GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2023

Board Games Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: The Most Important Board Games Statistics

  • The global board games market is expected to reach values over $12 billion by 2023.
  • Dice-based games form the largest segment in the board games category, accounting for 45% of the market.
  • The board game industry in the US alone is around $2 billion as of 2019.
  • Dungeons & Dragons, a popular board game, saw an increase in sales by 33% in 2020.
  • Board game sales on Kickstarter have grown 200% from 2013 to 2018.
  • In 2020, it was estimated that 64% of U.S. households had board games as common household leisure activity.
  • 29% of board game Kickstarters were successfully funded in 2019.
  • The board game 'Catan' has been translated into 30 different languages and sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
  • As of 2016, Germany is the world's biggest exporter of board games.
  • Traditional board games have a 3% annual growth rate as of 2019.
  • Strategy-based games make up 45% of Kickstarter's tabletop category.
  • 51% of U.S. adults played board games during the holiday season in 2019.
  • Around 70% of Kickstarter funding in 2018 went to board games.
  • In 2019, board games made up 20% of the overall $9.6 billion sales at hobby game stores in North America.
  • In 2020, 28% of people in the UK said they played board games at least once a month.
  • The global board game market is expected to register a CAGR of 13% during the forecast period (2021-2026).

Table of Contents

Understanding board games isn't just about mastering the rules or devising effective strategies, it's also about examining the fascinating statistics behind them. In this blog post, we delve into the enthralling world of board games statistics from a variety of angles. We'll explore intriguing aspects such as the most popular games, statistical probabilities involved in winning, widespread market trends, and user demographics. If you're a board game enthusiast or a student of statistics, get ready to view board games from a whole new perspective.

The Latest Board Games Statistics Unveiled

The global board games market is expected to reach values over $12 billion by 2023.

The imminent surge of the global board games market, predicted to soar past the $12 billion mark by 2023, serves as an impressive testament to the growing appeal of this traditional pastime. As detail in a blog post exploring Board Games Statistics, it accentuates the fact that, despite living in a high-tech era dominated by digital games and entertainment, board games have not only kept their ground, but are experiencing a resounding resurgence. This vividly highlights the importance of face-to-face interactive entertainment, the allure of strategic thinking, and the timeless charm that these games embody, proving that they're far from becoming obsolete in our increasingly digitalized world. This booming expansion also signals an enticing proposition for investors and entrepreneurs looking to tap into a market that's clearly exhibiting robust health and steadily elevating its global value.

Dice-based games form the largest segment in the board games category, accounting for 45% of the market.

In the canvas of board games, the vivid prominence of dice-based games cannot be ignored as these intriguing passions symbolize an impressive 45% of the market, painting an interesting landscape of consumer preferences. In a blog post centered around Board Games Statistics, this data spotlights the dominance and persuasion of dice-based games within the broader game-playing community, crafting a distinct scenario that commands attention. It draws board game inventors, marketers, and enthusiasts to ponder and engage more with the captivating world of dice games, potentially guiding their strategies and offerings, and adding depth and insight to their understanding of the market dynamics.

The board game industry in the US alone is around $2 billion as of 2019.

Illuminating the realm of board games, the $2 billion value of the industry in the U.S alone, as recorded in 2019, speaks volumes about its tremendous growth and popularity. This figure not only underscores the significant economic weight that this leisure pastime carries, but also serves as a testament to its strong cultural resonance, impacting diverse spheres from entertainment to education. It ultimately offers a visceral feel of the industry's scale and growth potential, a highly useful insight for players interested in the world of board games - from consumers, creators to potential investors.

Dungeons & Dragons, a popular board game, saw an increase in sales by 33% in 2020.

In a year marred by isolation and remote interactions, the rise in popularity of Dungeons & Dragons is a striking silver lining, represented by a 33% increase in sales in 2020. This compelling shift not only emphasizes the resurgence of this classic game amidst the digitized entertainment culture, but also underlines how labyrinthine storytelling, immersive world-building and group participation embedded in such board games have managed to captivate audiences during the pandemic. D&D's remarkable growth curve deepens our understanding of the board game landscape and importantly, it adds a new layer of appreciation for the potential of such games to foster solidarity and creativity, even in the most challenging times.

Board game sales on Kickstarter have grown 200% from 2013 to 2018.

Highlighting the explosive 200% growth of board game sales on Kickstarter between 2013 and 2018, vividly paints a picture of the rapidly evolving landscape of the board game industry. In the realm of board game statistics, this sizable increase signifies not just an expanding market, but also an enthusiastic endorsement from the gaming community. The data showcases the impressively successful interplay between niche interests, community engagement, and crowdfunded platforms, propelling the board game renaissance into the spotlight. Fundamentally, this upsurge signals a seismic shift in the industry’s health and vitality, a key theme in any exploration of board game statistics.

In 2020, it was estimated that 64% of U.S. households had board games as common household leisure activity.

Positioned at the epicenter of engaging gaming experiences, board games exist not just as colorful boxes in the corner of the room, but as lifelines sparking joy and thrill. Reflecting this reality, the intriguing statistic that 64% of U.S. households engaged in board games as a common leisure activity in 2020 underscores the consistency of board games in maintaining their relevance in our digital era. This numerical testament amplifies the enduring allure and popularity of board games, reinstating their significance in shaping leisure pursuits across a substantial portion of American households. Hence, in a blog post about Board Games Statistics, this crucial data illuminates the broad scale engagement and appreciation of board games, serving as an insightful nod to their sustained stature amidst evolving entertainment avenues.

29% of board game Kickstarters were successfully funded in 2019.

Reflecting upon the intriguing relationship between Kickstarter and board games, the fact that 29% of board game Kickstarters were successfully funded in 2019 paints a vivid picture of the shared enthusiasm and mutual commitment between crowd funders and game developers. This percentage essentially offers intriguing insights into the effectiveness and viability of crowdfunding as a means of introducing novel board games into the market, while also underscoring the continuing popularity and dynamism of the industry. It further suggests a relatively high level of confidence and fervor among the gaming community, potentially piquing reader interest in a blog post centering on Board Games Statistics.

The board game 'Catan' has been translated into 30 different languages and sold over 15 million copies worldwide.

The astonishing global reach of the board game 'Catan', as evidenced by its translation into 30 different languages and robust sales exceeding 15 million copies, paints a compelling tableau of its universal appeal and engagement. This statistic is a testament to the substantial popularity and enduring relevance of board games across varied linguistic communities and cultures. It underscores the salient contribution of singular hits like 'Catan', to the burgeoning global board games industry. The widespread adoption of this game adds credence to its strategic complexity, immense replayability, and social interaction, key elements that drive players’ preference and the overall market growth.

As of 2016, Germany is the world's biggest exporter of board games.

Shining light on Germany's position as the largest exporter of board games as of 2016 reveals an intriguing facet of the global board gaming landscape. This piece of statistic not only underscores the vast influence and reach of German innovations in this arena, but also hints at the diverse, culturally-infused themes German board games likely offer, given their international appeal. This could potentially inspire blog readers who are board game enthusiasts to explore German game designs or strategies, therefore deepening their understanding and appreciation of this worldwide pastime.

Traditional board games have a 3% annual growth rate as of 2019.

In the throbbing pulse of the board games industry, the statistic that traditional board games are experiencing a 3% annual growth rate as of 2019 unfurls a fascinating narrative. Amidst the digital whirlwind of today's entertainment landscape, this echoes the resilience and enduring appeal of traditional board games. It hints at the renaissance of an old form of amusement that continues to delight generations, breathing vitality into the statistic-tinged contours of our blog discussion on Board Games Statistics. This growth rate subtly underlines the expanding market for board games, inviting further exploration into consumer behaviors, market trends, and the success of the board games industry.

Strategy-based games make up 45% of Kickstarter's tabletop category.

Delving into Kickstarter's tabletop category, it's fascinating to note that almost half, precisely 45%, of its content congregates around strategy-based games. This figure lends significance to the popularity and demand for games requiring critical thinking and strategic planning, providing insights for game developers and enthusiasts alike. Within a blog post about Board Games Statistics, it underscores a critical trend in consumer preference, thus influencing the production and development of future board games, effectively shaping the landscape of the gaming industry.

51% of U.S. adults played board games during the holiday season in 2019.

Riding the train of diversity and curiosity in human leisure preferences, it's rather intriguing to highlight that over half, precisely 51%, of American adults were engrossed in board games during the festive season of 2019. Translating this behavior into the language of blog post context, it vividly outlines the robust popularity and influence that board games have in contemporary society - a fact that readers, potential investors or even occasional board game enthusiasts would appreciate as a link between shared culture and nostalgia or future trends. It not only paints an engaging picture of current entertainment trends, but also provides pivotal insight into consumer behavior and potential market feasibility for new board game inventions.

Around 70% of Kickstarter funding in 2018 went to board games.

Reflecting on the remarkable fact that, in 2018, board games accounted for approximately 70% of Kickstarter funding serves as a testament to the tremendous popularity and unique draw board games have established in the current climate. It emphatically illustrates the dynamic shift of the industry; not just surviving but significantly thriving in this digital age, and dramatically outpacing other categories in its appealing charm to the crowd-funding community. Hence, such statistic evidently provides a panoramic view of how the board games landscape has exponentially evolved and it acts as an effective benchmark in decoding future trends.

In 2019, board games made up 20% of the overall $9.6 billion sales at hobby game stores in North America.

Painting a vivid picture of the flourishing landscape of board games, the statistic exposing that a whopping 20% of the overall $9.6 billion sales at hobby game stores in 2019 in North America was commanded by board games, serves as a remarkable testament to their booming popularity. Amid a sea of new-age gaming options, this number is a clear demonstration of the sustained appeal and robust demand that traditional board games enjoy. In the context of a blog post on Board Games Statistics, it lends weighty credence to the narrative of enduring relevance and market penetration of board games in the rapidly evolving gaming industry.

In 2020, 28% of people in the UK said they played board games at least once a month.

Illuminating the popularity and continued cultural relevance of board games, the statistic that 28% of individuals in the UK partook in board game sessions at least once a month in 2020 serves as a testament to the vital role these wholesome activities hold within daily life. Beyond merely illustrating a snapshot of engagement, it underscores the prominence of board games, crafting a solid foundation to delve deeper into trends, preferences, and consumer behaviors within this sphere. This surging enthusiasm captured in numbers adds value to our blog post, giving readers a quantitative grasp on the magnitude of board game enthusiasm in the UK, and beyond.

The global board game market is expected to register a CAGR of 13% during the forecast period (2021-2026).

Imagining the global board game market grows at a CAGR of 13% (Compound Annual Growth Rate) during the forecast period (2021-2026) commands attention, particularly in a blog post centred on Board Games Statistics. This powerfully communicates the rapid expansion of the board game industry, suggesting an escalating interest and higher consumption rate amongst the global populace. It informs readers of the rising trend and profitability, providing invaluable insight for potential investors, manufacturers, and enthusiasts alike. Revealing this propulsive growth rate, it additionally fuels anticipation towards the innovative board game designs and concepts that may surface in response to this burgeoning market demand.

Conclusion

In the realm of board games, our statistical exploration has shown a steady rise in popularity and diversification over recent years. This growth is reflected in both the expanding variety of games available and the increasing number of people engaging in this leisure activity worldwide. Factors such as playtime length, game complexity, and player interaction play significant roles in influencing consumer preferences, thereby, shaping the future trajectory of the board game industry. As we further embrace the digital age, board games, interestingly, seem to be paving a path towards nurturing human interaction and rekindling traditional forms of entertainment.

References

0. - https://www.qz.com

1. - https://www.www.ign.com

2. - https://www.www.quora.com

3. - https://www.www.statista.com

4. - https://www.www.businesswire.com

5. - https://www.www.gminsights.com

6. - https://www.www.tabletoptribe.com

7. - https://www.www.icv2.com

8. - https://www.www.pewresearch.org

9. - https://www.www.wsj.com

10. - https://www.icv2.com

11. - https://www.www.mordorintelligence.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Monopoly is often considered the most popular board game of all time, with over 250 million copies sold worldwide.
The duration of chess matches can vary greatly, but typically, an amateur game lasts from 10 to 60 minutes, while professional competitive games can last several hours.
While people of all ages play board games, the majority of frequent board game players fall into the 20-35 age bracket.
A standard Chess set has six different types of pieces the King, the Queen, the Rook, the Bishop, the Knight, and the Pawn.
This can vary significantly depending on how one classifies a “strategy” game, but approximately 70-80% of modern board games have a significant strategic component.
How we write these articles

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly. See our Editorial Guidelines.

Table of Contents

Free Test

Leadership Personality Test

Avatar Group
No credit card | Results in 10 minutes