We're experiencing a Renaissance of board games: Is it here to stay?

According to market research firms Technavio and Imarc, the worldwide board game market is currently valued between $11 billion and $13.4 billion and is expected to expand by approximately 7 to 11 percent over the next five years. Recent data from the NPD Group indicates a significant increase in year-to-date board game sales compared to the same period in 2019, with a surge of 28 percent. Additionally, card game sales have risen by 29 percent, while strategic card games like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering have experienced an impressive growth of 208 percent.

Thanks to the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, it's now simpler than ever for emerging designers to launch games. According to BoardGameGeek, a website and online forum dedicated to cataloging every published game, over 3,000 new games are introduced each year (excluding expansion packs). The industry has diversified with a broader range of categories and themes, enhanced packaging, and superior quality game components. Additionally, many games now feature simpler rules and an increased emphasis on cooperative play rather than competition.

James Zahn, editor in chief of the Toy Book, noted that in the years leading up to the pandemic, games were gaining popularity. Across the country, board game bars and cafes were emerging, and attendance at major gaming conventions was on the rise.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic confining people to their homes, many continued to purchase card and tabletop games. NPD data indicates a surge in sales during this period, suggesting that families seeking ways to bond turned to games and puzzles for entertainment.

As restrictions eased, the trend persisted, with people craving social interactions after prolonged periods of isolation, according to NPD data. Major retailers have also embraced this hobby, expanding beyond classic board games produced by major toy companies.

Beyond Monopoly and Candy Land lie a multitude of adventures: exploring the cosmos, tending to a family farm, tracking down werewolves, constructing railways, or embodying a Viking vying for glory during Ragnarok.

The breadth and depth of themes and genres in the gaming industry are so extensive that nearly everyone can discover a game to enjoy. Tom Brewster, a writer and presenter at Shut Up & Sit Down, a UK-based game reviews website, remarked, "There's been a surge in people realizing that board games offer much more than Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble, and Settlers of Catan." For instance, Wingspan, a game about birdwatching from Stonemaier Games, emerged as one of the top sellers on Amazon this year.

Although classic games like UNO, Guess Who?, and Trouble remain highly popular, according to Lee, newer games such as Wingspan addressed a gap in the market that had been stagnant for decades. The creator of Exploding Kittens mentioned that this void motivated him to develop his own games, especially during a period when many of the new offerings consisted of complex German strategy games with lengthy rulebooks.

Board games are experiencing a surge in popularity, with numerous articles heralding a "golden age" or "renaissance" of board gaming.

In Germany, the birthplace of modern board gaming, the industry has seen remarkable growth, expanding by over 40% in the last five years. This year's four-day SPIEL trade fair showcased a staggering 1,500 new board and card game releases, attracting 209,000 attendees from across the globe.

What is it about board games that captivates people, and what new trends are emerging in the latest releases?

Four key elements contribute to the enjoyment of board games for both families and dedicated enthusiasts. Firstly, board games are inherently social, involving interaction with other players. Together, participants select a game, grasp its rules, and engage in the gameplay experience. Even an average game can become enjoyable and memorable when played with the right group of individuals. Secondly, board games offer intellectual stimulation and strategic challenges. Players must comprehend the rules, strategize optimal moves, and devise tactics to outwit opponents, resulting in a gratifying sense of accomplishment. In many modern board games, luck is transformed into a factor that can be managed rather than solely determining the outcome. Thirdly, board games are tangible and tactile, consisting of physical components that possess weight, substance, and aesthetic appeal.