2023 is setting up to be the classic table-top games most successful year yet, proving that sometimes a pen and paper is all you need to enjoy an adventure.
Photo by Gian-Luca Riner on Unsplash.
The original role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), has seen a resurgence in popularity since its debut in 1974.
Now, players are seemingly turning away from playing videogames in favour of rolling the dice and testing their luck in this fantasy world.
Role-playing and boardgames like D&D have seen an upward trend in demand in the last two years, dating back to the beginning of the global pandemic.
The classic pen and paper role-playing genre has reached over 50 million concurrent players world wide in 2022.
This rise in popularity has spurred a spike in demand for table-top games as a form of entertainment, as seen by 4 billion minutes of twitch watch time spent on table-top-related content.
According to statistics on Zippia, Wizards Of the Coast, the company behind the game, generated nearly $6 billion in revenue in 2022 following its increasing popularity.
Yet with all the accessories and products available, D&D has proven to be a game that anyone can pick up and play.
Matthew Halton, president of the Table-top Games Society in Brighton, said: "Its very easy to, like, grab a group of people together and get them to make a character.
"You literally write down your stats and your characters background: what race they are, where they come from, and all that.
"Its just pen and paper, and roleplay, so its one of the cheapest games you could probably play actually and it can last for a long time.
"Its very easy to get into, and does not require you to spend a penny."
D&D play session, assets by Marx Fidel on @Diversifysketch, Canva
D&D has expanded to mainstream in recent years, with famous TV programmes like Stranger Things featuring the game and celebrities like Vin Diesel and Stephen Colbert being renowned D&D players.
It has even prompted a new film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, to release in 2023 - which has excited both veteran and casual audiences alike.
With new eyes on the board, Wizards of the Coast are increasing efforts to make the game more accessible through their ONE D&D initiative.
On their website, Wizards of the Coast said: "One D&D will take what we love ... and create an experience that is not only backwards compatible with the adventures and supplements you enjoy today but that will evolve the game for years to come."
Playing the game is not only a leisurely activity, there have been reports and studies to show that playing the game can build physical and mental benefits.
Board and tabletop games frequently demand strategy and analytical thinking in order to succeed.
Players must anticipate their opponents' moves, assess them, and prepare their own strategy effectively.
This form of gaming can aid in the improvement of cognitive function and memory retention.
Halton said: "It depends on the kind of games you play,
"like in Call of Duty, you can work as a team to complete the objective, its the same sort of thing in D&D.
"You work together as a team to complete the quest."
In a world where people are concerned about staring at the screen for too long, some time away from the computer is advisable.
However if your still in the gaming mood, table-top games like D&D have proven to be a fun and engaging alternative.
Check out the full interview here!
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