# Strategic Play Modern chess sets provide intellectual engagement through pop culture allure. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 23, 2014, updated Apr 1, 2014 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/strategic-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 1.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Strategic Play trend? **Strategic Play:** With the rise of digital technology resulting in a culture that has become increasingly reliant on mobile and online usage, consumers, particularity youths, are growing up less exposed to more traditional and thought-provoking activities. As a means to provide more intellectually stimulating sources of entertainment, parents are turning to more challenging forms of play bearing kitschy or referential aesthetics, combining strategically enticing games with cultural features that youths can easily relate to. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 7, 2012 to Dec 28, 2013 - Published: Mar 23, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Strategic Play trend ### Nostalgic Intellectual Stimulation Parents are turning to more thought-provoking forms of play that bear kitschy or referential aesthetics to provide entertainment. ### Pop Culture Crossover Combining elements of pop culture and traditional forms of entertainment creates a unique experience for fans. ### Architectural Reimaginings Using architecture for chess piece design creates a new dimension for the game and opens up possibilities for city-rivalries. ## What the Strategic Play trend means for industry ### For Toys and Games There is a growing demand for more intellectually stimulating sources of entertainment for youths. ### For Pop Culture and Entertainment Pop culture-inspired chess sets offer a new way for fans to engage with their favorite shows, movies or franchises. ### For Architecture and Design Chess piece-turned city landmarks offer a fresh perspective on classic architectural symbols and opens up opportunities for creative collaborations. ## Trend signals for Strategic Play Trend score 1.6 out of 10, from popularity 23%, activity 16%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 23% - Activity: 16% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Strategic Play trend 6 featured examples from Jan 7, 2012 to Dec 28, 2013. - [Sci Fi Chess Sets (UPDATE)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brandon-griffith): Brandon Griffith Creates the Final Set to the LEGO Star Wars Series (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating popular movie franchises into traditional toy manufacturing to create engaging and collectible products. - [Tolkein Trilogy Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collectors-chess-sets): These Lord of the Rings Collectors Chess Sets Depict Movie Magic (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Incorporating miniature sculptures of characters from popular franchises such as Lord of the Rings into collectible products presents an opportunity for this industry to expand in… - [Snarling Battle Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aliens-vs-predator-chess-piece): Aliens VS Predator Chess Piece Fights in an Epic Strategic Showdown (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Develop innovative and detailed toys and collectibles that cater to specialized fan bases and collectors. - [Meth-Dealing Chess Pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-chess-set): This Unique Chess Set is Based on the Characters of Breaking Bad (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Developing games for popular TV shows, movies, and books can create a new revenue stream for entertainment companies. - [London Skyline Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/london-city-skyline): This Kickstarter Project Sees City Rivalries Duke it out Over Chess (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Manufacturers in the toy and game industry can create unique and collectible chess sets like Skyline Chess. - [Time Travel Strategy Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doctor-who-lenticular-animated-chess-set): The Doctor Who Lenticular Animated Chess Set Features 3D Pieces (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate technology, such as augmented reality or AI, into traditional toys and games to enhance the playing experience and open up new possi… ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)