By all indications, the cards game had a moment during the height of the pandemic. This was partly because the game was still played at the highest level, while a lot of other sports and public activities were either shut down or drastically altered. But it was mainly due to the fact that pandemic isolation led to droves of people playing online card games.
Again and again, reports emerged suggesting that while gaming activity was down, online card game revenues were up. People turned to the game to have something to do and to interact with other people safely.
Ease Across The Country
The full extent of this activity may not be sustainable once the pandemic is fully behind us. But interestingly, it happened just as laws regarding online card games are slowly but surely starting to ease across the country. We’re a long way from a fully legalized and regulated card game, but a few states have reached that point, and many more are expected to follow. It’s reasonable at this point to wonder if this combination of trends — people jumping into online card games and more states moving toward legalization — might represent the beginning of a new card game boom.
If you’re not familiar with the term, it harks back to the gaming boom around two decades ago. Back then, a surge of casual players joined the pros, turning card games into a widely televised sport, for lack of a more fitting description. The boom also led to tons of people playing the game for themselves online, effectively meaning we had a mainstream sport we could all more or less participate in.
Reasons that a second cards game boom would be a ton of fun.
First, it would be one more sport! Even if that’s not the perfect word for it, we have seen some new and fringe sports succeeding in major ways in recent years. It wasn’t that long ago that mixed martial arts existed on the periphery of the sports world, and now it’s effectively a major realm of entertainment. The success of eSports is the stuff of legend, and some see drone racing or VR sports thriving in similar ways. Now, there’s room for fresh and lesser-known sports. This means competitive card games have a better chance to shine on the stage than they did back in the early 2000s.
Inevitable Introduction of New Stars
Another very fun thing about a new card game boom would be the inevitable introduction of new stars. Fans who watched televised card game events in decades past know names like Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, and others, as well as known as prominent athletes in major sports. Cards game gives us a chance to see and get to know the top players in a way that even some major sports don’t always accomplish. If the cards game does see a fresh spike in inactivity, it’s only a matter of time before we see some figures like this emerge to capture our interest.
Naturally, the amateur side of things would be a lot of fun also. The process of playing card games online is still a simple one, typically involving just a quick sign-up and a deposit. It’s just that most in the U.S. aren’t used to online card games being an option. If the game does see renewed, sustained popularity, though — and legalization continues to expand — more sites will be available, and more amateurs will be playing online. This is fun for anyone with an interest in the game in that the more people are involved, the better. Online card games could become a common competitive hobby the way it was 15 or 20 years ago.
New Generation of Celebrity Players
Finally, a new card game boom could also introduce us to a new generation of celebrity players. Already, there are some younger, famous figures known to have an interest in the game.
Olympic star Michael Phelps has been an avid card game player for years, for instance, and Michael B. Jordan (incidentally someone on our list of the best black male actors under 40) has popped up at a charity event or two. For anyone with an interest in celebrity culture, it’s always entertaining to see people like this pop up at the tables, either at real pro competitions or at charity tournaments. And a card game boom would probably give rise to a few more celebrity players.
Who knows if we’ll see all this come to fruition? But right now, card games are on the rise again, and if the trend continues, we’ll be in for a lot of entertainment in the coming years.
Will Online Card Games Become a Mainstream Sport in the Future?
Online card gaming and esports are rapidly gaining popularity, indicating the potential for them to become a mainstream sport in the future. The emergence of online card gaming and esports has created a new gaming genre, attracting a large fan base and leading to the rise of competitive esports tournaments featuring card games like Magic: The Gathering and Hearthstone. The accessibility of online trading card games (TCGs) on various platforms, such as smartphones, consoles, and PCs, has contributed to their increasing popularity.
The growth of online card gaming is evident from the development of new digital trading card games and platforms, such as Sorare, which offers fantasy football, MLB, and NBA games with tradable digital player cards. Furthermore, the continuous evolution of online TCGs and the availability of a wide range of options for players indicate a promising future for this gaming genre.
New Generation of Celebrity Players that Might Emerge in a New Card Game Boom?
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, a new wave of celebrity players is poised to emerge in a potential card game boom. Keep an eye on rising stars like Emma “StrategistSorcerer” Garcia, known for her ingenious card tactics and charismatic online presence. With a knack for turning every match into a captivating spectacle, Garcia effortlessly blends skill and entertainment.
Another standout is Alex “CardCraftsman” Chen, a master at customizing decks for optimal performance. His innovative approach to card synergy and deck-building has gained him a dedicated following, making him a potential trailblazer in the card game scene.
And let’s not overlook the dynamic duo of Mia “MindMage” Patel and Chris “ChaosChampion” Rodriguez. This power couple brings a delightful mix of strategy and flair to the gaming table, making them a favorite among both casual and competitive players.
