Cards, board games and made-up sports make up a cherished part of British culture.

From traditional favourites to modern games shaped by tech,there’s always been something to play. Classic games, and modern renditions, make up an important part of local history for many towns and villages, and they’re a great way to make the evenings last longer too.

In this guide, we’ve explained a little bit more about the history of the games we love the most here in Britain – from ten-pin bowling to console games. 

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

How have classic games evolved?

From playgrounds to fairgrounds, Brits have always kept themselves entertained with games.

From the Middle Ages onwards, wealthy families would spend plenty of time out hunting or playing parlour games, mostly due to the free time they had on their hands. Working-class families had less time to play but there’s plenty of evidence surrounding the history of old-fashioned games, including Victorian toys and games.

In communities across the UK, skittles and billiards were most popular amongst the grownups. Now, they’ve largely been replaced by modern alternatives. While the characteristic thud of a dart hitting the board can still be heard in local towns today, there are new games on the block too.

Games in the digital age

The 1980s brought video games to the fore, including Pac-Man, Space Invaders and other classics. The beginnings of the Nintendo brand can be traced back to the end of that decade.

Quiz games appeared in the ‘90s, paving the way for friendly battles amongst friends, as did the most legendary games consoles on the market. The very first PlayStation was released in 1995 and, just ten years later, it had become the first console to ship 100 million units. Players loved Gran Turismo and Crash Bandicoot amongst other era-defining games. 

As Britain rolled into the noughties, hefty games machines were steadily replaced by smaller consoles hooked up to the TV – and eventually, handheld devices. Now, thanks to our phones and the omnipresence of Wi-Fi, sports betting and mobile slot games complete modern gaming. Whether at home or while you’re out enjoying time with friends.

What are the most interactive British games?

1. Darts

Darts will never go out of fashion. Whether you play professionally or you’re just looking for a laugh, darts is accessible and right at home. You can get started by ordering your own darts board, or head into town and play together with friends. 

2. Quizzes and trivia

Modern entertainment venues like to think of ways to bring people together. Quizzes provide the perfect solution, with the promise of head-scratching moments and some laughstoo. The incentive of a cash prize means that local quizzes can run for charity or for a community cause.

3. iGaming

iGaming is another term for online betting. When it’s match day, everyone takes a punt or two on their team. With the convenience of mobile betting apps, live matches can be enjoyed by groups of friends at parties or out in town watching the big game.

Overview

The modernisation of games in the UK reflects advancements in technology above everything else. However, from billiards and darts to retro quiz machines and classic arcade games, you can still find almost every type – you just need to know where to look!