Are board games popular again? Yes, absolutely – board games are seeing a huge resurgence!

Board games have made an incredible comeback over the last 10-15 years. Once seen as outdated family entertainment, board gaming is now a mainstream hobby with millions of passionate fans worldwide. Sales are soaring year after year, board game cafes are popping up everywhere, and a new "tabletop renaissance" is attracting players across generations.

Let‘s look at all the evidence that board games are back in a big way!

Board game sales keep breaking records

The numbers don‘t lie – board games are selling better than ever:

• The global board game market was worth $12 billion in 2020 and is forecast to grow to $20 billion by 2028, increasing at 7.4% CAGR according to Grand View Research.

• Total board game sales in the US hit $1.5 billion in 2020, the highest recorded spend on board games ever according to NPD Group.

• Crowdfunding has fueled much of the growth, with over $1 billion raised on Kickstarter alone for tabletop games since 2009.

Clearly, people are more eager than ever to buy and play board games in this day and age!

Millennials are leading the charge

A big part of this board gaming renaissance can be attributed to millennials, who have embraced it enthusiastically:

• A survey found 70% of millennials play board games at least once a month, more than any other generation (Research Co).

• Millennials are drawn to board gaming for the face-to-face social interaction and break from constant digital stimulation.

• Strategy games that require critical thinking like Settlers of Catan, Dominion, and 7 Wonders are hits with millennials.

• Party games like Cards Against Humanity and fun family games like Ticket To Ride also appeal to this group.

Board gaming aligns perfectly with millennial values and has become a go-to hobby for them.

Board game cafes & bars – a rapidly growing trend

Another huge indicator of board gaming‘s popularity is the rise of board game cafes and bars:

• Over 1,000 board game cafes and bars have opened globally in the last 10 years alone.

• 82% of board gamers say they are more likely to visit a cafe or bar that has games available (Research Co).

• These establishments let you pay small fees to play while eating and drinking. It‘s a social atmosphere that makes board gaming accessible.

• Events like International Tabletop Day with over 1,300 hosted events in 2022 also showcase gaming‘s new appeal.

Board game cafes and bars make it easy to play anywhere – their rapid growth proves gaming is now mainstream!

Families and kids are still huge fans

While millennials are fueling much of the growth, families and kids still love classic board games too:

• Iconic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue and more remain popular across generations. Risk and The Game of Life have also seen successful modern revamps.

• Hasbro, maker of many classics like Monopoly, saw games revenue grow 15% in 2021 over 2020. Their timeless games still entertain.

• Easy party games like Codenames, Werewolf and Concept that appeal to all ages are also hits.

Board gaming has something for everyone – simple fun family games that have endured for a reason!

More complex strategy games gain a following

In addition to party games, complex strategy games have also surged in popularity:

• Euro-style games like Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Carcassonne focus on mechanics over storytelling. They‘ve attracted millions of new fans.

• Deckbuilding games like Dominion and Clank! have players strategically build card combos turn-by-turn.

• Legacy games like Pandemic Legacy introduce permanent changes and character growth between sessions. They feel like an evolving story.

These modern board games offer cerebral challenges that satisfy gamers looking for depth.

Board game apps & digital versions rise too

As board games grew popular in the physical world, digital versions emerged too:

• Many hit board games like Ticket to Ride, Catan, and Carcassonne released official app versions.

• Popular board game companion apps like Gloomhaven Helper provide digital assistance when playing complex games.

• Steam and the App Store now have entire sections dedicated to digital board games.

• Tabletop simulator apps like Tabletopia allow playing physical games online. This grew immensely during covid lockdowns.

Digital board gaming supplements the physical experience nicely – it‘s now easy to play board games on your devices too!

The internet breeds online communities

The internet has also helped board gaming‘s popularity grow by fostering thriving online communities:

• Sites like BoardGameGeek, Reddit‘s r/boardgames, and forums have millions of members discussing and reviewing games.

• A vibrant community of YouTube reviewers and Twitch streamers like Wil Wheaton‘s TableTop constantly showcase new games.

• Podcasts about board games are hugely popular – there are too many to name!

• Crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter let fans support and follow exciting new game projects.

The internet provided the infrastructure for global communities of board gaming fans to connect – promoting the hobby in the process!

Why I love the board gaming renaissance

As a lifelong board game fan, it‘s been incredible watching this revival happen in real time. Here‘s a bit on why I love it:

• The social experience of gaming face-to-face can‘t be replicated digitally. Reading friends‘ reactions as you play is priceless!

• Great board game design offers intellectual stimulation and meaningful interactions that screens can‘t provide.

• Seeing niche hobby stores, publishers, designers etc thrive thanks to the renewed interest has been wonderful.

• There‘s just something special about gathering around a table together that technology still can‘t reproduce. It feels profoundly human.

• Board gaming now has a vibrant, thriving culture of its own. Being part of this community is very rewarding.

For all these reasons and more, I couldn‘t be happier that my favorite pastime is more popular now than ever!

So in summary: yes, board games are ABSOLUTELY back in a huge way, and it‘s a trend I hope keeps growing. The renaissance is real – so let‘s play! What game should we try next?