# Ironic Gaming Digital culture is reflected in offline board game concepts. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 6, 2015 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/onlineinspired-offline-gaming ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Ironic Gaming trend? **Ironic Gaming:** Innovative offline board game concepts that reference a pervasive digital culture are beginning to emerge in the entertainment realm. Without literal digital components, such offline activities suggest that even when unplugged, consumers are largely defined by the online culture that they are embedded in. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 30, 2013 to Aug 27, 2015 - Published: Oct 6, 2015 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Ironic Gaming trend ### Offline Games Mirror Digital Culture As our lives become more digital, offline gaming experiences are being designed to reflect that culture. ### Gamification of Education Board games that subtly teach valuable skills like coding are becoming increasingly popular among parents and educators alike. ### Internet-Inspired Gaming Card and board games that incorporate aspects of internet culture like predictive search and linked articles are becoming more common. ## What the Ironic Gaming trend means for industry ### For Toy and Game Industry Manufacturers can create gaming experiences that meet the growing need for offline technology. ### For Tech Education Industry Educators can develop new board game concepts that teach valuable technology skills and concepts. ### For Entertainment and Media Industry Brands can create games that appeal to the current digital culture and generation of people who grew up playing video games. ## Workshop question What relationship, if any, does your brand have with Internet Culture? ## Trend signals for Ironic Gaming Trend score 2.4 out of 10, from popularity 36%, activity 28%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 36% - Activity: 28% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Ironic Gaming trend 5 featured examples from Sep 30, 2013 to Aug 27, 2015. - [Internet-Based Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wikipedia-card-game): This Wikipedia Card Game Puts Your Internet Skills to Good Use (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: There is an opportunity to incorporate gaming elements such as those in Linknotize into educational materials, creating more engaging and enjoyable learning experiences for studen… - [Pixelated Solitare Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/card-deck-design): This Card Deck Design is Aesthetically Inspired by the Retro Computer Game (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry can create products that incorporate retro graphics to appeal to consumers who enjoy reminiscing. - [Predictive Search Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/query-game): The Query Game Plays Off Google's Predictive Search Feature (Category: Tech) Implication: Incorporating popular online culture into board game design presents a niche opportunity to differentiate and appeal to younger audiences. - [8-Bit Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mega-man-the-board-game): Mega Man: the Board Game Takes the Blue Bomber from the TV to the Table (Category: Tech) Implication: The success of the Mega Man board game on Kickstarter highlights the potential for innovation and growth in the board game industry. - [Subtle Programming Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-turtles): Robot Turtles Teaches Young Kids to Think Like Coders (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Developing new board games and toys that teach children important skills such as programming and encourage learning through fun activities. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)