reflect the changing of times and culture.  At the beginning a total of two to six players could participate in a game at a time, however with newer versions of the game a total of eight to ten players could enjoy the game. 

By 1960, a modern version of the game was introduced as “The Game of Life,” with a focus on a person’s travel throughout their life, from college to retirement, jobs, marriage, and possible children along the way.  Today, the game is simply known as LIFE.  From its humble beginnings to the present, the game continues to be played by individuals, family and friends alike who simply enjoy the game to past the time away and sharing some special moments with those they love and care about.   In addition, the game continues to be popular; a card game was created, as well as an express version and even one called WiiWare.    

Milton Bradley is credited by many with launching the board game industry in America through his Milton Bradley Company.  With a mechanical draftsmen and patent agent background, he when on to create several other games, rules, coloring books and inventions.  Over the years, the Milton Bradley Company has created numerous well known games including Battleship, Connect Four, Twister, and Yahtzee.  From my viewpoint, I see each of these games as a way to bring people, community, families and friends together.  It is a way to participate and share something with common beliefs and simple rules that are easy to understand. 

Amazing isn’t it, that a game that began nearly 150 years ago, still continues to impact our lives in various ways today and yet it allows us to take the time to play with some simple rules to see life from another perspective.  It is a game that continues to capture our imagination with what is possible, to make decisions, to take risks, experience failure and success.  The ultimate result of playing the game of LIFE is that each player can finish... they made it.  Through the good, bad and indifference the game comes to an end and it perhaps makes you wonder about your own life…in a way… and then you realize that I am playing my LIFE for real.