In this article, Jon explores how board game design has evolved to move away from colonialism and towards embracing diversity.

If you’d like to have a go at playing these games, come along to Game Night at the Library, every Friday 5pm – 7pm. Tea and biscuits are provided but please bring your own cup.

The board game publishing industry has always promoted exotic themes to attract and engage customers’ interest. In recent years, the trend is moving away from colonial designs, towards more inclusive and diverse styles.

Here, the game Diamant was first published in 2005 with the box front showing white explorers in safari suits exploring the tunnels.

In 2021, a new edition was published with the cover altered. The gameplay and contents were completely the same. Only the box front was changed.

Augustus (2013) used a novel Bingo mechanism modified with probability to mitigate luck. Themed on the Roman Empire, the game included negative effects to debilitate other players. The art and design shows masculine conquest and dominant order through warfare.

The publisher re-implemented the game as Via Magica in 2020, removing the negativity. Switching the theme to magical fantasy, the artwork embraces playful whimsy using colourful, humorous design.

Scotland Yard has been through numerous editions since published in 1983. Players work together to track down the elusive Mr X across London.

From 2024, the detective players can now choose from a range of characters (or even upload their own photos). But also, the Mister X player has a female option now, as Ms. X.

 By Jon, Library and Learning Adviser.

Want to learn mora about board games? Check out our Library Games Collection Reading List!