yoppy / CC

An assistant professor of history at the University of Saskatchewan has been studying the history of Indigenous stereotypes in tabletop games.
Benjamin Hoy says the stereotypes in tabletop games have been going on since the 1800’s and continue in more modern day games such Settlers of America and Carcassonne  Gold Rush.
Over the years of tabletop games have depicted Indigenous people as savage enemies and as peaceful children says Hoy.
The purpose of the stereotypes was to increase sales as they caught the attention of children, boys in particular says the history professor.
The games also provided a teaching aspect for children with ideas of annexation and assimilation.
Following the Second World War, board game companies began using well-known brands such as the Lone Ranger and Tonto rather than developing new ones after the use of advertising increased.
To this day tabletop games remain a wealthy industry with more than 2 billion dollars in annual sales.
In fact April 28th of each year is dedicated to tabletop games with International Tabletop Day.