Alright, gamers, card slingers, and tabletop warriors—it’s a new year. You know what that means, right? Another 365 days to roll the dice, shuffle the deck, and dominate your friends who will never admit you had the better strategy all along. (But, trust me, you did.)
Forget the typical resolutions about “eating better” or “getting organized.” Yawn. We’re talking about resolutions that will actually add some flair to your life, make you a better (and dare I say more annoying) player, and maybe even strengthen the gaming community you love so much. Let's be bold, deliberate, and unapologetic about our gaming lives in 2025.
Here's how you can truly own this new year.
1. Stop Being That Player
You know the one. The overexplainer. The rule nitpicker. The sore loser. Hell, maybe even the sore winner. Look, we’ve all been guilty of it—mid-game tirades about how “if this rule were better written, XYZ wouldn’t have happened.” Or maybe you’ve flipped your cards in rage because someone dared to beat you at your own favorite game.
This is your year to cut that crap. Nobody likes that guy. Nobody. Instead, focus on the fun. Disagreements over rules? Save it for post-game beers. Did you lose a match? Shake hands and plot your revenge. Won the game? Be humble—but not too humble.
2. Try One Game Completely Outside Your Comfort Zone
Yes, I know you've already mastered Gloomhaven or know your Magic: The Gathering deck like the back of your hand. But here's the deal—there’s a whole world of games out there that you wouldn’t touch with someone else’s dice bag. Party games? Too easy. Abstract games? Too vague. Does everything without minis just feel... meh?
Not this year. Pick something wildly different. Haven’t ventured into legacy board games? Give Pandemic Legacy a whirl. Hate word-guessing nonsense? Grab Codenames. And if you’ve been dodging cooperative games because you’re a born competitor—maybe it’s finally time to try teamwork. Spoiler alert: You might even like it.
3. Host a Game Night That’s More Than Just Gaming
Game night should be a vibe. Period. It’s not just about slapping down some cards and calling it a day. Think about the details. Snacks? Top-tier. Music? Set the mood. Drinks? A killer cocktail can win just as many hearts as your strategy.
And here’s the underrated part—don’t just invite the usual crew. Pull in someone new. A coworker. That neighbor you occasionally wave to but barely know. Your cousin who’s been convinced board games are just Clue reruns. Expand the circle. Why? Because every time someone gets hooked on gaming, the community grows—and you, my friend, were part of that. Bravo.
4. Participate in the Gaming Community Beyond Your Table
If you love gaming but you’re not actively fueling the gaming culture, what are you even doing? This year, do more for the community. Write reviews for games you’ve played. Share strategies or fun photos of your setups on social media. Visit your local card shop or board game cafe—not just to grab stuff, but to spend time there.
Maybe even teach a newbie how to play (Catan, anyone?). Be their Sherpa through the mountains of hex tiles and settlements. Yes, it’s a commitment, but, trust me, the satisfaction of seeing someone else light up over gaming is worth all the “Wait, what does this card do again?”
5. Invest in the Games You Believe Deserve More Love
Can we all admit we’ve been guilty of hopping on the latest hot game trends? Sure, blasting through Wingspan or Ark Nova is fun, but what about those brilliant indie games sitting unnoticed on shelves?
Make 2025 the year you discover a hidden gem, post about it, and convince your friends to buy it—or, better yet, crowdfund something new on Kickstarter. Be the champion for a game that deserves more love. You might just spark the next big thing, and we’ll all say, “Heck yeah, you called it first.”
6. Don’t Just Watch. Compete.
Half of you are already whispering, “Not me. I’m just a casual gamer.” But here’s the cold truth—sometimes we stay “casual” because stepping into competitive waters feels like an ego risk.
Nobody’s asking you to win Nationals on your first game. But how about signing up for a local tournament? Or crushing some randoms online in Hearthstone? Whether you win or lose, you’re in the game, making moves, and gaining skills nobody can take away from you.
7. Prioritize the People, Not Just the Pieces
This one’s a biggie. It's not really about the cards, the dice, or the mechanics. It’s about the people around the table. Whether you’re laughing over a strategic blunder or co-oping to beat a common enemy, gaming brings people together in ways no app or screen can replicate. This year, double down on that feeling.
Take tasks like balancing schedules seriously. Share hosting duties. And, if someone’s had a lousy day but still shows up? Celebrate that. Because at the end of the day, it’s about the memories you’re making (even if they just laughed way too hard at your epic loss).
A "You" Game for the New Year?
Here's the thing—New Year’s resolutions can either be laughable clichés or actual game-changers. But if you approach them with half the passion you pour into your tabletop triumphs, these ideas might just make 2024 your best gaming year yet.
Now, what’s your top resolution for 2024? Drop it in the comments—we want to hear your bold plans. And if you’re hosting an epic game night or crushing tournaments, tag us. Let’s make this year one for the books (or maybe the board). #GamingCommunity #NewYearResolutions