Strategy games have been a thing for centuries. Before video games even existed, board games offered players the chance to challenge their tactical thinking, decision-making, and long-term planning skills.
A lot of these are still played today, particularly the Asian ones — which partially explains why a lot of modern strategy games owe them so much credit.
Even regular Sky247 io users who casually enjoy strategic thinking and a sprinkle of calculated risk-taking know, that there are deep links between classic and modern games. Games like Go, Shogi and Mahjong introduced the core mechanics which have shaped many of the best strategy mechanics we see today, from turn-based tactics to real-time combat.
Examples of these ancient games that had a huge impact. Let’s explore.
The Art of Thinking Ahead
Traditional Asian board games reward players who can see multiple moves ahead. This same principle is at the heart of modern strategy games.
Some key ideas that have carried over:
- Anticipating the opponent’s next move — Just like in Go, where players must predict their rival’s strategy, modern games like Chess and XCOM force players to think several steps ahead.
- Resource management — In Shogi, knowing when to sacrifice a piece can decide the match. This mirrors strategy games like Civilization, where resource allocation is key.
- Board control and positioning — Many strategy video games borrow the idea of controlling space from games like Go and Xiangqi (Chinese Chess).
Without these classic ideas, modern strategy games wouldn’t be nearly as deep or rewarding.
Chance vs. Skill: The Mahjong Influence
While games like Go and Shogi focus purely on skill, Mahjong adds an element of luck. This balance between strategy and unpredictability has shaped many modern games.
Examples of this influence include:
- Card-based strategy games — Games like Slay the Spire and Hearthstone mix skill and luck, just like Mahjong.
- Randomized game elements — Many RTS and turn-based games introduce random factors to keep players on their toes.
- Risk assessment — In both Mahjong and modern games like Frostpunk, players must decide when to take chances and when to play it safely.
This mix of luck and strategy keeps games exciting and unpredictable.
Lessons Modern Games Borrow from Traditional Board Games
Many of the best modern strategy games wouldn’t exist without the ideas pioneered in ancient board games.
Here are some core lessons that continue to shape gaming today:
- Every move matters. One mistake in Go or Shogi can cost the game — just like in StarCraft or Total War.
- Control of space is key. Whether it’s a chessboard or a battlefield, positioning is everything.
- Sacrifices are sometimes necessary. Giving up something valuable now can lead to victory later.
- Pattern recognition leads to mastery. The best players don’t just react; they recognize trends and plan accordingly.
- Luck adds excitement, but skills win in the long run. Games that mix strategy with chance keep players engaged.
This structured approach to decision-making has shaped some of the most competitive and rewarding games of the modern era.
Classic Board Games That Inspired Today’s Strategy Hits
If you love modern strategy games, you might enjoy these traditional games that influenced them:
- Go — Inspired area control mechanics in games like Into the Breach and Advance Wars.
- Shogi — Introduced the idea of capturing and reusing enemy units, as seen in games like Fire Emblem.
- Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) — Influenced tactical unit movement in games like Final Fantasy Tactics.
- Mahjong — Helped shape risk-based strategy mechanics in card games and roguelikes.
These ancient games prove that strategic depth and thoughtful planning never go out of fashion, no matter how much technology advances.
The rich, deep strategic gameplay we love in modern ALGs can be traced back to traditional.
Asian board games. You learn to think long-term, take risks, and pivot — lessons that lie at the heart of any great strategy game. So the next time you sit down to a strategy game — a board game steeped in history or a video game with a farmhouse name — consider that at best, it may be centuries, if not millennia, old. After all, the strongest strategies are the ones which are timeless.
Timothy R. Richmond, the skilled copywriter at MetaNow Gaming, is a driving force behind the diverse gaming content and community interaction on the platform. With a passion for storytelling in the gaming world, Timothy weaves narratives that resonate with the gaming community. His dedication to creating engaging and inclusive content makes MetaNow Gaming a vibrant hub for gamers seeking more than just news and reviews. Join Timothy on the journey at MetaNow Gaming, where his words contribute to a rich tapestry of diverse gaming experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared enthusiasm within the gaming universe.
