Contemporary Tabletop Game Types

You may have noticed that we have been building up our tabletop (aka boardgame) library at the resort to where we now have over 500 games. Why? Quite simply because we love boardgames and believe that they are a natural complement to cottaging, as they are a perfect way to slow down and reconnect with one another in a playful way.

What many people do not realize is that tabletop games have in recent years experiences a renaissance in recent years, with a surge in popularity that goes beyond classic board games like Monopoly and Scrabble. Today, the tabletop gaming scene is brimming with a diverse array of options to suit all tastes and preferences. Let’s explore some of the different types of contemporary tabletop games that have captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts around the world.

1. Eurogames: Eurogames, or German-style board games, are known for their emphasis on strategy and resource management. Games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride have made this genre popular, with their engaging mechanics and relatively short playtimes.
2. Deck-Building Games: These games, like Dominion and Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game, involve players constructing their decks of cards to gain advantages and outmaneuver their opponents. Deck-building games are known for their replayability and strategic depth.
3. Cooperative Games: In a cooperative game like Pandemic or Forbidden Island, players work together to achieve a common goal. The sense of camaraderie and the challenge of beating the game itself make these games highly engaging.
4. Role-Playing Games (RPGs): RPGs have made a tabletop comeback with systems like Dungeons & Dragons, where players create characters and embark on epic adventures guided by a Dungeon Master. These games offer boundless creativity and storytelling opportunities.
5. Miniature Wargames: Games like Warhammer 40,000 and X-Wing Miniatures offer players the chance to command armies of intricately detailed miniatures on customizable battlefields. They appeal to those who enjoy both strategy and the artistic aspect of painting and modeling miniatures.
6. Social Deduction Games: Titles like Werewolf and The Resistance challenge players’ deduction and bluffing skills as they try to identify hidden traitors among them. These games are known for creating tense and memorable moments.
7. Card Drafting Games: In card drafting games like 7 Wonders and Sushi Go!, players select cards from a common pool to build their strategies. Quick to learn and play, they are perfect for both casual and serious gamers.
8. Legacy Games: Legacy games, such as Pandemic Legacy and Risk Legacy, offer a unique, evolving experience where the game board and rules change over multiple sessions. The decisions you make have lasting consequences, making each playthrough distinct.
9. Abstract Strategy Games: Games like Chess and Go have been joined by modern classics like Hive and Azul. These games emphasize pure strategy and often come with elegant, minimalist designs.
10. Party Games: For a lighthearted and social gaming experience, party games like Codenames and Dixit provide hours of laughter and fun. They’re perfect for gatherings and get-togethers.

These are just a few of the diverse categories within contemporary tabletop gaming. Whether you’re a strategic mastermind, a creative storyteller, or just looking for a good time with friends and family, there’s a tabletop game out there for you! The beauty of this resurgence is that there’s something for everyone, and with the right game, you can create memorable moments and lasting connections with fellow players. So, roll the dice, draw some cards, and enjoy the rich world of contemporary tabletop games.

You can find several games within each of these categories in our library at Springwood Cottage Resort. We hope that you will consider us for your next getaway and check out our games collection while you are here.