Online Board Games – Digital Options to Maintain a Human Connection
Just because we’re all stuck in doors while social distancing, doesn’t mean we can’t get together and play board games. It’s a good way to stay connected with people during this trying time.
If you’re wondering why I’m recommending you flout social distancing rules, I’m not. Gaming is normally associated with video games that are played online. Well, board games have been around for much longer and they’re now available to be played online as well! If you already have the board game that you want to play, you could also just get on a calling or chat app like Discord, and play the game with your friends over webcam. For obvious reasons that won’t work for games where you need to keep your cards secret, but that isn’t an issue with games like Settlers of Catan, Hero Realms, Harry Potter, and so many more. If you want to buy more physical board games then I recommend you checkout the ratings and rankings on Board Game Geek.
Now, if you’re not interested in spending any money purchasing a bunch of board games, you might be more interested in using a digital platform to play online board games instead. Of course, a bunch of the more popular games have their own platforms or apps (available on App Store and Google Play Store) on which you can play them, but if you want access to more games then maybe one of the board game tabletop simulators will be for you. The one I’ll be talking about, because I actually play on it and it’s free, is Tabletopia. I’ll also be mentioning a few popular, award-winning, and of course super fun, board games that are available on it.
What is Tabletopia?
I already mentioned that Tabletopia is a simulator for playing online board games, but it’s much more than that. There are over 800 games available that you can play directly on your web browsers on Mac and Windows platforms, or you could download it on Steam, App Store, and Google Play Store. There’s even an option for building your own board games or bringing your printed board games onto the digital platform.
All you have to do to play is pick a game, read up on the rules as they don’t enforce them for you, invite your friends, and get playing! It’s almost as if everyone is sitting around the table with you. Of course, to help you guys keep talking it’ll be helpful if you use a chat/call application like Discord, or any application you prefer. The reason I mention Discord is because it’s the go to application for most gamers. It has great sound quality and is super easy to use. If all the gamers are using it, there’s got to be something good about it right? Anyhoo, let’s get to the games! Most of these games can be played solo as well!
5 Awesome Online Board Games Available on the Tabletopia Board Game Simulator
An economic strategy game for 2 to 4 players, though can be played solo as well, Brass: Birmingham is the sequel to the 2007 masterpiece, Brass. It tells the story of entrepreneurs that were competing during the industrial revolution. You’ll need to build, develop, and establish your industries and network to exploit market demands and opportunities. With brewing becoming a fundamental part of the culture in this edition of Brass, you’ll need to sell your product, along with other products like cotton, pottery, or manufactured goods, to other traders. The twist is, to sell those other products to these traders, you’ll need to drink that beer. Just like real business, isn’t it?
Another economic strategy game for 1 to 4 players, Clans of Caledonia is set in 19th century Scotland during an era when Scotland made the transition from an agricultural country to an industrialized one. You play members of the old clans trying to use your skills and abilities to earn the most wealth and fame. The game has a blend of different board game mechanisms and also includes elements of engine-building games. Take turns building, upgrading, trading and exporting different products like whisky, bread, and cheese! A highly interactive strategy game that’s very easy to play once you understand the rules and mechanics.
The current version of this game is the re-imagining of the abstract 2004 edition. Santorini plays 2 to 4 players and has been continually developed, enhanced, and refined by its designer. It’s a strategy game, but for a change of pace not an economic one. It’s simple enough that younger players can enjoy it, while it has enough depth and content for more hardcore gamers to enjoy. Play as powerful gods and heroes as you aim to build your way to victory.
Another change of pace as we now focus on the engine-building game Scythe. Set in an alternate-history 1920s period, the game takes you on a journey to a time of farming and war, broken hearts and rusted gears, innovation and valor. That’s according to the developer. 1 to 5 players will each represent a character from different factions of Eastern Europe. Your goal is to earn your fortune and claim your faction’s stake in land. Conquer territory, enlist new recruits, reap resources, gain villagers, build structures, and activate monstrous mechs as you aim to be the master of your fate.
This game is not for the claustrophobic. The clue is in the name. Sub Terra is a cooperative game for 1 to 6 players where you take on the role of amateur spelunkers (cavers) trying to escape a network of subterranean tunnels. Do this before the lights go out or the darker things beneath the Earth catch up to you. Work together to explore and reveal the tunnel system around you and try to survive various perils from floods and cave ins to gas leaks. Keep in mind that you don’t have an endless supply of cards.
Now is a Good Time to Get Into Board Games
For many people, being forced to stay indoors and away from people could be torture. For others, it might be something they’ve been practicing for all their lives. But the fact of the matter is, most of us need some amount of social contact to keep from going mad. So yes, we’re staying away from each other physically, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose connection. Get in touch with your friends and family. To make sure you don’t run out of things to talk about or get bored, try some board games. There are plenty out there and we’d be more than happy to help you choose some to play or even to help explain them to you. Contact us via our Facebook or through our website. Stay safe, stay healthy, be happy, and see you on the other side.