The game of Ludo might be a recent nostalgia or childhood memory for most, but its origins lie far back in the era of dynasties. Starting from early periods when it was played by royalty, Ludo found its place in the homes of most people as a timeless classic. Today, with the onset of a digital era, the Ludo game has made its way onto our mobile screens.
Let us take a look at the Journey of our all-time favorite game
Origin of Ludo
The roots of Ludo can be traced back to medieval times. The game is over a thousand years old and is believed to have originated in India. Known as Pachisi, it was a royal game played on a large board with pieces moved according to the throw of cowrie shells. In fact, according to popular belief, Ludo originated from the well-known tale of Mahabharata.
According to historians, Ludo was a popular game in the Mughal era, specifically in the royal court of Mughal emperor Akbar. Players played with real living people as pieces on a life-sized board.
The game spread throughout the world, particularly to Western countries. In 1891, Alfred Collier, a man of British origin, tried to patent it and named the game “Royal Ludo” in the United Kingdom. He gave the game a modern variation based on the traditional Indian game, adapting it to a more compact, simpler layout.
Later, the British Naval Army transformed the game into a board game.
Rising Popularity of Ludo
Ludo soon became a commercial hit around the globe. It was widely made in the late 1800s and early 1900s, becoming common in toy stores and homes. The early versions were often handmade from wood, cardboard, or tin and featured bright colors.
Over time, it began to be produced in different forms and varieties, catering to the masses. Several game companies like Waddingtons helped establish Ludo as a mainstream family game. It was featured in board game collections and marketed as a game that brought people together, advertising the values of fun and bonding.
The Onset of Digitalisation: Rise of Online Gaming
With the widespread availability of Internet facilities in the 1990s, Online games started gaining attention. The beginning of the 20s saw increased internet penetration, leading to internet services becoming common. This gave rise to multiple gaming genres, multiplayer themes, and increased adoption by people.
The next big thing happened in 2007 with Apple releasing its touchscreen-equipped iPhones. In 2008, it launched its app store, providing a platform for developers to market their games directly to customers. Google Play and the Windows Phone Store, too, entered the market following the same concept. Eventually, IOS and Android were the primary players in the operating system and app store market.
Impact of the Pandemic: The Corona Chronicle
The unfortunate worldwide disease coronavirus and the lockdown that resulted from its onset led to the boom of online gaming platforms. Ever since then, people have been inclined to play online games not just for their self-satisfaction but also as a means to socialize and have fun with friends and family.
=Real-money gaming
Recently, cash-based online games have begun and gained popularity. In these games, players can wager a certain amount of money, play tournaments, and earn cash prizes.
Ludo’s Digital Debut
Ludo made its way to online platforms, giving the traditional game a digital tweak.
Ludo first appeared on computers in the late 1990s, but it actually took off with the rise of smartphones. The growth of app stores and mobile gaming provided the perfect opportunity for Ludo to make a comeback. Ludo online brought attractive features that immediately made it a fan favorite.
- Accessibility: The game’s availability on digital platforms has enabled users to access and play the game from anywhere and everywhere.
- Convenience: No more keeping account of each and every piece and equipment of the game and worrying that if you lose a piece or die the entire set will be ruined. With the digital version of Ludo, you do not have to worry about the equipment or the heavy Ludo board. All you have to do is tap to start playing!
- Multiplayer mode: Ludo has carried its “fun and bonding” element with it to its digital version. You can now not only play with your friends and family online but also make new friends in the game while playing.
- Social integration: The game has also integrated itself with social media platforms by providing options to share your achievements online. Additionally, there are other features like leaderboards, friend lists, and in-game chat to enhance the user experience further.
- Variety of themes: Playing Ludo online has become much more fun with a variety of modes and themes.
- Fair policies: The best part is that the risks and worries attached to playing online are completely dealt with by the fair policies and regulations followed by gaming platforms. Platforms like Junglee Ludo guarantee a fully secure gaming experience with RNG certification, 100% real players, and 24×7 support so that you can play without any fear.
Several Ludo apps have emerged in the mobile gaming world that provide both free and premium versions. A notable mention, Junglee Ludo has risen to prominence recently and has become the go-to platform for playing Ludo online for most people. It provides the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and authentic gameplay. Players can also get a chance to win cash prizes by joining tournaments. You can start playing cash games with an entry fee as low as ₹1 and win exciting prizes.
What does the future hold?
With the constant experimentation in the gaming world, there are countless possibilities for the future. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) could bring new dimensions to the game, allowing players to interact with their pieces in 3D or even in the real world. The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to more challenging gameplay, analysis for improving strategies, and a more dynamic gaming experience.
Ludo’s Journey from board game to mobile app is a perfect example of how classic games can adapt and thrive in the digital age. What started as a simple board game on a royal court in ancient India has become a modern-day mobile sensation enjoyed by millions of players around the globe. So, the next time you roll the dice on your phone, take a moment to appreciate the game’s long and fascinating history.