When the sun rises, my day often starts with me checking my phone and tearing into some Pokemon card packs.
For the past weeks, I’ve been hooked on Pokemon TCG Pocket, a mobile game adaptation that has me hunting rare digital cards just like in the TV shows and video games. I’m not alone; friends constantly show off their pack finds in group chats, and social media is flooded with proud card collection screenshots. This isn’t an isolated phenomenon.
This year, card games have been everywhere, captivating minds and sparking endless chatter. Balatro took hold of gamers early on, and its grip hasn’t loosened. Playing Queen’s Blood in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was more exciting to me than dating Tifa or delving into the game’s lore—it was a break from the vast world, a chance to enjoy a strategic card duel. Everyone I know has jumped onto the Magic: The Gathering bandwagon, and with friends coaxing me, I joined too. By the year’s end, Pokemon TCG Pocket had become a staple, fueling our passion for amassing beloved creature cards.
In 2024, we all went crazy for card games, betting big on them, and it’s intriguing to ponder why this trend has skyrocketed lately. Though they differ in complexity, is there a common thread that ties these games together, explaining their remarkable popularity?
Perhaps many of us are seeking simplicity, and these games provide just that. Balatro combines Poker and Solitaire, blending old and beloved games. Strip away the extras like music and in-game purchases, and the core remains straightforward: create winning hands while tackling increasing challenges. Though there are twists like jokers and roguelike mechanics, at its heart, it’s a game easy enough to play for hours without much thought.
These card games often have simple rules that allow for mindless play. I can breeze through a round of Balatro even in a bustling airport. Pokemon TCG Pocket includes an auto-battle option for those more interested in collecting than battling. While Queen’s Blood can get complex if you follow its storyline, it’s generally about territory and numbers. These games are a nice escape from complex plots and decisions, offering comfort much like Triple Triad or Gwent once did. The ongoing appeal suggests players are still hungry for this kind of entertainment.
Complex games like Magic: The Gathering offer something different, drawing players in with their intricacy. I know this has been true for me.
Card games also offer a social experience that’s hard to ignore. What drew me in was seeing everyone around me engrossed in them. Friends have been collecting Pokemon cards for ages, and my roommate’s Magic: The Gathering sessions with friends are a regular sight. Watching people get caught up in Balatro’s poker-roguelike mix and challenge each other was fascinating.
As someone who usually games alone or with a select few, watching friends bond over these card games made me want to join in on the fun. I wanted to share the excitement of finding rare cards, try new things with trusted friends, and be part of the community. Even if it meant learning new games’ complex rules, I was eager to be where the people were. This experience even inspired a game called TCG Card Shop Simulator, showing I’m not alone in seeking these shared spaces card games uniquely create.
My love for card games began during middle school lunches. I collected cards but didn’t bother learning the rules until Yu-Gi-Oh matches during lunch sparked my interest. Card games offered a break from endless discussions about the latest big RPGs. They gave me a chance to connect with others over something fun. Today, I’m drawn back for similar reasons, and I wonder if others feel the same?
The exciting part is this card craze isn’t slowing down. Slay the Spire 2 is coming, and if it’s anything like the first, it’ll be huge in 2025. Balatro keeps adding new card collections from other games, calling these crossovers “Friends of Jimbo.” Riot Games is expanding into trading cards with League of Legends, and who knows what’s next? Whether online or in person, card games have seen immense success this year, and the trend looks set to continue.
More Best Of 2024:
