The Rise of Tabletop Gaming in Singapore

While video games often take center stage in the gaming world, Singapore's vibrant tabletop community is proving that board games and miniature war games are far from obsolete. At the recent TableCon Quest 2025, more than 9,000 passionate gamers gathered to revel in various offline games, ranging from collectible card games to intricate fantasy war games, all emphasized by stunningly painted miniatures.

A Thriving Collectible Card Game Market

Asia's collectible card game market is booming, racking up nearly a billion dollars in revenue, with Bushiroad leading the charge. At the TableCon event, the Bushiroad Expo and Card Game Festival showcased fierce competitions where 2,000 players vied for exclusive prizes. Shunichi Taira, Bushiroad's CEO, noted, "Launching a new card game is tough, but we're seeing exciting growth and fresh entrants in the market."

Reviving Historical War Gaming

At the forefront of the historical war gaming scene is Saffarudin Bin Osman, a 35-year-old event organizer for Hex and Counter, Wargames Singapore. With about 25 committed members, the group meets monthly, reigniting interest in games that have been overshadowed by popular sci-fi titles like Warhammer 40K. Many players, predominantly in their later years, had paused their gaming decades ago but are now finding community and camaraderie once again.

Creating Engaging Games from Scratch

Not everyone in Singapore's tabletop world is just a player. Situ Jianle, a 37-year-old IT project manager, channeled his passion into creating a casual yet captivating board game called Spirit War. Designed for two to five players, this unique game twists the classic rock-paper-scissors formula. While his game is slowly gaining traction, Situ admits he’s focused on crafting something fun rather than marketing it aggressively.

Miniature Painting: An Art in Itself

One standout in the tabletop scene is the world of miniatures, where players can customize their sets to reflect their personal tastes. Unlike the more expensive Warhammer 40K, other games can start at a more affordable price point, attracting a broader audience. Evandra Tamzil from Para Bellum Games explains, "Singapore might be small, but it remains a key hub for active players, especially as markets grow in neighboring countries like Indonesia and the Philippines."

A Pandemic-Driven Resurgence

The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly spurred a revival in tabletop gaming, encouraging many to embrace offline interactions they missed during lockdowns. Benjamin Leow, founder of the #laiplayleow community, noted, "Post-pandemic, there's been an explosion of interest in tabletop games, with people eager to connect in person." His community, initially a casual group, is now collaborating with local businesses and promoting Singaporean game designers, helping elevate the scene further.

Conclusion: The Future of Tabletop Gaming in Singapore

With a mix of passionate groups, innovative creators, and a growing recognition of tabletop games as a viable hobby, Singapore's offline gaming community shows no signs of slowing down. As more players seek connection and creativity, the future of tabletop gaming looks brighter than ever.