Introduction:
Board games have been an important part of entertainment for humans for centuries, and they help foster strategic thinking, social interaction, and wholesome family fun. Board games are the most played activity in many nations and cultures.
However, with the advancement of mobile phones and internet technology, people, especially the younger generations, were less interested in board games. It was expected to go out of trend with time, but recently, with the release of gentler designers and a focus on teamwork, board games and tabletop games are coming back in style.
Board games have become a way to relieve the stress from daily life and turn time into fun time with family and friends. During COVID-19, when people were in lockdown and had little to do, people turned to tabletop games or board games.
Current Market Size and Growth
Recently, the board games market has witnessed amazing growth driven by innovation, nostalgia, and the enduring appeal of the traditionally played games. The market is also diverse and features titles like Scrabble, Monopoly, and many other tailored games for different age groups.
During 2022, the global market size was valued at $11.88 billion, and the board game manufacturers saw a new peak in its history. The reports during 2023 and 2032 would serve as a beacon for the industry stakeholders, helping to illuminate multi-panelled dimensions in the market.
By diving into different game types and age group preferences, this analysis gives knowledge to businesses that are required to go through global board games and tabletop games successfully. While the industry evolves, different strategy insights from this report will be invaluable for innovation and growth.
The projected growth of tabletop games is expected to be $26.04 billion by the end of 2023, with a CAGR of 10.36%.
Popularity and Demand
People around the globe love playing tabletop games, whereas 38% of Gen Z in the US love playing board games. 34% of the US users of these games find tabletop enjoyable, and 44% of the US consumers find board games somewhat fun.
There is a growing demand for games, a growing range of board game genres, and board game lovers. They appeal to more people than ever. Many key factors contribute to this demand.
The Queens Gambit causes an 87% decrease in chess set sales and a 603% rise in chess books. Whereas Stranger Things inspired a 600% increase in Google Search queries about how to play Dungeons and Dragons.
Consumer preferences are also steering to immersive and diverse themes. From World War 2 history to those deep space science fiction games, you will find demand in every niche and genre.
The age-old common notions about gamers have become less true now. 51% of the board gamers are females. 38% of Gen Z, 34% of Gen X, 38% of Millennials, and also 29% of Baby Boomers have now been reported to be fond of tabletop games. Also, 27.9% of board game players have a high school diploma as their highest range of education attainment.
Consumer Behavior and Preferences
Where and how consumers play board games (home, game stores, restaurants).
Board game lovers can start a quest on their game board anywhere. They can sit with the opponent across them in any room, and they will have fun playing the game. These games are primarily played in board game cafes, houses, and restaurants. Board game cafes are commercial venues, but their main focus is to sell games. These shops specialize mainly in games, so they are a great resource for connecting you to different events and local gaming groups. Besides this, most libraries are also dedicated to this game show, and many players can enjoy their games.
Purchasing channels (Amazon, Kickstarter, local game stores).
If you or someone you know is considering launching a game, crowdfunding through Kickstarter is worth a try. Crowdfunding and gaming have gone hand in hand among custom board game manufacturers. Games like Cards Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens, or Throw Throw Burrito are crowdfunded. These are the most funded categories on Kickstarter as well. 41,279 gaming projects on Kickstarter have raised $2.39 billion through pledge revenue.
Frequency of gameplay among board game enthusiasts.
Most board game enthusiasts (43%) can fit gameplay into their everyday routines at least some times per week. The 25% left were the ones who played once a week, whereas 17% played two to three times a month.
Major Players in the Market
Overview of key companies:
1. Asmodee Group:
The distributors of Catan, Carcassonne, and Ticket to Ride Asmodee have become the main powerhouse through many strategic acquisitions, such as Fantasy Flight Games, Days of Wonder, and Z-Man Games. Asmodee is the current market leader and holds 18% of the tabletop shares in the global market.
2.Hasbro:
Known for great classics like Scrabble, Monopoly, and Risk, Hasbro is an industry front-runner. They have acquired Wizards of Coast, responsible for Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. They have accounted for 12% of the global game board market share.
3.Ravensburger:
This German company is known for its high-quality board games and produces a set of family-friendly titles such as Memory and Labyrinth. Their games have combined engaging gameplay with their educational elements. They have accounted for 4% of the global game board market share.
4.Thames and Kosmos:
Known for its board games, such as Lost Cities and Ubongo, and its educational craft and science kits, Kosmos and Thames, for 2% of its global market share for tabletop games.
5.Mattel
Famous for Othelo, UNO, and Pictionary, Mattel also has a diverse portfolio of games suitable for many age groups.
MU Group’s Role in the Market
How MU Group supports the growth and evolution of the tabletop games market.
MU Group has been producing high-quality gaming boards and gaming pieces since 2003. They are a group of 70 businesses engaged in the sports trade and cross-border businesses. They have provided their businesses with the highest quality game boards and have also devised smart and simple designs for these game boards. This has attracted many game board players to start playing these games; hence, they love activities for their pastimes.
Commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation in game manufacturing.
MU Group is committed to delivering high quality, innovation, and sustainability in the manufacturing of tabletop and game boards. It has gained a reputation for delivering the highest level of products to its customers around the globe. The precision and defined cutting allow them to make a mark in the tabletop game market. MU Group aims to become the first Chinese full-category supplier and Board Game Manufacturing company.