If you’ve noticed that tabletop RPGs have gained popularity in recent years, you’re not crazy for thinking so. There’s a lot that factors into that surge of popularity like gaming streamers, accessibility, and community growth. If you’re among those new to the hobby and looking to explore, the Athens Public Library hosts weekly meetups on Saturdays from 12-5pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out and meet other players and learn new ways to play.
The Rise in Popularity of Tabletop RPGs
Tabletop RPGs have picked up traction in recent years. Even a decade ago, you wouldn’t be likely to hear friends and acquaintances talk about their weekly Dungeons and Dragons night. Anyone who did would have been in the minority, and they would have also likely been labeled as nerdy. Now, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The rise is mostly due to significant cultural changes—for example, those nerdy interests we talked about are actually much more widely accepted now. The debut of Netflix’s Stranger Things in 2016, a show whose original premise was based around a D&D-esque tabletop RPG, accelerated its shift in popularity. Coupled with online gaming and streamers, tabletop role-playing games reached a wider audience than ever before, and it paid off big time. Some psychologists even swear by using Dungeons and Dragons as a form of therapy.
The premise is simple enough—you take control of a character and act out adventures with a group of other people. It offers plenty of opportunities for worldbuilding amongst friends, and it’s a relaxing way to have fun.
The Tabletop RPG Club Meetups
Whether you’re already invested in a tabletop RPG, or you’re looking for a group to play with, the weekly meetups at the Athens Public Library are the perfect spot. The club meets weekly on Saturdays from 12-5pm in the large meeting room, so there’s plenty of opportunity to stop by for a game or two. The club is mostly targeted to teenagers and college students of any skill level.
