Board Games Market Synopsis

Board Games Market Size Was Valued at USD 13.06 Billion in 2023 and is Projected to Reach USD 32.00 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 10.52% From 2024-2032.

• A board game is a tabletop game that involves counters or pieces moved or placed on a pre-marked surface or "board”, according to a set of rules. Some games are based on pure strategy, but many contain an element of chance; and some are purely chance, with no element of skill.
• While the board gaming market is estimated to be smaller than that for video games, it has also experienced significant growth from the late 1990s. A 2012 article in The Guardian described board games as "making a comeback". Another from 2014 gave an estimate that put the growth of the board game market at "between 25% and 40% annually" since 2010, and described the current time as the "golden era for board games". The rise in board game popularity has been attributed to quality improvement (more elegant mechanics, components, artwork, and graphics) as well as increased availability thanks to sales through the Internet.
• A 1991 estimate for the global board game market was over $1.2 billion. A 2001 estimate for the United States "board games and pu13901.87le" market gave a value of under $400 million and for the United Kingdom, of about £50 million. A 2009 estimate for the Korean market was put at 800 million won, and another estimate for the American board game market for the same year was at about $800 million. A 2011 estimate for the Chinese board game market was at over 10 billion yuan. (Some estimates may split board games from collectible card, miniature and role-playing games; for example another 2014 estimate distinguishing board games from other types of hobby games gave the estimate for the U.S. and Canada market at only $75 million, with the total size of what it defined as the hobby game market at over $700 million, with a 2015 estimate suggesting a value of almost $900 million) A 2013 estimate put the size of the German toy market at 2.7 billion euros (out of which, the board games and pu13901.87le market is worth about 375 million euros), and Polish markets, at 2 billion and 280 million zlotys, respectively. Per capita, in 2009 Germany was considered to be the best market, with the highest number of games sold per individual.

Board Games Market Trend Analysis

The emerging trend in board games is a growing interest in euro games with a focus on community, design, and non-aggressive competition.

• Board Game’s recent market trend suggests an increasing interest in analog games. All over the globe board games are increasing their market shares in game sales. A particular type of modern board game is establishing itself as a staple of contemporary gaming, being euro games one of them.  These MBG differ from other games due to their high-end components, focus on design, and the designer, and refreshing mechanics, namely reduced randomness, and stress on cooperation and non-aggressive competition among players.
• Modern board gamers seem to see themselves as hobbyist players who seek for one another, form communities organize regular events, and participate in the development of board game culture.  This demonstrates a sense of community and passion for MBG, a statement made by hobbyists in several board game books. However, our findings open the door for other future research with new questions on this subject.
• For instance, on consumption habits, communication and networking, or social behavior, to mention a few examples. Further understanding consumption helps companies (publishers and shops) to better position themselves in the market and increase market shares, and designers to produce more successful games, hence it is important to ask where players buy their games, what type of games they prefer; are themes, components, mechanics, authors important for purchase motivation, etc. About this, it is important to better understand if players are playing both digital and modern board games if are they replacing digital games, or even if digital games will adapt and capture this growing niche market game characteristics.
• From a scientific standpoint, it seems that few researches on the field of board games are being published. The conceptualization still needs further clarification and new taxonomies must be created to classify new games. It was our goal to create a simple and clear concept of what are modern board games and what characterizes each different type. Also, different approaches to MBG, focus on the players, the community, designer and design, themes and mechanics, and market and marketing trends.

Opportunity

Growth was driven by board game cafes/bars, theme-based games, and analytical development.

• Board game cafes and bars are increasing in popularity, providing a distinct social environment for fans of board games. Their expansion, along with relaxed lockdown measures, is predicted to increase market expansion. Converting well-known themes from series, movies, comics, and video games into Card and Dice Games presents a profitable chance for the board game industry. By including well-known characters and plotlines, these games attract a wider range of people and increase interest, as demonstrated by the increased sales of chess sets following the popularity of the Queen's Gambit series.
• Increasing interest in table top games based on popular themes like movies or TV shows is drawing in both kids and adults. Players are attracted to games with popular characters, leading to increased interest from younger generations. Industry associations and organizations, such as The Table top Game Designers Association, promote the growth of the board game design and publishing market by working together, creating connections, and establishing industry standards, which in turn encourage innovation and growth within the industry.
• Educators and parents value board games for their educational and analytical benefits, helping children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, increasing demand for educational board games. Board games are attractive to people of all ages, providing enjoyment for a wide range of individuals and enabling publishers to meet the needs of various demographics and interests. The expansion of the middle-income group is opening up new avenues for the board game market. Growing disposable income enables a greater number of people to purchase board games, fueling market expansion and recognition.

Board Games Market Segment Analysis:

Board Games Market Segmented on the basis of Game Type, Game Theme, Age Group, Distribution Channel.

By Game Type, Collectible Card Games (CCGs) Segment Is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period

• Collectible card games such as "Magic: The Gathering" have flourished for many years, staying strong and maintaining their dominance in the gaming market. Collectible card games such as Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! are popular worldwide, drawing committed players from various areas and crossing cultural barriers.
• CCGs provide the opportunity for players to collect and customize their decks by obtaining and exchanging cards, leading to heightened involvement and duration. Gamers find pleasure in uncovering rare cards when they open booster packs, building up their collections. CCGs have thriving competitive communities, with tournaments available for players of every skill level. Gamers are motivated by the opportunity for rewards and acknowledgment to enhance their abilities and dedicate time to the gaming experience.
• CCGs constantly expand with new sets and mechanics, keeping gameplay fresh and engaging for players with dynamic content releases. Collectible card games (CCGs) capitalize on well-known brands such as video games, films, and anime to entice followers, grow their audience, and boost revenue. Collectible Card Games are the top choice in the gaming market due to their collectibility, customization, competition, and constant growth, attracting a wide range of players worldwide.

By Game Theme, Educational Games Segment Held the Largest Share In 2023

• Educational games blend fun and learning to engage parents, educators, and children through the integration of educational material for experiential learning. Parents and teachers emphasize the importance of education and acquiring skills by utilizing educational games for improved learning outcomes. Gamification enhances learning by making it enjoyable and efficient.
• Educational games follow curriculum standards, ensuring relevance in educational environments and offering useful tools for educators. Educational games include subjects such as math, science, language arts, history, and others, offering specific learning opportunities customized for each individual's needs and preferences.
• Educational games utilize interactive elements such as puzzles, quizzes, and simulations to involve players in developing essential skills. Interactive apps and digital platforms enhance educational games by providing interactive experiences, real-time feedback, and personalized learning pathways, catering to a variety of learners. Educational games have a positive effect on cognitive development, academic performance, and socio-emotional skills as they encourage curiosity, creativity, resilience, lifelong learning, and critical thinking.

Board Games Market Regional Insights:

North America is Expected to Dominate the Market Over the Forecast Period

• The board games industry in North America is large thanks to corporations such as Hasbro Inc., Mattel Inc., and Buffalo Games. The region's continued control is upheld by their innovative solutions, extensive distribution channels, and effective marketing plans, promoting growth and rivalry. Board game conventions are increasing in popularity in the United States and Canada, which is helping to drive growth in the market. They enable fans to discover fresh games, engage with creators, and participate in competitions. Gen Con and Origins Game Fair foster a robust gaming community and boost sales. Networking and collaboration opportunities are also a key factor in the market strength of North America.
• Rising adult interest in social Card and Dice Games is driving growth in the board games industry in North America. These games encourage socializing and provide a non-digital form of entertainment, especially for city dwellers with hectic schedules looking for offline activities. The increase in the upper-income tier population from 14% in 1971 to 21% in 2021 has contributed to market expansion in the United States.
• Prominent North American businesses are employing strategic marketing strategies to boost their international impact. Various efforts such as forming alliances, using specific advertisements, and developing a range of games are being made to reach a broader range of people and increase the number of clients. Growing interest in Euro-style board games in North America because of the preference for strategic gameplay instead of luck-based mechanics. Games such as Settlers of Catan are well-liked, shaping market trends towards increased focus on engaging experiences for players. Board gaming is a prevalent pastime in North America, evident in the vast number of people attending events, gaming cafes, and bars. Enthusiastic groups continue to back the approval, with cultural elements such as family events boosting market expansion and the launch of new games.

Board Games Market Active Players

• Hasbro Inc. (USA)
• Mattel Inc. (USA)
• Asmodee (France)
• Ravensburger (Germany)
• Spin Master (Canada)
• Buffalo Games (USA)
• Days of Wonder (France)
• Czech Games Edition (Czech Republic)
• Fantasy Flight Games (USA)
• Stonemaier Games (USA)
• Z-Man Games (USA)
• Games Workshop (UK)
• IELLO (France)
• CMON Limited (China)
• Blue Orange Games (France)
• North Star Games (USA)
• HABA (Germany)
• Kosmos (Germany)
• Rio Grande Games (USA)
• Plaid Hat Games (USA)
• Thames & Kosmos (USA/Germany)
• Mayfair Games (USA)
• Wizards of the Coast (USA)
• Libellud (France)
• Queen Games (Germany)
• Alderac Entertainment Group (USA)
• Pegasus Spiele (Germany)
• Stronghold Games (USA)
• Portal Games (Poland)
• Schmidt Spiele (Germany) and Other Active Players.

Key Industry Developments in the Board Games Market:

• In May 2024, Mattel’s partnership with Outright Games underscores its strategy to deepen engagement in the digital games sector, leveraging iconic brands to create compelling experiences for a global market.
• In Apr 2024, Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, today announced a global licensing agreement with Playmates Toys, a global toy design, development, marketing, and distribution company, to produce and distribute POWER RANGERS products. Playmates is debuting its first POWER RANGERS collection with a kid-targeted MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS toy line in 2025.
• In Nov 2323, Asmodee, a global leader in the board gaming industry, and Equinox Studio, a rising star in the gaming world, are thrilled to unveil their exclusive partnership to bring the latest studio initiative Altered to Trading Card enthusiasts worldwide.

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
   2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
   3. RESEARCH PROCESS
   4. SCOPE AND COVERAGE
      1. Market Definition
      2. Key Questions Answered
   5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3. MARKET OVERVIEW
4. GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES BY SEGMENT
5. MARKET LANDSCAPE
   1. PORTER’S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
      1. Bargaining Power of Supplier
      2. Threat Of New Entrants
      3. Threat Of Substitutes
      4. Competitive Rivalry
      5. Bargaining Power Among Buyers
   2. INDUSTRY VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
   3. MARKET DYNAMICS
      1. Drivers
      2. Restraints
      3. Opportunities
      4. Challenges
   4. MARKET TREND ANALYSIS
   5. REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
   6. PESTLE ANALYSIS
   7. PRICE TREND ANALYSIS
   8. PATENT ANALYSIS
   9. TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
   10. MARKET IMPACT OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
       1. Geopolitical Market Disruptions
       2. Supply Chain Disruptions
       3. Instability in Emerging Markets
   11. ECOSYSTEM
6. Board Games MARKET BY GAME TYPE (2017-2032)
   1. Board Games MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
   2. MARKET OVERVIEW
   3. MONOPOLY
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017-2032F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017-2032F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors and Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
   4. SCRABBLE
   5. CHESS
   6. CARD AND DICE GAMES
   7. MINIATURE GAMES
   8. COLLECTIBLE CARD GAMES
7. Board Games MARKET BY GAME THEME (2017-2032)
   1. Board Games MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
   2. MARKET OVERVIEW
   3. STRATEGY AND WAR GAMES
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017-2032F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017-2032F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
   4. EDUCATIONAL GAMES
   5. FANTASY GAMES
   6. SPORT GAMES
   7. GAME THEMEE
   8. GAME THEMEF
8. Board Games MARKET BY AGE GROUP (2017-2032)
   1. Board Games MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
   2. MARKET OVERVIEW
   3. 2-5 YEARS
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017-2032F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017-2032F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
   4. 5-12 YEARS
   5. 12-25 YEARS
   6. 12-25 YEARS
   7. ABOVE 25 YEARS
   8. AGE GROUPF
9. Board Games MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL (2017-2032)
   1. Board Games MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
   2. MARKET OVERVIEW
   3. SUPERMARKETS & HYPERMARKETS
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017-2032F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017-2032F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
   4. SPECIALTY STORES
   5. CONVENIENCE STORES
   6. ONLINE STORES
   7. DISTRIBUTION CHANNELE
   8. DISTRIBUTION CHANNELF
10. COMPANY PROFILES AND COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
    1. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
       1. Competitive Benchmarking
       2. Board Games Market Share By Manufacturer (2023)
       3. Industry BCG Matrix
       4. Heat Map Analysis
       5. Mergers & Acquisitions
    2. HASBRO INC. (USA)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Company Snapshot
       4. Role of the Company in the Market
       5. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
       6. Operating Business Segments
       7. Product Portfolio
       8. Business Performance (Production Volume, Sales Volume, Sales Margin, Production Capacity, Capacity Utilization Rate)
       9. Key Strategic Moves And Recent Developments
       10. SWOT Analysis
    3. MATTEL INC. (USA)
    4. ASMODEE (FRANCE)
    5. RAVENSBURGER (GERMANY)
    6. SPIN MASTER (CANADA)
    7. BUFFALO GAMES (USA)
    8. DAYS OF WONDER (FRANCE)
    9. CZECH GAMES EDITION (CZECH REPUBLIC)
    10. FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES (USA)
    11. STONEMAIER GAMES (USA)
    12. Z-MAN GAMES (USA)
    13. GAMES WORKSHOP (UK)
    14. IELLO (FRANCE)
    15. CMON LIMITED (CHINA)
    16. BLUE ORANGE GAMES (FRANCE)
    17. NORTH STAR GAMES (USA)
    18. HABA (GERMANY)
    19. KOSMOS (GERMANY)
    20. RIO GRANDE GAMES (USA)
    21. PLAID HAT GAMES (USA)
    22. THAMES & KOSMOS (USA/GERMANY)
    23. MAYFAIR GAMES (USA)
    24. WIZARDS OF THE COAST (USA)
    25. LIBELLUD (FRANCE)
    26. QUEEN GAMES (GERMANY)
    27. ALDERAC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (USA)
    28. PEGASUS SPIELE (GERMANY)
    29. STRONGHOLD GAMES (USA)
    30. PORTAL GAMES (POLAND)
    31. SCHMIDT SPIELE (GERMANY) AND OTHER ACTIVE PLAYERS.
11. GLOBAL Board Games MARKET BY REGION
    1. OVERVIEW
    2. NORTH AMERICA
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Game Type
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Game Theme
       5. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Age Group
       6. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Distribution Channel
       7. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segment5
       8. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segment6
       9. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. USA
          2. Canada
          3. Mexico
    3. EASTERN EUROPE
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Russia
          2. Bulgaria
          3. The Czech Republic
          4. Hungary
          5. Poland
          6. Romania
          7. Rest Of Eastern Europe
    4. WESTERN EUROPE
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Germany
          2. United Kingdom
          3. France
          4. The Netherlands
          5. Italy
          6. Spain
          7. Rest Of Western Europe
    5. ASIA PACIFIC
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. China
          2. India
          3. Japan
          4. South Korea
          5. Malaysia
          6. Thailand
          7. Vietnam
          8. The Philippines
          9. Australia
          10. New-Zealand
          11. Rest Of APAC
    6. MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Turkey
          2. Bahrain
          3. Kuwait
          4. Saudi Arabia
          5. Qatar
          6. UAE
          7. Israel
          8. South Africa
    7. SOUTH AMERICA
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Brazil
          2. Argentina
          3. Rest of South America
12. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
13. ANALYST VIEWPOINT AND CONCLUSION
    1. Recommendations and Concluding Analysis
    2. Potential Market Strategies
       1. 1. Thailand
          2. Vietnam
          3. The Philippines
          4. Australia
          5. New-Zealand
          6. Rest Of APAC
    3. MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Turkey
          2. Bahrain
          3. Kuwait
          4. Saudi Arabia
          5. Qatar
          6. UAE
          7. Israel
          8. South Africa
    4. SOUTH AMERICA
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Brazil
          2. Argentina
          3. Rest of South America
14. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
15. ANALYST VIEWPOINT AND CONCLUSION
    1. Recommendations and Concluding Analysis
    2. Potential Market Strategies