Board games have been a popular pastime for centuries, and the trend has only continued to grow in the UK in recent years. With the rise of digital gaming, many people have rediscovered the joys of sitting down with friends and family for a good old-fashioned board game session. In this article, we'll take a look at the state of the board game market in the UK in 2020, including sales figures, popular games, and trends to watch out for.
The Board Game Market in the UK
According to industry reports, the board game market in the UK is worth around ??100 million per year. This includes sales of both traditional board games and newer games that incorporate digital elements, such as apps and online play. The market has seen steady growth over the past few years, with more and more people discovering the joys of board gaming.
Top-Selling Board Games in 2020
So which board games are flying off the shelves in the UK in 2020? According to sales data, some of the top-selling games include:
- Monopoly
- Catan
- Ticket to Ride
- Scrabble
- Cluedo
These classic games have stood the test of time and continue to be popular with players of all ages. However, there are also plenty of newer games making waves in the market, such as:
- Wingspan
- Gloomhaven
- Rising Sun
- Root
- Azul
These games offer fresh gameplay and innovative mechanics that appeal to modern gamers.
Trends in Board Game Design
Board game design is constantly evolving, with new trends and innovations emerging all the time. One of the biggest trends in recent years is the rise of cooperative games, which see players working together towards a common goal rather than competing against each other. Another popular trend is games with high levels of player agency, allowing players to make meaningful choices that shape the outcome of the game.
Other design trends to watch out for include games with branching narratives, legacy games that evolve over multiple play sessions, and games that incorporate technology in innovative ways.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Board Game Sales
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the board game market in the UK, with many people turning to board games as a way to pass the time during lockdown. Sales of board games have surged in 2020, with some retailers reporting a 240% increase in sales compared to the previous year. Popular games like Pandemic and Forbidden Island have seen a spike in sales, as players look for games that reflect the current global situation.
Conclusion
The UK board game market is thriving in 2020, with sales continuing to grow year on year. From classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble to innovative new titles like Wingspan and Gloomhaven, there's something for everyone in the world of board gaming. With new trends and innovations emerging all the time, it's an exciting time to be a board game enthusiast.
