As society and technology have evolved, the world of gaming has evolved with it and transitioned into a key part of modern culture. Video games have transitioned from computers to our fingertips, making mobile gaming the most popular way to play. As a result, these games have become a huge part of our lives, keeping people young and old entertained– specifically those ages 13-18. Mobile games have become a way to keep the minds of teens entertained, and a new game has proven itself to keep high-schoolers hooked.
Block Blast has taken over the world of video games following its turn to fame via TikTok. This creative puzzle game challenges players to fit variously shaped, colorful blocks onto a 8×8 grid in order to clear out, or blast, as many rows or columns as possible. As the player’s score increases, the blocks generated to place onto the grid become increasingly difficult to fit onto the board- making Block Blast a game that requires skill in order to win.
Although video games often tend to become large trends and occupy the minds of teenagers, the impact that Block Blast has made on teens of today is marginal. Students at Parkland High School can be found playing Block Blast anywhere– during free time in class, at lunch, and even while walking in the hallway. Although a mobile game becoming popular isn’t a new or surprising phenomenon, what makes such a simple game so addicting?
A similar effect was seen with 1980’s puzzle game Tetris. Like Block Blast, which is often referred to as the modern day Tetris, the game involves players placing falling blocks onto a grid in order to fill up the board. Tetris also created a media mania, and is now considered one of the best selling games of all time. The mental impact created on Tetris players is seen today with Block Blast— the simplicity of the game and strategy required to attain the highest score possible keeps players returning to play again. Even though video games aren’t typically considered to be educational or beneficial to the minds of young people, logic puzzles like Block Blast may be increasing the cognitive abilities of today’s young adults.
As technology continues to improve, video games will improve as well, bringing exciting new graphics and concepts to the table. Despite this, simple games like Block Blast keep players coming back for more. This goes to show that simplicity in gaming is often what we crave, a recall to the days of vintage gaming despite new, flashy graphics and techniques.
