Online gaming platforms

In addition to playing games with distant friends and family over video chat, there are a few specialized gaming platforms that my family has been using since we went into lockdown. All of the sites below have a way to play for free and I've also listed what you get if you pay the extra subscription fee.

Roll20.net -- https://roll20.net/
For tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. You can store your character sheets and roll dice, view maps, do video and voice chat.

• Plus membership: USD 5/month. Can play on mobile devices, more storage.

Board Game Arena -- https://boardgamearena.com/
Games have been developed so that you can play in real time or turn based. It prompts you for actions on your turn and keeps score for you. You're not allowed to have multiple players at the same location unless you have a premium membership to discourage cheating.

• Games we've played: Hanabi, Takenoko
• Games we're familiar with but haven't played yet: 7 Wonders, Carcassone, Love Letter, Race for the Galaxy, Sushi Go, Tokaido
• Premium membership: USD 4/month or 24/year. Premium games available, video & voice chat.

Tabletopia -- https://tabletopia.com/

Provides game board, game pieces, and instructions. Players move the cards and pieces around by themselves. No voice or video chat.

• Games we've played: Wingspan, Secret Hitler, Castle Panic, Viticulture
• Game we're familiar with but haven't played yet: Glorantha: The Gods War
• Premium members: USD 4.99/month and USD 9.99/month. Premium games available.

- Lillian