How Has Go Stayed Relevant for More than 2500 Years?
Submitted by Andy_B on Thursday, 14 September 2023 Page Views: 213
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Go has been around for more than 2,500 years, but it has always managed to stay relevant despite the evolution of the world around it. Its adaptation into digital form in recent times should ensure that it can thrive for another few millennia.
One of the World’s Most Complex Games
Perhaps the main reason why Go has been played all over the world for centuries lies in its complexity. Millions of people have tried to master it, and only a few can claim to be gurus of the intricate board. It’s one of the hardest games ever made, as players need to consider both short- and long-term tactics to secure influence over the entire playing surface.Go is often compared to chess, and there are doubtlessly many similarities. However, chess is a game that can be mastered with enough practice, as artificial intelligence has proven. Go has an almost infinite number of possibilities, meaning that it can’t be predicted by predefined movements. Indeed, the number of possible board positions in Go exceeds the number of atoms in the observable universe.
Along with the fascination that Go inspires, it has stayed at the forefront of various cultures. In China, it was associated with Confucianism and Taoism, emphasizing the importance of balance and harmony. Japan’s interpretation of the game was different, and it was elevated into an art form among artists and poets.
Digitalisation is Key to Survival for Classic Games
When the internet completely changed the face of gaming and led to huge leaps forward in the industry, many classic games were threatened. Go managed to survive thanks to developers creating digital versions, allowing people to play online. This has helped spread the game to more players around the world.There are plenty of other iconic games that have flourished in recent years because they have been made into online titles. Chess is another great example, along with card games like blackjack. The latter has even led to a range of new variants and has reached new players thanks to the availability of blackjack guides . These describe all the intricacies of the game, taking players through the charts, odds, and even myths about strategy.
Go has boomed in this way as well, with there now being a vast amount of online information about how to play the game. There are also YouTube videos that give players a good overview.
There are games out there that are older than Go, such as the ancient Egyptian offering Senet. However, it’s hard to think of another title that has remained famous for centuries and appealed to innumerable generations of players. Thanks to the internet, Go looks set to be around for another 2,500 years.
