Modern Board Games: Can They Be Geogames?

Micael Sousa, Ítalo Sousa de Sena, Chiara Cocco, Gabriel Mota and Grace Houser
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Micael Sousa: CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Ítalo Sousa de Sena: Spatial Dynamics Lab, School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Ireland
Chiara Cocco: Spatial Dynamics Lab, School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Ireland
Gabriel Mota: Graduate Program in Physical Geography, Faculty of Philosophy, Languages and Literature, and Human Sciences, São Paulo University, Brazil
Grace Houser: Spatial Dynamics Lab, School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Ireland

Urban Planning, 2026, vol. 11

Abstract: This article addresses the evolving concept of geogames, traditionally focused on digital and location‐based experiences, and explores the potential of modern board games as an analogue form of geogame. While geogames have been defined by their use of real‐world spatial information, often through GIS technology, there is a recognized need to include more abstract and imaginative representations of space, particularly in analogue formats. This study investigates how modern commercial entertainment board games, characterized by innovative game mechanics and spatial representation, connect with the concept of geogames. It employs a bibliometric analysis of geogame literature and a descriptive analysis of modern board games from the BoardGameGeek database. Key findings indicate a lack of research on analogue games within geogame specific literature, while revealing that modern board games effectively utilize spatial units, territory representation, and game mechanics to create virtual spatial worlds. The study concludes that modern board games align with the definition of geogame, advocating for their inclusion in the geogame research agenda.

Keywords: analogue games; bibliometric analysis; game design; geo‐information; location‐based games; serious games (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:urbpla:v11:y:2026:a:10737

DOI: 10.17645/up.10737

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