Good point. I think it's the combo of competitive gameplay and casual tools like puzzles or lessons. I bounce between that and checking sites like https://stake.in/ for esports odds—both scratch that “strategic thinking” itch in different ways
Why Does Chess.com Still Reign Supreme?

yeah plus chess doesn’t rely on flashy graphics its kind of timeless people can be 12 or 60 and still get hooked. also doesn’t hurt that streamers keep making it feel cool again
I started during lockdown and never really stopped. The speed games and tournaments keep it fresh. And it’s way less chaotic than most games out now 😂
Serious question—why do you think chess.com still dominates while so many other strategy games come and go? I figured the hype would dip eventually but it hasn’t.