“Live” games are back in fashion

In recent years, burraco has experienced a surprising resurgence—a card game that has gone from being a pastime mainly associated with elderly people to a social phenomenon involving increasingly younger age groups. This change is primarily due to a new way of organizing tournaments, no longer seen as mere competition but also as an opportunity for socialization and fun. The association Burraco Milano—founded by young enthusiasts—organizes monthly events where matches are accompanied by moments of conviviality, such as aperitifs and DJ sets. In Turin, Burrasca does the same, promoting tournaments designed to have a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. But burraco has long since also conquered the world of politics. As reported by Il Post, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated last year: «The things that make me angriest of all are disloyalty, humiliation, and losing at burraco». The same goes for the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, who seems to be a great fan of the game. And in Italy, where burraco has historically been widespread, especially in the southern regions, there are also more exclusive organizations dedicated to this pastime. One example is the Burraco Society, founded among others by artist Maurizio Cattelan, whose tournaments have been attended by show business personalities such as Geppi Cucciari, Victoria Cabello, Nina Zilli, and Carlo Cracco.

However, burraco is not the only example of a traditional game recently rediscovered by younger people. In recent years, for example, Anglo-Saxon countries have seen a surprising spread of pickleball, a sport halfway between tennis and ping pong, characterized by simple rules and a less demanding pace of play. Although pickleball has long been considered a pastime for the elderly, it is becoming increasingly popular among young people precisely because of its accessibility and the opportunity to socialize without the physical effort required by other sports. A similar phenomenon has recently involved another game traditionally associated with old age: bowls. Historically played in clubs and parks, it is now attracting more and more people. Just like burraco, bowls are perfect for those looking for a social activity that combines fun and conviviality without the pressure of competition. In London, playing bowls has even become trendy, with venues and clubs hosting themed evenings. The rediscovery of certain traditional games is part of a broader phenomenon in which younger generations are reevaluating the value of “analog” entertainment. Among the most appreciated activities are also board games, which continue to be highly successful. In addition to classics like Monopoly, Risk!, and Clue, which remain among the best sellers, lesser-known titles such as Codenames, Bang! or Kingdomino are also gaining popularity, along with escape room experiences.

But why are more and more young people getting into activities like burraco, bowls, or board games? According to many enthusiasts and industry experts, these pastimes offer several advantages over other hobbies. The first is economic: all of these activities have a lower cost compared to sports or video games and do not require additional devices such as equipment, consoles, or computers. Secondly, they are truly timeless activities, whereas video games often lose relevance with the release of new versions. Another advantage concerns social interaction: playing “live” means sharing a direct experience with other people, fostering communication, cooperation, and the ability to read others' emotions. The dynamics of the game encourage participants to follow the rules, deal with winning and losing, and develop strategies that stimulate critical thinking. Finally, there is an important aspect related to mental and physical well-being. Numerous studies show that social interactions not mediated by a screen help reduce stress, improve mood, and even slow cognitive decline. Activities such as burraco, bowls, or board games therefore offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen not only social bonds but also the mind.