Before gaming consoles, computers and smart phones changed the way we play indoor games, board games were the perfect way to unwind during hot summer afternoons or while waiting for dinner.
In fact, the entire family could play classic games like scrabble, chess, pictionary, taboo and Monopoly as nobody “outgrew” them. While board games for children continued to get more and more innovative, the segment for adults in India continued to offer tried and tested game.
Games that needed a certain amount of intellectual application continued to be manufactured in the foreign markets. However, these never reached Indian shores as they were priced between Rs.5,000 and Rs10,000.
Looking at this as an opportunity, a group of friends who would meet up regularly to play high-end games for adults decided to stock these games and start a rental service so that Delhiites too could have fun playing them.
Games on Wheel co-founder Eklavya Girotra says these games provide a mentally stimulating experience and gamers need to read the brochure a couple of times before playing.
“The games are not popular in India as they are very expensive. Even if one orders them online, they will cost a lot more once delivery charges are included,” he said
Some of the games the rental service stocks are Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Dominion, Dixit, 7 wonders and Camel. These games belong to different genres like strategy, card, historical, tactical and even a party-card game. They are couriered to you once you signup on their website and a nominal fee is charged for renting them. Members can rent games for two, four or seven days, and prices vary according to how popular the games is.
The rental service plans to start a board game cafe soon, where people can meet over a cup of coffee and test their skills with other players.
“Gaming consoles had removed the multi-player experience of spending time over a game, negotiating, planning and even talking about other things as the game progressed. What these games do is provide that nostalgia with newer and more challenging games to master,” says Eklavya.
Two-day rental costs, including courier costs, is between Rs.200 and Rs.350, while the maximum for a seven-day rental is Rs.700.
A service allows you to rent games for adults that are challenging, but expensive to buy