Family game night is a cherished tradition in many households. It’s a time for bonding, laughter, and friendly competition. While most people focus on the games, snacks, and entertainment, few stop to consider the vital role the oil and gas industry plays in making these evenings possible.
From the energy that powers homes to the materials that create game pieces, the oil and gas industry is the invisible force behind many aspects of this beloved pastime.
Here are five key ways the industry contributes to family game night.
1. Powering the Lights and Electronics
This ensures that families can enjoy well-lit rooms, functional air conditioning or heating, and uninterrupted gameplay on electronic devices such as gaming consoles, tablets, and smart TVs.
Additionally, oil and gas contribute to the backup power systems that ensure families can enjoy game night even during unexpected power outages. Without these energy sources, modern conveniences like digital board games, streaming platforms for interactive games, and online multiplayer experiences wouldn’t be possible.
2. Creating Game Pieces and Equipment
From classic board games to modern virtual reality setups, most gaming materials are made using petroleum-based products. Many plastic components—such as game pieces, dice, and cards—are derived from petroleum. The plastic in controllers, gaming consoles, and even the synthetic fibers in gaming chairs and tables also originate from the oil and gas industry.
Beyond board games, petroleum-based materials are used in making sports equipment for physical games like air hockey, foosball, and even outdoor cornhole sets. The durability and affordability of these materials make it possible for families to have a variety of gaming options without excessive costs.
3. Fueling Transportation for Game Night Supplies
Before game night begins, families often make a trip to the store to pick up snacks, drinks, and even new games. These goods are transported from manufacturers to retailers via trucks, ships, and airplanes—all of which run on fuel produced by the oil and gas industry.
Without reliable transportation, supply chains would struggle, and shelves might be empty when families go to pick up their favorite board games or video game accessories. The industry ensures that essential goods make it from production facilities to local stores, allowing families to enjoy a seamless game night experience.
4. Supporting the Snack Industry
No game night is complete without an assortment of snacks, from popcorn and chips to pizza and soda. The oil and gas industry is deeply embedded in food production, processing, and transportation. Natural gas is commonly used in food manufacturing plants for heating and processing, ensuring that snacks are cooked, packaged, and preserved efficiently.
Moreover, the refrigeration and packaging of perishable game night favorites rely on petroleum-based products. Plastic snack packaging, soda bottles, and even insulated delivery bags used by food delivery services are all made using materials derived from the oil and gas industry. Without this infrastructure, the convenience and variety of game night snacks would be severely limited.
5. Enabling Online and Digital Gaming
Many families enjoy digital game nights, whether through multiplayer video games, virtual board games, or streaming interactive quizzes. The oil and gas industry powers the data centers and network infrastructure that keep these online services running smoothly. Natural gas and other energy sources contribute to the electricity needed for internet connectivity, cloud-based gaming platforms, and server operations.
Additionally, the hardware used in online gaming—such as modems, routers, gaming PCs, and even VR headsets—contains components made from petroleum-based products. From the silicone used in microchips to the plastic casings of consoles, the oil and gas industry is instrumental in making digital gaming possible.
While family game night may seem simple on the surface, the oil and gas industry plays a crucial role in making it an enjoyable experience. From lighting and heating to the very materials that create games and snacks, this industry supports every aspect of the tradition.
As technology and gaming continue to evolve, the oil and gas industry will remain a foundational pillar in ensuring families can gather, compete, and create lasting memories together.
Article by Jason Spiess. Spiess has over 35 years of media experience from being the host to the publisher to an editor to the executive producer to having principal ownership in several media companies.
Spiess is currently the host of several newsmagazine radio podcasts that carry a 20-plus radio network, as well as worldwide through iHeart, Spotify and other podcast platforms. Spiess also operates a diverse professional social media audience with his media brands of over a combined 400K followers.
In addition to his newsmagazine radio podcasts, Spiess is a regular contributor to many industry publications, radio shows and traditional news websites.
Spiess is a full-time father, cancer survivor, environmental steward, author and graduate of North Dakota State University. Spiess also operates an off-the-grid office integrating sustainable solutions, including the best practices with an Industrial Forest and Digital Diversity.
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