Modern Age of Tabletop Gaming

Overview

• The modern age of board gaming is considered to have begun in the late 1970s and early 1980s, especially in the 1990s.
• A significant shift in tabletop gaming was marked by influential games and industry changes.

Influential Award: Spiel des Jahres

• Introduced in 1978 as a prestigious board game award in Europe.
• Winning or being nominated can significantly boost a game's sales.
• Criteria for the award:
  • Game concept: originality, playability, and value
  • Rule structure: clarity and visual layout
  • Design: functionality and workmanship
• Notable award winners include Pandemic Legacy, Dominion, Ticket to Ride, and Carcassonne.

Settlers of Catan (1995)

• Considered a watershed moment in tabletop gaming.
• Designed by a German dental technician.
• Unique features:
  • Indirect conflict – players race against each other rather than face direct battles.
  • Continuous involvement – players are engaged even when it's not their turn.
  • Replayability – the board is made of hexagonal tiles that change every game.
• Sold over 32 million copies, indicating its immense popularity.

Other Notable Games

• Warhammer (1987): A miniature tabletop war game with a focus on large armies and customization through painting miniatures.
  • Miniature gaming has expanded with 3D printing.
• Magic: The Gathering (1993): A collectible card game requiring significant investment.
  • Designed for convention goers; acquired by Wizards of the Coast.

Recent Developments in Tabletop Gaming

• BoardGameGeek: Founded in 2000, a central resource for game reviews and tips.
• Kickstarter: A major platform for funding board games.
  • Games like Conan the Barbarian and Gloomhaven achieved immense funding success.
• Tabletop Media:
  • TableTop hosted by Wil Wheaton and Felicia Day increased gaming popularity.
  • Platforms like Steam offer tabletop simulators.
  • YouTube channels like Dice Tower, Watch It Played, and Shut Up & Sit Down provide content on board games.

Growth of the Industry

• Significant increase in the number of board games released annually since 1995, indicating growing popularity and economic impact.

Conclusion

• The modern age of tabletop gaming is characterized by innovative games and platforms supporting their development and popularity.
• The growth of board gaming reflects increased global interest and commercial success.