From classic board games to casino staples, games have long provided inspiration for storytelling in cinema. Whether they serve as backdrops, metaphors for life’s challenges, or the core of thrilling narratives, games and their histories are intertwined with film in fascinating ways.
Below, we explore some of the world’s most popular games and their unexpected connections to the world of filmmaking.
Roulette: a spin of fate in cinema
Roulette has been a fixture of elegant casinos and high-stakes thrillers for centuries. Originally invented by French mathematician Blaise Pascal in the 17th century during an attempt to create a perpetual motion machine, the game quickly became a favourite among gamers. Its reputation for glamour has made it a cinematic staple, appearing in films from Casablanca to Casino Royale.
The game’s eerie nickname, ‘The Devil’s Wheel,’ stems from the fact that all the numbers on the wheel add up to 666 – a detail that has inspired countless myths and ominous film moments. Today, the game’s timeless appeal continues both in brick-and-mortar casinos and online through platforms like this one, where modern technology meets the classic thrill of roulette.
Chess: the ultimate on-screen battle of wits
Few games have been used as frequently in film as chess. It has long been a symbol of intellect, strategy, and power, appearing in everything from The Seventh Seal, where a knight plays against Death itself, to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which features a life-sized game with magical consequences.
Originating in 6th-century India as Chaturanga, chess evolved over the centuries into the game we know today. It has often been used in cinema to represent mental battles, political conflicts, and even artificial intelligence supremacy, as seen in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Playing Cards: chance, strategy & cinematic suspense
Cards have long played a role in storytelling, often symbolising fate, deception, or wealth. In film, they feature prominently in various scenes, such as in Rounders or the James Bond classic Casino Royale.
Originating in 9th-century China before travelling through Persia and Europe, playing cards have been tied to magic, espionage, and even warfare. Their rich history has made them an ideal storytelling device, embodying chance, skill, and high-stakes drama.
Cluedo: whodunit mysteries brought to life
Mystery and murder – two elements that make for gripping films – are at the heart of Cluedo, the classic whodunit board game. Originally designed during World War II by British musician Anthony Pratt, Cluedo was inspired by murder mystery parties.
The game’s enduring popularity led to multiple adaptations, including the cult classic 1985 film Clue, which playfully embraced its multiple endings. More recently, its influence can be seen in films like Knives Out, which channels the spirit of Cluedo’s intricate plotting and eccentric characters.
Monopoly: a visual metaphor for power & greed
Monopoly, the game that turns families into ruthless property tycoons, has an origin story as ironic as its gameplay. Originally created by Lizzie Magie in 1903 as The Landlord’s Game, it was meant to critique capitalist monopolies. However, the game was later rebranded as Monopoly in the 1930s, emphasising competition over social critique.
The game’s themes of wealth, power, and deception have found their way into cinema, from The Wolf of Wall Street to There Will Be Blood, both of which explore the cutthroat nature of business and greed. Monopoly itself is also set to become a film, proving that its influence extends far beyond the board.
Battleship: from board game to blockbuster
Originally developed as a pencil-and-paper game in the early 20th century before becoming a mass-produced board game in the 1960s, Battleship has been a staple of strategic gameplay for decades. The game’s simple yet suspenseful premise – guessing coordinates to sink an opponent’s fleet – translates well to cinematic tension.
In 2012, Battleship was adapted into a big-budget action film featuring naval warfare, alien invaders, and high-stakes battles at sea. While the movie took significant creative liberties, it reinforced the game’s lasting cultural impact. The concept of unseen threats and strategic warfare has also influenced countless war and sci-fi films beyond its direct adaptation.
Jenga: foreshadowing collapse on the big screen
A game of balance, precision, and nerve, Jenga has found its way into film as a metaphor for tension and instability. Created by Leslie Scott in the early 1980s, the game’s name comes from the Swahili word for “build,” reflecting its deceptively simple premise – stacking wooden blocks and removing them one by one without causing the tower to collapse.
Its suspenseful nature has made it a fitting visual symbol in cinema. In The Big Short, a game of Jenga is used to illustrate the fragility of the housing market before the 2008 financial crisis – each removed block representing risky loans that ultimately bring the entire structure crashing down. The game’s themes of calculated risk and inevitable collapse make it a perfect cinematic device, mirroring high-stakes decisions and the consequences of instability.
Tetris: the cold war puzzle that inspired a movie
Tetris, one of the most recognisable and fun games in history, has a Cold War-era backstory that rivals many espionage thrillers. Created in 1984 by Soviet computer engineer Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris became a worldwide sensation, with companies battling for distribution rights amid the political tensions of the time.
The game’s cultural impact was significant enough to inspire an entire film – 2023’s Tetris, which explores the negotiations and legal battles behind its global release. With its hypnotic gameplay and unexpected political significance, Tetris remains a fascinating example of how a simple game can have a profound cultural impact.
Wrap-up
Games have always been more than just entertainment – they serve as storytelling tools, reflections of society, and sources of cinematic inspiration. Whether it’s the strategic brilliance of chess, the glamorous risk of roulette, or the capitalist critique embedded in Monopoly, the games we play often hold deeper meanings than we realise.
Next time you watch a film featuring a game, consider its history – it might just add a new layer of appreciation to both the game and the story unfolding on screen.
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