How Is New Technology Transforming Tabletop Games in 2025?

Tabletop games are a staple at home, the bar and other social spaces. While the classics are fun, new technologies elevate your favorite games with captivating innovations. What technologies should you look forward to in 2025 and beyond? Here’s what you can expect. 

1. Online Platforms

Who says your game has to be on a table? Thanks to intelligent developers, you can play your favorite tabletop games on various websites and software. Fantasy Grounds, Roll20 and Tabletop Simulator only scratch the surface of what modern players have. These websites are advantageous because they make everything digital. You no longer need a pen and paper!

Experts say card and tabletop game sales have surged since 2020, with people looking for connections. Moving your game night online makes it easier to play with family and friends worldwide. Online tabletop games are also beneficial because they have the rules embedded, thus reducing arguments about the rules. Just play and enjoy the experience.  

2. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integral to gaming since the primitive days. Due to online integration, it has become even more essential for tabletop games. Nowadays, you can incorporate AI through non-playable characters (NPCs) in Dungeons and Dragons and other prominent games. As the technology improves, your game nights become more fun and interactive. 

With AI by your side, you can unleash creativity and shorten the setup time. For instance, you can use generative AI to develop NPC names, backstories and occupations. While human creativity is excellent, it’s nice to have technology to speed things along. AI also helps create terrific visuals and build your desired fantasy world. 

3. 3D-Printed Tabletop Games

Do you have creative ideas for tabletop games? Advancing technologies let you use 3D printers to create miniatures and other essential pieces. With this tool, you can heighten customization and generate the terrain, characters and vehicles just how you want them. While a 3D printer can be expensive, you can save time and money by creating your items. 

If you want to use a 3D printer for your tabletop games, your primary choices are resin or filament. Resin is more expensive because it provides higher-quality pieces made from liquid. Conversely, filament originates from thermoplastics and is more affordable. Advanced technologies mean a modern 3D printer can print at around 500mm/s — a far cry from the past.   

4. VR and AR Integration

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have become more prominent in video games, though their time is coming for your tabletop. With these technologies, your game feels much more realistic and less like a fantasy. When you put on a VR headset, you immerse yourself in the game and interact with your surroundings. Multiplayer modes let all players enter the space together. 

AR similarly affects your tabletop game experience. With glasses or smartphones, the various elements of your game combine with the physical components. For example, your AR technology can display your competitors’ health levels or stats to increase the details. These virtual displays enhance the experience without cluttering your table and causing accidents.

5. Complementary Apps

Tracking everything on pen and paper can be challenging yet rewarding. However, today’s digital world makes these primitive tools less accessible to the average person. Thankfully, developers have created complementary apps for your tabletop games. Your only requirement is to find a phone with a solid battery life and durability.

Use a phone, tablet or laptop to record stats, story progression and other essential information. For example, you can use D&D Beyond for your Dungeons and Dragons games. This platform helps dungeon masters and their players learn spells and feats. Thanks to advanced technologies, you can display your screen on a TV to enhance the viewing experience.

New Technologies to Elevate the Tabletop Experience

Tabletop games are terrific for nights with family and friends. While they can be simple activities, your typical setup has become more technologically advanced. From VR headsets to 3D printers, the sky is the limit for your next game night. Developers and gaming enthusiasts have changed the tabletop experience and will continue integrating AI and other creative technologies.