Video Games and BINGO!

A while ago, I got into speedrunning with one of the most popular games, Super Mario 64. Aside from the usual x-star categories, having watched some, you might have stumbled upon bingo. If you haven't, let me explain.

Video Game Bingo

Example Bingo Field for Super Mario 64 generated on
https://www.speedrunslive.com/tools/sm64-bingo/

In a video game bingo, you complete random mini-challenges. These include  100% completing a level, getting a certain amount of lives, or doing something optional. Whether it's for fun, to beat a specific time or battle other people.^[1] You place the challenges in a 5x5 grid, and as usual, you win by getting a bingo, which is a completed row, column, or diagonal.^[2] Though variants of this requiring you to achieve multiple winning conditions like double or triple bingo exist. You might as well do the whole board, but that defeats the purpose of choice. You could also split into teams and work towards a goal together.^[3] And you can do this with any game!

Bingo field created by
GreenyNeko on bingobaker.com

Can You Make Your Game Bingo Friendly!?

Comparing games like Super Mario 64 and Tetris, we notice a limit during brainstorming mini-challenges for Tetris. Thus certain games, are better suited. But why? A noticeable element is the increased optional content. However, in a rhythm game like Osu!, we have lots of options on what songs to play. We notice a lack of diversity when looking at the bingo I made for this game.^[4] Therefore variety in the optional content of a game is key to make a game Bingo friendly.

Conclusion

Regardless of you trying this for yourself or making your next Bingo-friendly-game. It's a fun way to spice up old completed games or having more fun with friends. You can make your own Bingo card, check out others on Bingosync or SpeedRunsLive, or check out videos on people doing those runs.

Have fun and until next time. :P

^[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQF3AyVlNq0

^[2] https://www.speedrunslive.com/tools/sm64-bingo/

^[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3DuqbqpSaY

^[4] https://bingobaker.com#cfa78ff4d69fc7ed