In recent years, board games have seen very active development in Europe, America, Asia, and Taiwan. Especially in Taiwan, thanks to the support of local governments and academic institutions, as well as collaboration with relevant game education associations for promotion, activities, clubs, and courses centered around board games have increased significantly.
It’s not hard to find unboxing or tutorial videos for board games online, but a TV show that is entirely designed from a child’s perspective—using costumes and fairy tale plots to showcase game competitions and the unique features of board games—is a first in Taiwan with Longhua Animation’s self-produced "Board Game New Paradise."
Lin Tongliang, Secretary-General of the Republic of China Game Education Association, said: "I feel very excited inside because we finally have a board game TV show in Taiwan. Board games heavily rely on in-person experience, so capturing that atmosphere in filming is very challenging. However, the show presents the interactive scenarios and allure of the games from various angles based on their characteristics. It also builds easy-to-understand storylines that immerse children in the setting, making it easier for them to learn and comprehend. Overcoming this obstacle is no small feat."
The show interestingly reveals that the young hosts from Longhua often can’t beat the kids, and many times even need the children’s help to get out of tricky situations. For example, in one moving maze game, players must anticipate how subsequent steps will play out when pushing each path. The more freely thinking and imaginative children often outperform adults by seeing the bigger picture and coming up with more flexible strategies.
"Board Game New Paradise" will air every Saturday at 5 PM starting August 10th on Channel 104 "Longhua Animation" on MOD (China Telecom), and can also be watched on other new media platforms: Fain TV, Hami Video, KKTV, LINE TV, LiTV, 4GTV, friDay, myVideo, and bbTV.