The family plan then and now

At first there was no plan. And supposedly, all good plans start out that way. Not by accident, but by wholehearted intent. However, that kind of planning takes time and plenty of foresight. Furthermore, it takes confidence in the future. Or at least, confidence that there will be a future. Because if there is a future, it means the plans will have a chance to unfold.

With this in mind, it should be safe to say that making plans can be an intuitive experience. Furthermore, it happens for everyone at one time or another. It’s that feeling of correctness when a plan seems to connect. And it seems to be even stronger in families. For example planning dinner for the family. Or scheduling trips to family gatherings. These things may seem small on the surface, but they take planning.

The family plan is the rule by which all other plans are measured. For example, if it’s about visiting with friends it can’t encroach on the family plan. The family plans say on weeknights, everyone must be home by ten, preparing for school the next day. The family is a protected zone. Therefore, things that are uniquely cherished in families become exclusive to the family. Memories are built on them. And more.

The Family Plan

In the early nineteen eighties arcade games were big. It took one quarter to play one game. The goal was to be good at the game. It saved money to be good at the game. Additionally the player could stay on the game longer. In those days, once the player walked away from the game, it could be a while before there was a chance to play it again. The lines were long. The games were rare. Arcades were rare.

Not to mention expensive. There were some at home gaming consoles. And they were expensive as heck. For example, the Atari. Ancient by today’s standards, the Atari was as rare as the Arcade. However, if one could be found, it was a sure bet the owner wasn’t at the Arcade. The convenience of having an Arcade game at home made staying in, worth it. Furthermore, it actually takes a Grandparent, to remember those days, these days.

Enter the Nintendo. At long last an affordable alternative to the game room. Or, the Arcade, for those who didn’t have the privilege of being there. In the first days of Nintendo, the dynamics of at home family life changed dramatically. Not only was it a game with all the elements of a board game, but also it was multi-player. Furthermore, it was right there in the living room. Or the den.

Then and Now

Multi-player. Or, the family option. A game system that an entire family could enjoy. Furthermore, it was family friendly in the sense that after buying the system, the only other expense was the game cartridge. Additionally, it had a fundamental impact on the family plan. Families, especially larger ones, are always looking for the best value. In the early eighties that was about more bang for the buck.

A one time purchase of a gaming system meant no more dumping quarters into Arcade games. The savings were noticeable for anyone who experienced the arcades of the day. Similarly parents could pocket tons of extra savings from just staying in for a game night with pizza. Homemade pizza. And Mario World 3. And one of the best things? After purchasing the Nintendo it was game ready. Plug it in and go. No internet needed. There were no gaming fees. And no membership fees. Just plug it in, and insert the game cartridge. Then pick up the paddle, and push start.

The Family Plan

No need to wait for matching opponents. No need to confirm passwords or subscriptions. Just immediate gaming fun. No wonder it was so family friendly. And just like the VCR of the old days, the Nintendo and home gaming systems alike, became part of the family plan. They were affordable and budget friendly. Some of the top things that families thrive on. Of course, that was then. And these days, things are quite different than they were then. A comparison that needs an additional article. Coming up next. Thanks for reading.

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