tabletopgame

Tabletop games are games designed to be played on a table or flat surface, using physical components such as boards, cards, dice, tokens, or miniatures. They are typically social activities played with multiple players, though some can be played remotely using digital tools.

Tabletop games encompass several genres, including board games, card games, dice games, tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), and tabletop miniature wargames. Board and card games emphasize strategic choices and competition or cooperation, while RPGs focus on storytelling and character-driven action guided by rules. Wargames simulate military conflict at varying scales with miniatures and detailed rules.

Common mechanics include set collection, resource management, area control, engine building, drafting, and bluffing. Components such as boards, cards, dice, tokens, and miniatures encode information and facilitate interaction. A typical session involves planning, negotiation, and collaboration or competition, with lengths from 15 minutes to several hours.

Historically, tabletop games have ancient roots in Senet and Go, with modern board games gaining popularity in the 20th century alongside hobby gaming and Eurogame design. Influential titles and the growth of hobby stores and conventions contributed to a global tabletop gaming culture. Tabletop RPGs, notably Dungeons & Dragons, popularized collaborative storytelling.

Tabletop gaming can be played by families and friends and supports a wide range of audiences, from casual players to dedicated hobbyists. Many games support multiple players and offer solo variants. Play formats include competitive, cooperative, and semi-cooperative experiences, with session lengths from quick plays to sustained campaigns.

The tabletop game market includes traditional publishers, independent designers, and crowdfunding platforms. Digital adaptations and online platforms enable remote play, tutorials, and matchmaking, broadening access and continuing the evolution of tabletop gaming.