The board game market - United Kingdom

The global board game market experienced a robust growth trajectory, with expectations to expand at a CAGR of over 13% yearly from 2020 to 2026, potentially reaching a valuation of $30 billion. This upsurge is attributed to increasing popularity and evolving gaming habits amidst intense digital competition. The UK market, in particular, demonstrated resilience, as seen with a surge in purchases during COVID-19 lockdowns, leading to a 240% spike in sales in the first lockdown week. Monopoly remained the UK's best-selling board game on Amazon UK as of February 2022. The market maintains a fragmented structure dominated by major players like Hasbro, Mittel, and Ravensburger, with low entry barriers promoting a surge in independent publishers, partly fueled by the advent of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. Digital adaptations and consideration for eco-responsibility signify the evolving nature of offerings. Despite these trends, traditional board games continue to hold significant appeal, as evidence in the steady increase in UK Games Expo attendance through to 2019 and enduring popularity of classics like Scrabble and Monopoly..Exploring the Growth and Preferences of the UK Board Game Market The UK has witnessed a steady rise in demand for board games, as evidenced by various indicators. Between 2015 and 2020, British households increased their weekly expenditure on games, toys, and leisure by approximately between 20 to 25 percent. This boom is reflected in the visitor numbers to the UK Games Expo, which showed a dramatic surge from 2013 to 2019, expanding by almost seven times its initial size. The year 2020 marked a unique shift in trends due to the health crisis, with consumer interest in board games peaking unusually in spring, and achieving a significant high during the winter holiday season, as indicated by Google Trends indexes. This sudden spike can be credited to the lockdowns and the search for engaging home-based activities during pandemic restrictions. In particular, household favorites such as Monopoly, which was the top-selling game on Amazon UK as of February 2022, alongside Trivial Pursuit, and Scrabble, play significant roles in the overall market appeal. The festive season further bolsters board game popularity, with 84 percent of British adults reportedly playing a board game post-Christmas dinner. The appeal spans various categories from strategy-intensive games to quick-paced options suitable for larger groups. The average price range for the most popular board games in the UK varies significantly. The more affordable end of the spectrum might present travel-friendly editions of games, while the higher end typically features special or deluxe editions, with Monopoly's top-price point hitting around £30.00. Participatory financing platforms like Kickstarter have introduced a novel approach to the market, attracting expert gamers with immersive themes and high-quality components. Games birthed from this model, such as "Frosthaven," have raised millions, demonstrating an exciting shift toward more independent and niche offerings within the UK board game market. In summary, the UK board game industry shows a strong propensity for growth and a consumer base eager for games that provide novelty, stimulating cognitive engagement, and the flexibility in price points and themes. This thriving demand suggests a bright future for both established favorites and innovative new entrants in the coming years..### Key Players Steering the Current Board Game Renaissance The board game industry has seen a significant resurgence in recent years, with a diverse array of companies contributing to its growth and innovation. Each of these key players holds a unique position in the market, catering to varying tastes and preferences within the gaming community. **Mattel UK** - As a goliath in the toy industry, Mattel has consistently played a dominant role in the board game market. Their portfolio includes some of the most iconic family-friendly games, which have become household names and staples of game nights across the globe. **Ravensburger** - Known for its high-quality puzzles and well-crafted games, Ravensburger is a beacon of tradition and quality within the industry. Their games blend educational aspects with entertainment, providing enriching experiences for players of all ages. **Hasbro UK** - A household name with a wide-ranging catalog, Hasbro covers the board game market from classic titles to contemporary innovations. Their brand is synonymous with enduring family entertainment, and their games often carve out a permanent place in the hearts of their players. **Asmodee UK** - As a leading distributor, Asmodee brings an extensive collection of board games to British fans, including specialty and hobbyist games. Their efforts have greatly expanded the accessibility of a wider variety of gaming experiences, ranging from casual family play to complex strategy games. **Coiled Spring Games, Spiral Galaxy Games, and NDA Toys** - These distributors play a crucial role in the dissemination of board games, each with a focus that ranges from family-oriented selections to more niche interests within the gaming world. **Kingsley Distribution and Bliss Distribution** - These players specialize in more specific genres, such as war games and collectible card games, demonstrating the market's capacity to cater to individualized gaming communities and their tastes. **Game Quest** - Known for its direct-to-consumer approach, Game Quest not only engages in the sales process but also fosters a closer relationship with the gaming community, offering insights into consumer preferences and trends. **Amazon and Argos** - As retail giants, they serve as major distribution channels for board games, making it easy for consumers to access a broad range of gaming options. Their platforms support both mass-market titles and more specialized games, making board games easily available to a large audience. **Kickstarter** - Not a publisher or distributor but a platform, Kickstarter has revolutionized how board games are funded, promoted, and consumed. Crowdfunding has allowed independent publishers to bring innovative games directly to enthusiast

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/10/2020

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Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Board game industry revenues
• The UK market for board games and puzzles
• Attendance at the annual UK Games Expo
• Board games - Google Trends index
• Total weekly expenditure of UK households on board games, toys and entertainment
• Most popular games funded on Kickstarter

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