Most of us associate card games with family trips as children, camping trips, or games played in university dorm rooms. However, if you have recently been considering pulling out an old deck of cards, or brushing the dust off a board game, you would not be alone.
Over the course of the last year, board games and card games have experienced a resurgence as more and more people have begun playing their favorite games again. What is behind this change and renewed interest in games you can physically play?
The COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching effects
By now, you are probably sick of hearing about yet another industry or human behavior that has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown periods. That being said, the pandemic has meant that we are all spending more time at home either by ourselves, with roommates, or our families, and although streaming platforms such as Netflix are constantly churning out new content, there is only so much television that anyone wants to watch.
For many of us, card games hold a certain nostalgia that harkens back to our childhoods, reminding us of fun evenings spent with friends and family. We are all in need of a little distraction, fun and comfort right now, and card games are one way to cultivate these feelings and connect with those around us.
The rise of digital
Another reason why many games are making a comeback is because they have been made digital and easy to play online with friends. Over the course of the last year, many of us have had seemingly endless video calls with colleagues, friends and family.
During social calls, conversation may stall and stutter as current events seem to just carry more bad news and no one is able to share anything new. Online card games and board games have become a way for friends, family and co-workers to connect online without having to discuss the latest developments of the pandemic, or just to help break up the tedium.
Classic games such as Scattergories, Pictionary, bingo and 20 questions can all be played virtually by those on the call. Companies such as Jack box Games have also exploded in popularity as their unique, quirky and fun games can all be played online, remotely.
Baccarat
Another type of card game is also rising in popularity – baccarat has gained in popularity over the course of the last decade. Everyone knows how to play poker and blackjack, but fewer people are familiar with baccarat, which is, surprisingly, one of the first ever casino card games invented.
Although previously overlooked, more people are beginning to play baccarat because it is easy to learn, you can develop your own strategies, and players have a reasonable chance of winning. This engaging and fun game may also be growing in popularity right now because, unlike slots, it requires practice to develop strategies in the game, and we are all experiencing a glut of time spent at home.
However, now that poker nights with friends or evenings at the casino playing baccarat are not possible because of COVID-19, online gambling has become a great way to enjoy card games while staying safe. There are thousands of online casinos that offer different games, bonuses and terms, so it can be overwhelming when you are trying to find the right online casino.
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New and innovative games
Any cursory search of a card games or board games store or website will show that there has been a massive amount of innovation and invention over the course of the last 10 years. Indie games such as Exploding Kittens, Unstable Unicorns or Kodama Forest would previously have had to fight for any funding or attention. Now, thanks to the popularity of crowdfunding platforms and social media, small indie creators are able to develop a loyal following, fundraise, and launch their games.
There is now a card game or board game for virtually every interest or inclination that someone might have. Individuals who perhaps would be less inclined to play Solitaire or Go Fish can now find dozens of different games that do interest them.
These are just a few of the many reasons why card games and board games have increased in popularity over the course of the last year.