Why Tabletop Games are Thriving in the Online Space

Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by Caesar

Why Tabletop Games are Thriving in the Online Space

Something really quite fascinating is happening in the digital gaming sphere…we’re seeing a resurgence of some pretty classic games. Yes, tech developments are still going strong and there’s all manner of newfangled gadgets and next gen gaming consoles now available, but it seems that nostalgia’s got a firm grip on the global gaming community.

Imagine, those tabletop games we typically would’ve gone to the hobby store to buy are now unfolding across screens galore…and gamers can’t get enough of them! It’s an evolution that we really couldn’t have predicted, but here we are.

What’s behind this digital success story? And why exactly are card games like blackjack and fiendishly difficult strategy games like Catan thriving in the online space?

The Digital Card Gaming Boom

Card games are old, really old in some cases. Historians even say that we’ve been playing with cards for millennia. So they must be pretty special to not only still be in play here in 2025, but to have crossed over into the digital realm.

It’s easy to see why playing with cards is still such a popular pastime even today: they’re easy to pick up and put down, and once you get going with a game it’s a pretty compelling activity. Add an extra element, like placing bets on the outcome and you have all the makings of longevity.

Blackjack is an enduring card game that’s been around for centuries and in the online space, it’s proving to be just as compelling as it is in the casino or around your kitchen table. Online blackjack is a core vertical in the iGaming sector, so you know that software developers and gambling operators have invested heavily in updating the game for a 21st century audience. The best online blackjack experiences deliver crisp visuals and dynamic gameplay, all from the comfort of home.

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It’s not all gambling games, though. Digital collectible card games (CCGs) like Hearthstone have taken trading card gaming to a whole new level. Released in 2014, Hearthstone racked up a phenomenal 100 million registered players as of 2018 and it’s still going strong today.

Similarly, Magic: The Gathering Arena brings this iconic trading card game bang into the modern era. In both cases, not only does digitalization mean that existing players can find new ways to interact with the game, it also serves as the perfect way to hook new generations of tech-savvy players.

Tabletop Games in the Online Space

Beyond card games, classic tabletop board games have also found a new lease of life online.

It sounds like a bit of a contradiction, right? After all, tabletop games are designed to be played on a table. The mechanics of such games require in-person interactivity too—think rolling dice, moving counters and watching your opponents like a hawk. Incredibly, digital adaptations are proving that these games work just as well when accessed on a screen.

Take Catan Universe, the online version of The Settlers of Catan. Now, this is a game that’s loved the world over for its high degree of challenge, but the online version perfectly adapts everything from visuals to its resource-trading mechanics for digital play.

Then, there’s Dungeons & Dragons. While it might not fall neatly into the board game category, it nevertheless deserves its place in the ranks of iconic in-person games. Happily, it’s just as enjoyable to play online, with virtual tools like D&D Beyond aiding its transition.

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Factors Driving Popularity

It’s not just nostalgia that’s fueling the success of tabletop games in the digital realm. After all, with more gaming genres and ways to play games available these days, it takes a bit more than whimsical memories of days gone by to make something stand out. So, what are the factors that are driving the popularity of blackjack, D&D and Hearthstone?

Well, accessibility plays a key role. Digital versions of these games eliminate the vast majority of barriers that may have kept their physical counterparts from truly breaking into the mainstream. Whether you’re accessing browser games or downloading an app to your smartphone, all you need is an internet connection and a compatible device and you’re ready to dive in.

Connection is important too—connection between humans! All of these games thrive on the community building that’s integral to their gameplay (just try enjoying a round or two of Magic: The Gathering alone and you’ll soon find out what we mean!). By shifting online, these games have taken community building to a global level. Whenever you’re based in the world, you can team up with international players to enjoy matchmaking and friendly competition.

There’s the upgrade factor to consider as well. Online versions of tabletop games retain all the elements that we know and love from their analogue editions, while enhancing them with the latest and greatest of tech innovations. You can see just how successful this is with innovations like live dealer blackjack and the nifty AI opponent feature for solo Catan players.

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