It’s always toward the table. The following article is adapted from the keynote address delivered by Julien Sharp, General Manager, asmodee North America, at the Association of Games & Puzzles International (AGPI) Annual Convention in Minneapolis on July 11, 2026. It has been adapted from remarks as delivered for print publication. I run asmodee's U.S. operations, which means I sit at the intersection of publishers, retailers, and the people who actually play games. After nearly two decades in the toy and game industry, I've had the opportunity to watch tabletop gaming evolve from a niche hobby into mainstream culture—which means I've seen enough cycles to have opinions, and enough humility to know I've been wrong before. Rather than looking backward at the industry's recent success, I'd like to look forward. Here are four predictions I believe will shape the next decade of tabletop gaming. If you disagree, good—that's the point. The best outcome is that this leaves you with something to debate. Growth Will Come from Broadening Participation Three games illustrate why I believe this....