ludic void: where all the lost game pieces go

Dec 30

Written By Erika R

Ever painstakingly built the entire Mouse Trap board, only to find the perfectly weighted ball has gone missing? Or been trapped in an endless game of Go Fish, desperately seeking a match that's MIA? Or maybe you're about to unleash your inner Sherlock with a rousing game of Guess Who, only to discover one face missing? But WHO?

My friend, you have stumbled upon the Ludic Void.

ludic void
\ ˈlü-dik void \
Etymology: From Latin “ludo” (I play) + English “void” (emptiness)
Noun:
1. The state of frustration felt when a board game is rendered unplayable due to a missing piece.
2. A metaphysical realm where lost game pieces are said to reside, a parallel dimension where misplaced dice tumble endlessly and forgotten meeples gather in silent congregations.

It's like this: Need a new spatula? Amazon Prime it. Cracked your phone screen? No problem, there's a repair shop on every corner. But somehow, that one missing game piece – the one with the perfect amount of wear, the history etched into its surface – is irreplaceable.

Maybe the Ludic Void is a test of our adaptability. Or maybe it's just a reminder to keep your game boxes organized. Seriously, invest in some Ziploc bags, people. Either way, next time you're facing a game-ending loss, remember you're not alone.