From ancient Senet to Counter-Strike and Nintendo – CityU’s ‘The Power of Play’ redefines games as culture

August 3, 2026 - 08:23

A new exhibition at City University is making the case that games are far more than simple entertainment. Titled "The Power of Play," the show spans thousands of years and multiple continents, positioning play as a fundamental thread in the fabric of human culture. It opens with ancient Senet boards from Egypt and moves through the centuries to modern digital arenas like Counter-Strike and the pixelated worlds of Nintendo.

The curators argue that games have always been a mirror for society. They are not just diversions but tools for social bonding, strategic thinking, and even political expression. The exhibition is arranged thematically rather than strictly chronologically, allowing visitors to see unexpected connections. A hand-carved wooden chess set from medieval Europe sits near a sleek, glowing arcade cabinet, inviting a conversation about competition and hierarchy across eras.

Interactive stations are a key part of the experience. Visitors can try their hand at reconstructed board games from ancient Rome or test their reflexes on a retro console. The goal is to show that the impulse to play is universal and timeless. Whether it is a simple dice game played by soldiers in a camp or a complex multiplayer online battle, the underlying drive is the same: to explore, to challenge, and to connect with others.

The exhibition also tackles the modern debate about video games and violence, offering a more nuanced view. It points out that games have always involved conflict, but they also teach cooperation, problem-solving, and resilience. By placing digital gaming in a long historical context, CityU hopes to encourage a more thoughtful conversation about its role in our lives. "The Power of Play" is a reminder that when we play, we are participating in a tradition that is as old as humanity itself. The show runs through the end of the semester and includes a series of public lectures and workshops for those who want to dig deeper.