Playing Cards Flourishing in the Internet Age

There would have been many people, with the advent of the new-fangled technology of the 21st century, and even the not so new-fangled technology of the 1970’s and 80’s, who predicted the death knell for the humble playing card. Though it is one of the oldest and most popular games on the planet, those people can be forgiven. After all, people now have the ability to enter virtual worlds, to team up with their friends and family, as well as with people from all four corners of the globe to conquer alien worlds, battle dragons, and cast spells giving them special powers. When they have all that literally in the palms of their hands, why would they want to stick to a format that goes back thousands of years? Well, they have, and here are some of the reasons that explain exactly why they have.

Versatility

A pack of cards has to be the most versatile gaming devices ever created. In fact, it is so much more than a device, as it is a self-contained gaming console, or platform – to use modern-day parlance – with an almost unlimited number of games embedded in it. Estimates of just how many different card games exist range from 1,000 to as many as 10,000. And there is absolutely nothing stopping anyone from inventing a new one. Like with anything, from the natural world to technology, being flexible, and having the ability to adapt is what ensures something survives. The history of the deck of cards is rich with adaptations; its timeline is littered with other branches joining it or splitting off into separate and completely new formats. And there is no doubt that will continue to be the case.

A Part of our History

The playing card is so much embedded in our history as a species, and in our culture, it will never disappear from our consciousness. Just think how many films, books and plays feature a card game, or a casino as part of their storyline. That isn’t just down to the dramatic or splendid setting, but because a game of cards is so easily used as an analogy of other struggles and conflicts that take place in the book/film/play. It is a struggle between two combatants, between good and evil.

It is not only that, though. Looking at playing cards of the past, it is like looking through a window into a time gone by. Much as a pack of Lord of the Rings or Simpsons playing cards tells us about the world we live in today, so do the ones that were used 100, 400 or 1,000 years ago.

No matter what lies ahead in terms of technological breakthroughs, you can bet your bottom dollar that the deck of cards will still be a feature of every home on the planet, long after people have forgotten what an Xbox and a PlayStation ever were.