In the mornings, I usually wake up, grab my phone, and start opening some Pokemon card packs.
Recently, my mornings have been filled with the excitement of the Pokemon TCG Pocket app, where I chase after those elusive shiny cards for my digital collection. It’s become a sort of ritual, and I’m definitely not the only one hooked. My group chats buzz with friends sharing their card pulls, and social media is flooded with screenshots of everyone’s latest treasures. Everywhere you look, card games have taken over conversations. Balatro grabbed gamers’ attention early on and didn’t let go. While playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, it was the card game Queen’s Blood that stole my heart, more than the big adventures or romantic scenes. Magic: The Gathering has captivated many, including myself, thanks to its fascinating crossovers. By the year’s end, Pokemon TCG Pocket became a daily delight, filling our digital libraries with beloved creatures.
In 2024, we really went all out on card games, and it’s intriguing to think about why they’ve become so popular. These games may be different in how they work, but there’s something about them that ties them together and makes them so loved this year.
Honestly, I think we just wanted something simple, and many of these card games fit that need perfectly. Balatro mixes Solitaire and Poker, creating a game that’s both old and new. Strip away the extras, and it’s just about making great hands like straights and flushes while meeting crazy goals. Sure, there are jokers and roguelike elements that spice things up, but at its core, it’s easy as pie.
These games are often easy to play without much thought. In a busy airport, I can play a round of Balatro effortlessly. Pokemon TCG Pocket even has an auto-battle feature if you just want to collect cute creatures. Queen’s Blood can get more complex if you dive deep, but it’s generally about conquering lands and boosting numbers. It feels nice to escape from big, complicated stories and just enjoy something simple, like with older games such as Triple Triad and Gwent. Players really seem to love this style of gaming.
But when games get more complex, like with Magic: The Gathering or high-level play in others, there’s something else that draws people in, and I know it’s true for me too.
The social side of card games is a huge part of their appeal. I’ve been drawn to them because everyone around me is into it. Many friends have been collecting Pokemon cards for ages. My roommate hosts long Magic: The Gathering sessions at our place. People have become obsessed with Balatro’s poker and roguelike mix, challenging each other with wild power-ups.
As someone who often plays solo, seeing friends bond over these games made me want to join in. I wanted to share the excitement of discovering rare cards with others. I craved the experience of trying new things in trusted company. If that meant learning tricky rules around a table, I was ready. Even the game TCG Card Shop Simulator, which captures this community vibe, was a hit, showing I’m not the only one seeking these connections.
My love for card games started during school lunch breaks. I collected lots of cards as a kid but never learned to play them properly until Yu-Gi-Oh became a lunchtime favorite. Even back then, it was a break from the usual video game chatter and a chance to connect with others. Now, years later, I’m diving back into card games for similar reasons, and I wonder if others feel the same way.
This card game craze shows no signs of slowing down. With Slay the Spire 2 on the way, building on the first game’s success, 2025 looks promising. Balatro is adding themed card collections, and Riot Games is expanding into trading cards with League of Legends. Whether online or in real life, card games have been a massive hit, and they’re likely to keep thriving into the next year.
