At the time that I am writing this, we are experiencing a power outage. I suspect this one will last for 12+ hours (NOTE: this was confirmed over 12 hours later). This seems to happen every year, particularly during the heat of summer.
Having worked in the utility industry, I appreciate the lifestyle they provide. When we come home and turn the light switch on, we do so with the expectation that the light will come on. For the most part, there is no worry in our minds that the power might not be available. Now that we’ve experienced consistent electrical power, it’s hard to think of a world without it.
Of course, it doesn’t take long to realize that without the electrical power there can be no video games. Every year, when the power goes out like this, my appreciation for the value of tabletop games is renewed. They require no electricity; only the board, the pieces, and an understanding of the rules. Even if by candlelight, a family can sit down and pass the time mentally-engaged in a game.
Now I love playing games on the PC and on the consoles. That said, I appreciate that certain conditions (power outages, loss of online connections, energy shortages, wars, etc.) could take those things away from us. If we have to return to the days of the caveman, the tabletop games will be the only gaming left.
Perhaps that would make for an interesting post-apocalyptic story. Something like “The Postman,” except it’s a board game designer instead of a mailman that brings hope to people. He gives them something to do in the evenings to entertain themselves. The Game Maker, starring Johnny Depp. Coming the Summer of 2014!