They say history repeats itself, which in this case, is a good thing. Tabletop and board games have seen a monumental rise in popularity over the past ten years... and we here at TheGamer couldn't be happier!
We continue our "Best of the Decade" coverage with TheGamer News Team's Tabletop Games of the Decade!
Sam Watanuki - Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition
I always wanted to play D&D growing up, but the barrier to entry always felt incredibly intimidating for this closet introvert. Finally, when my nephews were old enough, I decided to jump into 5th Edition headfirst with them, and haven't looked back. The game is more accessible than ever, thanks to its rise in pop culture and digital footprint. I may be late to the party, but playing D&D will always bring me back to a simpler time where imagination didn't require a wifi connection.
Scott Baird - Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition
The fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons not only managed to win the crowd back that was turned off by the fourth edition, but it also helped to cement the game’s status as the most popular tabletop RPG of all time. There are people playing the latest edition of Dungeons & Dragons all over the Internet, and interest has never been higher in both the game and tabletop RPGs in general. The new edition manages to be accessible to new players while being deep enough to satisfy hardcore gamers.
Eric Switzer - Settlers of Catan
The ultimate gateway drug for hobbyist tabletop gaming, Catan has indoctrinated parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws across the country into real boardgaming. It's accessible, highly strategic, infinitely repayable, and has managed to turn non-gamers into boardgame players for life. Catan even has tons of expansions to further wet the feet of non-gamers and teach them the collector-y ways. It's a truly evil game and I love it so much.
Jamie Latour - Dead of Winter
We always wonder if we could survive the zombie apocalypse, and Dead Of Winter gives players the chance to see if they could hack it during the end of the world. A cooperative game (except for the potential traitor) where everyone tries to keep their characters alive, it becomes a tense, nerve-wracking race against the clock and the undead. It's definitely the best experience I've had with a boardgame lo these last ten years.
Patrick Sklar - Android: Netrunner
Yeah, yeah - 7 Wonders got me back into tabletop, and its mechanics are hugely influential, yadda yadda. But Netrunner? That's a GAME. It's a two-player, asymmetrical, cyberpunk heist competitive card game. It's chess meets poker meets the Internet meets technicolor. It's got bluffing and social commentary and every turn is filled with monumental micro-decisions. And best of all, it's finally beaten the Corporations - Netrunner is now an entirely fan-controlled game. Just don't tell Wizards Of The Coast.