Exploring Bolivia's Teen Gaming Culture

Bolivian teens have a wide range of games to choose from, with traditional games co-existing alongside modern entertainment. Traditional Bolivian games, inherited from the Spanish, test the strength, skills, and physical abilities of the players, mostly males. These traditional games are gradually being replaced by video games and modern forms of entertainment. Some of the traditional games include Thunka, a version of hopscotch, Carretilla, a wheelbarrow race, Enchoque, a handheld toy, and Sortija, a game played on horseback. Modern entertainment options include escape rooms, paintball, bowling, and arcade gaming. Additionally, video games are popular among teens, with games like Kerbal Space Program 2, Psychonauts 2, and Sea of Solitude offering beautiful graphics and intriguing stories.

Traditional games

Hopscotch (Rayuela or Thunka): This game is played by drawing squares on the ground with chalk: seven squares, one for each day of the week. Each player tosses a stone or another small object into the Monday square and hops into it on one foot. Then, someone tosses a stone into the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday squares, and so on until Sunday, where the stone is kicked out because the game has finished. Players can only hop on one foot and must hop into the square where their stone landed, otherwise, they are disqualified. In non-Andean Bolivia, this game is called 'Rayuela' and there are two versions: one for girls and one for boys, with variations in the number of squares, their names, and the objects thrown into the squares.

Carretilla: This game is played with four people, in two pairs. Each pair gets into a "wheelbarrow" position: one person with their hands on the ground and feet up, and the other person holding their partner's feet like the handles of a wheelbarrow. The two pairs race across the lawn, with one pair "pushing" the other like a wheelbarrow, and whoever gets to the end first wins.

Enchoque: This is a handheld toy and one of the most popular Bolivian games, especially in rural areas. It consists of a wooden ball with a hole in it, tied with a string to a piece of wood with a stick. The ball is thrown up, and as it returns, the player must try to catch it so that the stick goes into the hole. Today, there is a more commercial version that looks like a wooden wine glass, where the goal is to get the ball to fall into the "cup".

Sortija: Sortija means "ring" in Spanish. This game is played while riding a horse in a field and requires a good eye and great aim. A cord is strung between two poles or houses, with a disk (usually made of tin with a hole in the centre) strung through the cord. Players gallop towards the disk with a short, pointed stick and try to put the stick into the hole. If they succeed, they win a prize. If they fail, the next rider gets a chance.

Trompo: Trompo means "top" in Spanish. This game involves wooden tops with a metal point and a string. Players draw a large circle on the ground and each player must spin their top inside it. The aim is to make your top spin longer than the other players' tops and bump them out of the circle. Players can also slide their hands under the spinning tops and then drop them near an opponent's top to try and knock it out of the circle. The last top spinning is the winner.

Palo Ensebao: This game involves standing a tall, thick pole (about 8 meters high) in the ground and greasing it with wax or grease. A prize is placed at the top of the pole, and each player must attempt to climb it using only their hands and feet (no shoes or gloves are allowed). This game tests resistance and agility, and the first person to reach the top and claim the prize wins.

Video games

While traditional Bolivian games are being forgotten, video games are increasingly popular among teens in Bolivia. A survey of mobile gamers in Bolivia in June 2020 revealed that board games, strategy games, and puzzle games were among the favourite genres of video games.

Bolivia is also facing problems with alcoholism among its youth. One user writes:

> "1 USD per beer can lead to a lot of problems if you do not know how to manage it. It depends for some people is like a jail, for others is like GTA V".

Sports

While football is the most popular sport, Bolivians also enjoy playing traditional rural games such as trompo (a game involving wooden tops that are spun and then knocked out of a circle) and palo ensebao (a game where players attempt to climb a greased pole to retrieve a prize). These traditional games are usually played during festivals and special occasions.

Bolivia also takes part in the Bolivarian Games, a multi-sport competition that includes athletes from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. The Bolivarian Games were first held in 1938 and have been held every four years since 1973, fostering unity among the Bolivarian countries through sports.

Board games

Catan

Catan, previously known as "The Settlers of Catan", is a modern-day classic strategy board game. It involves trading, building, and managing resources to expand your settlements across the fictional island of Catan. This game is perfect for family game nights, as it fosters friendly competition and brings people together. With its simple rules and engaging gameplay, it's no wonder that Catan is a favourite among teens in Bolivia and beyond.

Codenames

Codenames is a spy-themed party game that's perfect for larger groups. Players split into two teams, with each team having a "spymaster" who knows the secret identities of 25 agents. The spymasters give one-word clues to their teammates, who then try to guess the codenames of the agents without hitting the assassin. Codenames is a fun and social game that encourages creative thinking and teamwork.

Monopoly

Monopoly is a classic board game that has been entertaining families for generations. Players move around the board, buying properties, collecting rent, and aiming to drive their opponents into bankruptcy. The game is all about strategy, negotiation, and a bit of luck. The Monopoly: Naruto edition adds a fun twist to the classic game, featuring six custom tokens and references to the popular anime series.

Clue

Clue, also known as "Cluedo" outside North America, is a mystery-solving game set in a mansion. Players move from room to room, gathering clues to deduce who committed the murder, with what weapon, and in which room. The game requires logic, deduction, and a bit of luck. The CLUE: Squishmallows edition adds a whimsical twist to the classic game, with a mystery centred around stolen mac-n-cheese.

Scrabble

Scrabble is a classic word game that has been a favourite among teens and adults alike for decades. Players use letter tiles to create words on a game board, with each letter assigned a specific point value. The goal is to score the most points by creating words that utilise high-value letters and premium board spaces. The Scrabble Vintage Bookshelf Edition adds a stylish touch to game night.

While these board games are popular among teens in Bolivia, traditional Bolivian games and outdoor activities also play a significant role in the country's culture. Games like "Thunka", "Carretilla", "Enchoque", and "Sortija" are passed down through generations and are often played during festivals and special occasions.

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Bolivia is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest. Teens can explore these beautiful environments by going on hikes with their friends. They can discover breathtaking views, unique wildlife, and experience the thrill of adventure.

Cycling

Cycling is a fun and healthy activity that teens can enjoy. They can ride their bikes through city streets, along countryside roads, or even embark on mountain biking trails. Cycling is a great way to stay active and explore new places.

Sports

Traditional sports such as football, basketball, and volleyball are popular among teens in Bolivia. These sports promote teamwork, friendly competition, and physical fitness. Teens can join local teams or simply play for fun with their friends.

Exploring Nature

Bolivia is rich in natural wonders, including the Salt Flats of Uyuni, the Madidi National Park, and the Amazon rainforest. Teens can go on nature walks, birdwatching expeditions, or even camping trips to connect with the natural world and learn about the importance of conservation.

Adventure Activities

For teens seeking an adrenaline rush, there are adventure activities such as river rafting, rock climbing, and bungee jumping. These activities offer a thrilling experience and a chance to test their courage and resilience.

Outdoor Games

Traditional Bolivian games like "Thunka", a version of hopscotch, and "Carretilla", similar to a wheelbarrow race, are fun outdoor activities. Teens can also enjoy modern games like capture the flag, frisbee, and hide-and-seek in parks or open spaces.

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