Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) invite players into worlds of imagination, strategy, and storytelling. From slaying dragons in dark dungeons to solving mysteries in haunted mansions, these games allow us to become heroes, villains, and everything in between—all around a table with friends. While digital games continue to evolve, TTRPGs remain a unique and enduring part of gaming culture. Here, we explore their fascinating history, the most popular systems today, and where you can find your own adventure in Florida in 2025.
A Journey Through TTRPG History
Before the phrase “role-playing game” even existed, the seeds were planted in miniature wargaming. In the early 20th century, players reenacted historical battles using rulesets and miniature figures. It wasn’t until 1974 that this tactical hobby transformed into a storytelling medium with the publication of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. For the first time, players controlled individual characters rather than entire armies, embarking on fantastical adventures shaped by their decisions and the roll of a die.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, TTRPGs diversified. Horror titles like Call of Cthulhu, cyberpunk worlds like Shadowrun, and the vampire-themed World of Darkness series offered alternatives to traditional fantasy. In the 2000s and 2010s, indie games emerged with a focus on narrative freedom, leading to systems like FATE and Powered by the Apocalypse that emphasized collaboration over complex mechanics.
Thanks to streaming shows like Critical Role and Dimension 20, TTRPGs surged back into the spotlight in the late 2010s and early 2020s. These shows made it easier than ever for newcomers to learn the game by watching, and helped create a global fanbase for a once-niche hobby.
The Most Popular TTRPGs in 2025
While Dungeons & Dragons remains the most recognizable and widely played TTRPG, today’s players have more options than ever. Pathfinder Second Edition appeals to those who enjoy deep character customization and tactical combat. Call of Cthulhu offers a rich horror experience, perfect for fans of investigative storytelling. If sci-fi is more your speed, Starfinder blends space opera with traditional RPG mechanics.
Indie games continue to thrive as well. Blades in the Dark places players in a gritty, steampunk-inspired underworld where they manage a criminal crew. Meanwhile, games powered by the Powered by the Apocalypse engine focus on fast-paced storytelling, making them ideal for newcomers.
In short, the TTRPG landscape is more diverse than ever, allowing players to find (or create) systems that perfectly match their interests and storytelling styles.
Finding Adventure in Florida: TTRPG Events and Communities in 2025
If you’re in Florida and looking to join a game, there’s never been a better time. Across the state, thriving communities are running events for beginners and veterans alike.
In Orlando, the Orlando Adventurer’s Guild hosts regular Dungeons & Dragons sessions, including official Adventurers League campaigns like Wild Beyond the Witchlight and Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel. Events are often held at local game shops like Coliseum of Comics in Clermont, and the community continues to grow with over 3,000 members.
Tampa Bay is home to the Tampa Gaming Guild, a nonprofit organizing weekly and bi-weekly TTRPG meetups at the Bridge Center in Tampa. Whether you’re into classic AD&D, modern D&D 5e, or indie one-shots, there’s a table for you. Smaller groups, like the Brandon & Seffner AD&D group, are also active, welcoming players interested in old-school revival games.
Jacksonville’s gaming scene includes cozy spaces like Darby’s Dungeon, a board-game bar that frequently hosts RPG nights. The city also welcomes newcomers at Game & Party Con, a late-summer convention offering RPG sessions, cosplay contests, and workshops.
In the St. Petersburg area, the St. Pete & Pinellas Tabletop RPG Group hosts regular in-person games with a friendly, low-pressure atmosphere. From long campaigns to casual one-shots, the group emphasizes creativity and inclusivity.
Beyond individual groups, Florida plays host to growing conventions like Quest Con Orlando (September 19–21, 2025), which features TTRPG events, miniature wargaming, and immersive storytelling experiences.
Start Your Story
Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned dungeon master, there’s a place for you in the world of tabletop RPGs. All it takes is a willingness to imagine, collaborate, and maybe roll a few dice. If you’re in Florida, the community is ready to welcome you in 2025—with events, conventions, and game nights happening every week.
Grab your character sheet. The adventure is waiting.
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