FROM ANALOG TO DIGITAL: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BOARD GAME DESIGN AND GAME DESIGN

Abstract

The article presents a comparative analysis of board game design and game design in the field of video games within the framework of analog and digital forms of game culture. Board games are defined as an analog medium based on physical components such as cards, tokens, dice, and boards, which foster direct social interaction and face-to-face communication among players. In contrast, game design in video games is examined as a digital phenomenon that combines programming, graphics, audio, interactivity, and algorithmic systems to generate expansive virtual worlds, non-linear scenarios, and personalized mechanics that remain unattainable within traditional analog practices. The study explores the key differences between these approaches, including the type of medium (material vs. digital), models of distribution and scalability, possibilities for updating rules and content, levels of immersion, and methods of playtesting. It is shown that board games emphasize rule transparency, tactile interaction, and localized social presence, whereas digital game design provides scalability, hidden algorithmic calculations, telemetry, and multimedia effects for shaping the player’s attention and engagement. At the same time, both domains share common objectives: delivering a meaningful gameplay experience, maintaining balance between complexity and accessibility, motivating players, and supporting the repeatability of play sessions. The comparison of analog and digital approaches highlights universal principles of game creation, fostering the development of hybrid formats (AR/VR integrations, mobile applications) and informing the advancement of educational programs, research methodologies, and applied practices within contemporary creative industries.