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Sometimes a game just takes off in certain countries and there might not be any reason for it. It may be because the game is part of the culture and has potentially been popular for centuries, but in some cases, games just absolutely take off! A bit like the way the Brits love tea (traditionally from Asia) or the way inventions like the hamburger (from Germany) spread and became an American favorite.

We’re exploring the way that this has also happened with games including some that have become really popular globally. It is interesting to explore the origins but also to see where games are popular today.

Video Poker’s Popularity in Australia and America

Video poker is a game that has grown in popularity in a lot of locations. It is absolutely huge in Australia when compared to a lot of other locations.

Known locally as “pokies”, video poker has a big fan base. The game combines the imagery of poker with the simplicity of a slot machine. There is a little strategy involved but not as much as some other forms of poker.

Choosing which cards to hold or discard adds a layer of decision-making that has helped the game to have a unique feel – this is something that some cultures just seem to appreciate. The game has become a staple in Australian gaming culture but we shouldn’t forget the fact it is also played elsewhere in the world.

Since the advent of the internet and the fact people can play games on their mobile devices, more people are looking for video poker casino options. In decades gone by there were specific pokies machines but as time has gone on, people are able to simply play using their own screens and devices.

Technology has changed the landscape of gaming (and the availability of these games around the world) so it is possible to access video poker from more locations. Unlike other forms of poker, the players do not need to connect with other players and can just play the game solo.

The element of strategy is similar (though not exactly the same) as poker. Sometimes the cards that are drawn can totally change the outcome like in traditional poker. The video below shows how changeable a hand of poker can be!

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Go – an Asian Game With Centuries of History

Moving into Asia there is a game that is known in virtually every home – Go. It has not taken off outside of Asia and is popular in Japan as well as Korea and China, a country that boasts a long history of strategic board games. Go sits proudly at the top of the tree. This game is believed to have originated over 2,500 years ago and it is simple in its design but infinitely complex in execution. Players place black and white stones on a grid and aim to control more territory than their opponent.

Go is more than just a game—it’s an art form and a tool for sharpening the mind for some people. Mentors teach it to students to develop patience and strategic thinking. Competitive Go tournaments enjoy a loyal following which shows the enduring appeal of this timeless classic. The rules are relatively simple but the history of the game is fascinating.

Go can last for a long time and there are sometimes hundreds of moves within a game. The rule makers for competitive Go even had to introduce a time limit!

Chess – From Persia and India to the World

Chess is arguably the most famous strategy game in the world. It is played by casual players and competitive grandmasters alike. Originating in India around the 6th century before spreading through Persia and into Europe it is fair to say chess has become a truly global pastime with a whole lot of history. Chess sets are also beautiful and decorative and people who are designing a cozy space in their home may include a chess set.

The game was first popular in India in the 6th century even though it was a little bit different then. The modern version that is at least recognizable to players has been around since roughly the 1600s and there have been a few tweaks. The game of chess has been on a journey that has brought it to pretty much every part of the world.

Conclusion

The best games can often go on a journey and grab peoples’ attention all over the globe. Since the internet has been so prevalent it is even possible for a game to spread in virtually no time. There’s a great example of that in Wordle which quickly became a sensation and had millions of players within days! We’re in the global age of games.