Transformation of games played within the scope of recreation from traditional to digital

The relationship of games with societies gains deep meaning when examined in a historical and cultural context. Games are significant tools that reflect a society's values, norms, and lifestyle. Games and play materials, which have maintained their importance for people of all ages from the past to the present, have evolved in parallel with the changing needs and values of societies. As societies change, games and toys have adapted to this change, transforming in a way that suits the development of societies. Therefore, games are not only entertaining activities but also important indicators for understanding and evaluating the dynamics of societies. In today's world, the subject of games and play materials, which has evolved to a completely different point with the use of technology, has become an important research topic especially after digitalization. In this study, the evolution of games and toys from the past to the present has been chronologically examined. Following this chronological examination, games and toys have been evaluated in terms of their production methods, social stratification, and gender roles. The research findings indicate that as eras change, games and toys differ in terms of the materials used; they undergo a transformation parallel to the changing production methods of societies. Additionally, social class differences are significant concerning participation in games and access to toys; individuals' perceptions of gender play a decisive role in participating in games and selecting toys. This study also discusses key milestones in the development of digital games and introduces the concepts of "Elite and Mass Sports" based on sports sociology, which are then applied to the discussion of "E-lite Esports" and "Mass Esports".