It may come as a surprise to you, as it did to me, that the global market for board games has grown significantly over the past five years and is likely to expand over the next few decades. Post-COVID, board games have boomed as the industry was not stifled by families being stuck at home. Numerous crowdfunding sites generated hundreds of new, independent board games, many of which have become household names (“Exploding Kittens” being a notable example). Additionally, prevalent digital fatigue and the spread of cozy, trendy board game cafes have aided in the sector’s growing popularity.
My point here is not to encourage you to invest in the board game market (although that is a good idea), rather it is to exemplify that board games are awesome, and now is the perfect time to play more of them. We are in an analog game renaissance. This is an era of social reconnection, independent innovation and inclusivity. Analog games are not only being created and advertised to the youngest and oldest ends of the age spectrum, they are being successfully marketed to everyone.
I am sure you have seen the slew of mediocre “social” games at Target or a local, trendy boutique that all virtually rely on a “truth-or-dare” or “would-you-rather” format. Although successful, these are not evidence of this renaissance I speak of. I am speaking of “Ransom Notes,” “Codenames” and the various other brilliant board games that have captured the attention of the young adult population. These games include thoughtful branding, novel gameplay and are perfectly curated for casual social gatherings.
“Wavelength” and “Chameleon” have become go to’s for smaller social gatherings, as all they need is paper, a pencil and creativity. The actual board game is a nice addition, however. I have already mentioned “Codenames,” but I genuinely cannot recommend it enough. I made my first friends at university playing “Codenames,” and the free, online version (though not analog) is especially convenient.
This renaissance is not just restricted to board games, either.
One group of YouTube creators under the channel name “Jetlag” has inspired numerous public transit and travel nerds to blow their board games up to a massive scale. Jetlag takes a seasonal, game-show approach to classic board games, such as “Connect Four,” or more physical games, such as tag or hide and seek, and enlarges them to span countries or even continents. With clearly laid out rules and versatile gameplay, the channel has inspired many young people to replicate the games themselves.
Role-playing games like “Dungeons and Dragons” (D&D) have found massive mainstream popularity in recent years. D&D has been glamorized through media such as “Critical Role” and “Stranger Things,” introducing a new generation to its attractions (if you are investing, get on it before season 5 starts). The game has also become more “starter-friendly,” as have many other complex classic games in the modern age. Some committed players have expressed frustration with this development, as it can lead to the industry focusing on and funding more accessible and simpler games for a broader audience. I believe, generally, that there is enough variety today that “gateway” and “starter-friendly” games can easily have a place on the shelves.
Recently, I have found myself reverting to my favorite conversational games from childhood, and, honestly, they are the perfect cure for a lull in conversation. Seriously, sometimes a round of 20-questions is exactly what a conversation needs, especially if you are impatiently waiting to get to a destination or for your appetizer to arrive. My personal favorites include “Song Association” (one word, sing songs with that word till failure), “Mind Meld” (say a word at the same time, associating it with the next one until the same word is said) and “Fortunately, Unfortunately” (you tell a story, but one of you wants what’s best and the other wants what’s worst for the protagonist).
If anything, in a whirlwind of school, extracurriculars and social life, I just want to remind you that games are there to provide much-needed structure, delight, accomplishment and healthy competition to your daily life. If you get a chance, take advantage of this era of analog games: fund a Kickstarter, play-test a board game, host a game night or even make a game yourself if you are feeling inspired. Maybe, most importantly, keep this renaissance going by sharing your favorite games with the young and old people in your life. Games connect generations. And if there is actually a way to invest in the board game industry, now is the time.