Tabletop Simulator
Tabletop Simulator is a multiplayer sandbox video game developed and published by Berserk Games, released in full on June 5, 2015, following an early access period starting in 2014, available on Steam for Windows, macOS, and Linux.[1][2] It simulates physical tabletop gaming through a physics engine, enabling players to manipulate virtual objects like cards, dice, and boards in real-time, with support for up to eight simultaneous online participants and features such as table-flipping for expressive gameplay.[1][2] The game distinguishes itself via Lua scripting for automating game mechanics, a Steam Workshop integration for user-generated mods replicating thousands of commercial and custom tabletop titles, and virtual reality compatibility added in subsequent updates, fostering a robust ecosystem for digital adaptations of analog games.[1] Its reception has been overwhelmingly positive, evidenced by a 97% approval rating from over 72,000 user reviews on Steam, reflecting its utility in bridging physical and digital play, particularly amid restrictions on in-person gatherings.[3] While praised for democratizing access to complex board games like Twilight Imperium, it has faced isolated criticisms over community moderation practices and intellectual property disputes involving mod creators, though these have not significantly impacted its core functionality or popularity.[1]
Berserk Games has expanded the title through official DLC partnerships with publishers for licensed simulations, such as Wingspan and Boss Monster, alongside continuous engine upgrades enhancing performance and customization.[4] This evolution underscores Tabletop Simulator's role as a versatile platform prioritizing player-driven content over prescriptive rules, embodying a commitment to sandbox creativity in the tabletop genre.[1]