In the past few years, Singapore has been experiencing quite a Indoor tabletop gaming renaissance. This revival is largely led by the waning patience for Gen Z youth who make a slow return to gameplay in favor of face-to-face experiences over their usual interface. This trend is bolstered by partnerships with tabletop game producers and digital teams, migrating a new wave of online games back to the physical gaming table.
A New Age of In-Person Play
One afternoon at a tabletop gaming café in one major city might give you an idea of how it looks. There they sit with their friends around a table, pushing miniature figures across complex maps. However, these places are more than just about the competition; they give you a place to socialize. It’s just a fun way to bond, “especially with all the tech and media coming up,” one customer said.
Nowadays, people don’t come out from their homes, so it’s a good way to do this. Grace Tan started a tabletop gaming café with her husband in 2018, but their business was slow at first. However, their café started becoming popular right after the word was out. It is nearly full on Fridays to Saturdays. Sunday comes a close second as Sundays are similarly bustling apart from Sunday evenings when everyone is gearing up for the workweek,” said Tan.
Indoor Tabletop Gaming Conquest: A Milestone Event
Rising excitement for tabletop gaming saw the first-ever Tabletop Gaming Convention at Suntec City this weekend, with more than 6,000 enthusiasts enjoying demonstrations and purchases directly from publishers. Attracting exhibitors from around the region, including China and Japan, the event was called Tabletop Conquest, an occasion to highlight recent products. Commercial winners were included as well; one on business development, another about a career in the gaming industry. Also, some conferences from marketing games overseas.
Experts at the trade show pointed to a growing trend for games based on online video games and films. According to a speaker at the convention, “We’re seeing in gaming a lot more mixing and matching of different collaborations like video game IPs being turned into board games or even 80s movies that form their own board game.” It is also inspired by nostalgia and the wish to convert famous video games and films into tabletop activity.
Local Successes
One of the benefactors of this trend is local board game producer Origame. That translated to a top-line improvement of as much as 20% for the company from then through this year. Origame attributed the growth to “better opportunities for folks making games – not just in SG, but happening more often in big western countries where suddenly there’s an interest to bring new perspectives on video games from other countries.”
Conclusion
The resurgence of tabletop gaming in Singapore points to the enduring popularity of an IRL play experience. Driven by a robust community, burgeoning partnerships between the digital and tabletop creators amongst us (e.g. Forgery Goblins & Lode Games), as well as events like Tabletop Conquest – it appears that there is much potential on this Sunny Singapore soil for tabletop gaming to flourish now and in time to come.
The possibilities are endless for game players and those who build games as the industry evolves. There promises to be a welcome return of Tabletop Conquest in the New Year, highlighting continued community interest and engagement.
What’s driving the resurgence of tabletop gaming in Singapore?
The revival is fueled by a younger generation (Gen Z) seeking face-to-face experiences and a return to in-person interaction. This is bolstered by collaborations between digital and tabletop game creators, bringing online games to the physical table.
What’s the appeal of tabletop gaming cafes?
These cafes offer more than just competition; they provide a social space for people to connect and bond in a fun, tech-free environment.
How big is the Singapore tabletop gaming scene?
The first-ever Tabletop Conquest convention attracted over 6,000 enthusiasts, showcasing the growing interest. Local game makers like Origame are also experiencing significant growth.
What are some trends in Singapore tabletop gaming?
There’s a rise in games inspired by online video games, movies, and nostalgia. This trend highlights the interesting mix of digital and physical gaming experiences
What’s the future of tabletop gaming in Singapore?
The future looks bright! With a vibrant community, industry events like Tabletop Conquest, and the potential for continued growth, Singapore’s tabletop gaming scene is poised to flourish.
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