Board games: the billion-pound industry that connects and unites enthusiasts

It would be easy to reduce the board game to a “geeky” pastime played by young boys in the basements of their homes. However, for those who have never experienced the excitement of miniature wargaming, it may come as a surprise to learn that it is actually a multi-billion pound industry, enjoyed by people from all walks of life and which continues to thrive in the UK.

Board gaming encompasses a wide variety of activities, from board and card games to dice games, miniature war games, and role-playing games.

In this golden era of video games and comic book films, experts say the board game has been “pulled up” into the mainstream and is currently experiencing a “renaissance” in the country.

Games Workshop was transformed into a multi-billion pound empire thanks to games such as Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000. Founded in 1975 by three friends, the company first made wooden boards for games like backgammon, mancala, nine-man morris and go. Subsequently, it became an importer of the American role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, before publishing its own war games and role-playing games.

The first store opened in Hammersmith, west London, in 1978, and has since seen its chain expand internationally. Now based in Nottingham, the company was valued at around £4.7 billion at the start of December. To give an idea, at this same time, Boohoo was valued at around 470 million pounds, ASOS at 455 million, and Card Factory at 315 million.

Among Games Workshop's famous clients is Henry Cavill, the interpreter of Superman. The gaming enthusiast is trying to bring a Warhammer-based film and television universe to fruition through Amazon's MGM Studios, and it was recently confirmed that a TV series is in development. The Hollywood star celebrated the news by making a “pilgrimage” to where he bought his first Warhammer models more than 30 years ago on his home island of Jersey.

Board gaming is enjoying a renaissance in the UK

Drs Niall Moody and Hailey Austin, from the University of Abertay, say board gaming is “booming” in the UK. Dr. Moody, a professor of audio and game design, says that “these days, geek culture has become mainstream.” He said the box office success of films like Lord of the Rings and the Marvel Cinematic Universe helped “advance things like board gaming.”

Dr Moody also explains that this popularity also results from the age of these games. “Board games have been around since at least 3000 BC. We have had card games since the 14th-15th century. Warhammer has its origins in war games, the precursor of which, the Kriegsspiel, dates from the 19th century. Tabletop role-playing games, for their part, have been particularly popular for around 10 years.”

It is worth noting that “actual play” shows – podcasts or web shows where people play tabletop role-playing games for an audience – have inspired many future gamers to take up this activity.

Dr. Austin believes that this passion is shared by a wide variety of people. Although the gaming world is often thought to be dominated by young men, she points out that “board, card, board and role-playing games attract players of all types, and women represent on average 50% of players.” She also believes that the alcohol phenomenon among Generation Z is influencing the growing taste for the hobby. Moreover, a YouGov survey revealed that a large proportion of young British drinkers are increasingly favoring low-alcohol alternatives.

A gaming club in Scotland called Crossfire Gaming Club is a testament to this popularity. Founded in February 2023 by a group of six friends looking for a place to play, the club quickly attracted many members. Chris Mooney, the club's president, says it took a little longer to convince skeptical parents, but the success of their game nights exceeded all expectations.

Mooney shares that the club has managed to increase the number of participants at its meetup, attracting an average of around 50 people, and offering a diverse range of games like Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar, and even Star Wars: X-Wing.

He emphasizes the importance of community support, particularly for those with social anxiety, saying that “gaming provides a less intimidating setting for socializing in comfortable conditions.”

To conclude, Mr McMail and other members agree that the Crossfire Gaming Club is not only a space to play, but a place to meet and exchange where everyone feels accepted.

Good to know

• Board and board games have a rich history, dating back thousands of years.
• Geek culture has evolved to become an integral part of popular culture.
• Many clubs across the UK offer a safe space to meet other gaming enthusiasts.
• Role-playing games have grown in popularity, partly due to influential broadcasts made by enthusiasts.
• Gaming clubs promote social interactions in a fun setting.