The pandemic taught us that D&D could survive online – Roll20, Discord, and virtual tabletops kept our campaigns alive when we couldn't gather in person. But now that we can meet face-to-face again, many groups are reluctant to go back.
It can't be denied that online D&D has been a game-changer for our hobby, making tabletop gaming accessible to people who might never have discovered it otherwise. Digital platforms break down barriers for neurodivergent players who thrive in controlled environments, support those with mobility challenges or chronic conditions, and connect friends across vast distances. For many players, online gaming isn't just convenient – it's essential for their participation in our community.
That said, it can't be denied that for players open to it, in-person play offers some unique experiences that complement what digital gaming does so well. While the best D&D is always the D&D that works for your group, there are many things that make gathering around a physical table special.
Reading the Human Story
When you're sitting across from someone, you catch the full spectrum of their reactions – the way their eyes light up during combat, how they lean back when considering a difficult decision, or the nervous energy that betrays their character's "confident" bluff. These micro-expressions and body language cues add depth to social encounters and help DMs gauge when players are truly engaged versus just being polite. While video calls capture some of this, the intimacy of shared physical space creates a different level of connection that can enhance roleplay for those who enjoy that style of interaction.
Technical Simplicity
There's something refreshingly straightforward about dice that always work, character sheets written in pencil, and conversations that flow without lag or "you're on mute" interruptions. In-person play eliminates the technical troubleshooting that can break immersion in digital sessions. Your lucky d20 rolls the same whether the internet is down or the power goes out, and quick side conversations happen naturally without complex muting protocols or private message systems that can fragment the group's attention.
Engaging All the Senses
Physical dice have weight and make satisfying sounds when they hit the table. Battle maps spread across physical space let players examine details up close, and props you can actually touch create tangible connections to the story. The ambient sounds of a game in progress – pencils scratching, pages turning, snacks crunching – build atmosphere in ways that digital audio often flattens. For players who connect strongly with tactile experiences, these sensory elements can deepen investment in the game world.
Food and Fellowship
Sharing pizza or homemade cookies while gaming taps into something primal about human bonding. The pre-game catch-up while setting up miniatures and the post-session conversations while cleaning up create social connections that extend beyond the game itself. These moments of casual interaction often strengthen friendships and build the trust that makes great D&D groups thrive. While online groups can certainly build close relationships, the ritual of sharing physical space and food adds a different dimension to group bonding.
Enhanced Performance Space
In-person play gives players room to literally embody their characters – standing up for dramatic speeches, using gestures and movement to enhance roleplay, or huddling together to plan secret strategies. Physical space allows for theatrical elements that can make memorable moments even more impactful. Some players discover new aspects of their characters when they have room to move and perform, though others may feel more comfortable with the controlled environment of their own space during online sessions.
Finding What Works for Your Table
It's not about abandoning online play entirely – many successful groups blend both formats based on circumstances, preferences, and accessibility needs. Some players thrive in online environments where they have better control over sensory input, social anxiety, or physical comfort. Others discover new depths to their roleplay when given physical space to perform.
Consider your group's specific needs: Do you have players who benefit from the controlled environment of online play? Are there accessibility considerations that make digital gaming essential? Would the logistics of in-person meetups create barriers for some members? The best gaming format is the one that includes everyone who wants to play and supports their individual needs.
If your group is curious about trying or going back to in-person sessions, start small – perhaps alternate formats or organise occasional in-person gatherings to supplement regular online play. The magic of D&D lives in the shared storytelling and friendship, whether that happens around a kitchen table or across video screens.
