September 18, 2024
The Spiel des Jahres (SdJ), a prestigious award in the board game industry, made the controversial decision to ban designer Matteo Menapace from future events due to his political statement at the 2024 ceremony. Menapace, co-designer of the award-winning game "Daybreak," wore a watermelon sticker associated with the Palestinian cause. The SdJ stated that his actions violated the award's neutrality.
Analysis: This incident highlights a growing tension between political expression and the perception of neutrality within the board game community. The SdJ's actions ignited debate, with some supporting the ban and others viewing it as a suppression of free speech. As board games increasingly intersect with broader societal issues, this incident serves as a reminder that even tabletop gaming cannot escape political controversies. It also raises questions about the extent to which creators within the industry should express their political views.
Check out the award-winning game "Daybreak" on Amazon
Kickstarter Appoints New Head of Games:
Kickstarter has announced the appointment of Maggie Clayton, former senior sales manager at Exploding Kittens Inc., as its new head of games. This strategic move comes as Kickstarter faces competition from tabletop-focused crowdfunding platforms like Gamefound and BackerKit.
Analysis: Clayton's extensive experience in the tabletop industry, particularly her time at Exploding Kittens, which is renowned for its successful Kickstarter campaigns, positions her as a valuable asset for Kickstarter. This appointment underscores Kickstarter's commitment to retaining its leading position in board game crowdfunding. Clayton's leadership is likely to influence Kickstarter's strategies to attract and retain board game creators and backers, and it will be fascinating to observe the platform's evolution under her guidance.
Classic Wargames Get a Crowdfunding Revival:
Historical wargame enthusiasts are rejoicing as two beloved out-of-print classics, "Hannibal" and "Hamilcar," are making a comeback through a crowdfunding campaign on Gamefound. The campaign is further incentivizing backers with the addition of exclusive metal miniatures, elevating the appeal for collectors.
Analysis: The successful revival of "Hannibal" and "Hamilcar" through crowdfunding serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of classic wargames and the effectiveness of crowdfunding platforms in bringing back cherished titles. The inclusion of metal miniatures in the campaign also reflects a growing trend among publishers to enhance the production value of reprinted games, enticing both new and veteran players. This campaign's success might encourage other publishers to explore crowdfunding as a means of reintroducing out-of-print gems to the market.
AI Makes Waves in Board Gaming:
A significant victory was secured by a human player against an AI opponent in a board game contest. Though specific details about the game and the AI are not publicly available, this event marks a notable achievement in the ongoing interplay between human skill and artificial intelligence in board gaming.
Analysis: This victory serves as a powerful reminder that human intuition, adaptability, and creativity can still overcome the computational prowess of AI, even in the realm of complex strategy games. Despite the remarkable advancements of AI in mastering various board games, this incident highlights that the human element remains an essential factor in determining outcomes. This news might inspire further research and development in AI for board games, pushing the boundaries of what machines can accomplish in this domain, while also underscoring the unique value of human strategic thinking.
"Monopoly" Gets Modernized:
In line with the global shift towards digital payments, “Monopoly Ultimate Banking” has embraced modernity by replacing physical cash with a miniature ATM and electronic cards.
Analysis: This modernization of "Monopoly" exemplifies the ways in which classic board games are adapting to reflect current societal trends and technological advancements. The integration of digital banking mechanics might resonate particularly well with younger generations who are accustomed to cashless transactions. This change could streamline gameplay and enhance its accessibility, but some traditionalists might miss the tangible interaction with physical currency. This move by Hasbro could potentially inspire other classic board game publishers to reimagine their iconic titles for a modern audience.
The Rise of Board Game Testers:
An insightful article this week explores the fascinating world of professional board game testers, providing a glimpse into their work and the critical role they play in game development.
Analysis: This article shines a spotlight on an often-underappreciated aspect of the board game industry. Playtesters serve as invaluable contributors to game design, providing essential feedback to designers throughout the development process. Their meticulous attention to detail and diverse perspectives help identify and address potential issues before a game hits the market. This behind-the-scenes look at game development underscores the collaborative effort involved in crafting successful board games and emphasizes the dedication of those working behind the scenes to ensure optimal player experiences.
Beyond the Headlines: Other Notable News:
Gen Con 2024, recently concluded in Indianapolis, has left a trail of excitement and insightful discussions within the board game community. The convention, known for its massive scale and diverse offerings, served as a platform for industry professionals, creators, and enthusiasts to gather and celebrate the world of tabletop gaming.
Gen Con 2024 reaffirmed its position as a cornerstone of the tabletop gaming industry. The convention provided a vital space for the community to connect, explore new games, and foster a shared passion for tabletop gaming. The trends observed at Gen Con will likely influence the direction of the industry in the coming months, shaping the games we play and the experiences we share.
The board game industry continues to thrive, with publishers constantly unveiling exciting new titles and expansions that capture the imagination of tabletop enthusiasts. This constant influx of fresh content ensures that there's always something new to discover and play.
The board game community thrives on these in-person interactions. Cafes and clubs provide vital social spaces where gamers can come together, share their passion for tabletop gaming, and build lasting friendships. These gatherings foster a sense of belonging, support, and camaraderie, making the hobby even more enjoyable and fulfilling.
The community spirit also extends beyond physical spaces. Online forums, social media groups, and virtual events provide opportunities for gamers to connect and engage with one another, regardless of their location.
In conclusion, the board game industry continues to flourish, with exciting new releases, thriving community events, and insightful discussions arising from major conventions like Gen Con. These developments showcase the vitality and dynamism of the tabletop gaming world, ensuring that it remains a captivating and enriching hobby for enthusiasts of all ages and interests.
Board Games that we like: Pros and Cons
Remember that the best board game for you will depend on your personal preferences and play style. Consider factors such as player count, game length, complexity, and theme when making your choice. Don't hesitate to try out different games and see which ones resonate with you the most.
Different sources provide varying figures, and the exact sales data might not be publicly available:
$3.13 billion to $3.63 billion: Several sources suggest that the global board game market revenue was within this range in 2023. Considering North America holds a significant share (around 28.88%) of the global market, we can estimate that the US sales were a substantial portion of this figure.
According to ICv2, hobby game sales in the United States and Canada were estimated to be around $2.885 billion in 2023, which is a 1% increase from 2022. This is a good result for a market that saw a 70% increase over the previous three years, even though sales declined in three of the five hobby game categories.The global board game market, also known as the tabletop game market, was valued at around $12–16.8 billion in 2023. North America had a 41.27% share of the global market in 2023, and some say the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5–10.52% between 2024 and 2032. Some factors that may drive the market's growth include: Increasing social gaming events, Educational and cognitive benefits, The growing e-commerce industry, and Designers exploring new themes and mechanics.
According to Statista, the board game market in the United States is projected to generate $2.7 billion in revenue in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.44% from 2024 to 2028. This puts the US as the leader in revenue generation globally, with per capita revenue of $8.02 in 2024.
$20 billion in opportunities by 2030: Some forecasts predict that the board game market will create $20 billion in opportunities within the next 6 years. This indicates strong growth potential and suggests that 2023 sales were likely a significant stepping stone towards this projection.
Seems like one of the most sold game in the world in 2023 was Hogwarts Legacy.
It surpassed expectations and became a massive success, capturing the hearts of both Harry Potter fans and gamers alike. The game's immersive open-world experience, captivating storyline, and impressive graphics contributed to its popularity.
Based on some data we reviewed, the most sold board game in the world in 2023 was Monopoly. It consistently ranks as one of the best-selling board games as it continues to maintain its popularity across various demographics.
Here are some key factors contributing to its success:
While we don't have access to exact sales figures for 2023, various sources and market analysis confirm Monopoly's position as the top-selling board game globally.
Minecraft is also one of the most sold game in the world in 2023, surpassing 300 million sales across all platforms.
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