Board game boom: the new leisure trend

A new global study by Asmodee, a leader in tabletop entertainment, reveals a rapidly growing trend: board games are experiencing a boom in popularity. The research, conducted among over 8,000 consumers in four countries, reveals that gaming has become a leading leisure activity , rivaling video games and podcasts.

Data shows that nearly a quarter of people (26%) play games at least once a week . Board games rank as the second most popular leisure activity after video games (32%) and tied with podcasts (29%) , demonstrating their growing role in people's free time. Millennials are particularly driving this rediscovery, reporting they spend as much time playing board games as they do reading or watching the news. More than any other generation, 41% of Millennials say they find joy in playing games .

The success of board games can be explained by a deep need for connection and escape. According to the study, 64% of people use games to bring their families together, with a peak of 71% in France . Furthermore, in an era characterized by a sense of oppression caused by the constant flow of negative news, over half of participants (53%) seek experiences that foster escape from reality . Board games meet this need, serving as a bridge for human relationships. In fact, 40% of respondents said they find games an easier way to open up than regular conversations.

" Board games are increasingly gaining popularity among recreational pursuits, offering a pleasant way to relax and spend quality time with friends and family ," commented Thomas Koegler, CEO of Asmodee . " As a longtime gamer myself, I know from experience that board games are not just a pastime, but also a valuable source of imagination, well-being, fun, and conviviality among players ."

The global phenomenon of Board Game Cafés

The rediscovery of board games is evident in the proliferation of board game cafés popping up around the world. These venues offer dedicated spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can meet, learn, and play together. In the United States, Greg May, owner of The Uncommons in New York , describes how his venue attracts a diverse crowd, from corporate meetings to children's birthday parties. " It's precisely this mix that makes the place lively ," he says.

Even internationally, from Dubai to Oxford, these cafés demonstrate that classic titles like Dobble or Dixit can overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, becoming tools to foster communication and collaboration .

Ultimately, board games are cementing their position as one of the most important leisure activities in the contemporary landscape, offering a tangible and social alternative to digital entertainment. "We're proud to have been part of this industry for 30 years," said Jean-Sébastien De Barros, Chief Product Officer at Asmodee . " It's been exciting to help democratize board games as a new go-to space for connecting and spending quality time with friends, creating even stronger bonds and making this hobby such a fun and welcoming place! "