This What's The Frequency episode is devoted to gaming, which is a huge recreational pursuit for a lot of people. For some it is more than a hobby, but almost a lifestyle.
Gaming is also becoming a recognized high school and college sport, as Siouxland colleges about six years ago started adding teams.
National statistics show that an estimated 65 percent of Americans play video games, and the highest concentration of gamers are between 18 to 34 years old. In 2022, the gaming market size in the United States was estimated at $97.7 billion, for an industry that keeps expanding.
I headed out to two places in Sioux City to produce this episode, to talk with people about playing both video games and also board games, which still are enjoyed by lots of people.
The first stop was to the Sioux City Public Museum, for the intriguing summer daycamp called “Become An Ancient Gamer.” About a dozen people from ages 8 to 12 took part in the class that was promoted this way – “Travel back to ancient times to try out the earliest board games and craft a version to take home.”
The second top was to The Warp Zone, which opened earlier this year by owners Lindie and Chris Stauder. They promote it as a fun arcade experience,paired with a curated selection of beer, cocktails, and nonalcoholic beverages. The Warp Zone has video game consoles, arcade cabinets, and a variety of pinball machines.
Some pinball machines are themed with the movies of “Jaws” and “Jurassic Park.”
My six guests for this episode are Warp Zone Owner Lindie Stauder, plus two people who were at the arcade that day, Morgan Miller, and Simon Miller. Also giving some impressions on gaming are the teacher of “Become An Ancient Gamer,” who is Katherine Hunter, plus two students, Sammie Vakulskas and Josephine Hunter.
The students learned The Royal Game of Ur, which is on an extravagant board, and similar to today’s board games of Sorry and Parchesi. People only figured out how to play The Royal Game of Ur once a Babylonian cuneiform tablet with instructions was discovered in the 1700’s.
Other historically old games taught by Hunter included Go, designed by a Chinese emperor as a way to teach his son discipline, plus Mancala, and Senet.
Click on the audio link above to hear the entire show.
*What's The Frequency, Episode 27.
