A new four-country survey from Asmodee says 26% of people play board games weekly, right behind 32% who play video games. The gap is slim—and it points to tabletop as a mainstream habit, not a niche hobby.
TL;DR
- 26% report weekly tabletop play vs 32% for video games across the U.S., U.K., France, and Sweden.
- 64% say tabletop strengthens family ties; over half play to escape the bad-news firehose.
- Millennials lead the offline surge, report the highest joy during play, and show habits that fuel community growth.
- It’s a company-commissioned study (8,000 people); useful directionally, not gospel.
- Expect more localization, streamlined rules, co-ops, and inclusive design—plus hybrid app-assisted experiences.
The Stat That Changes the Conversation
Here’s the headline outcome: board games are within striking distance of video games for weekly leisure time. In Asmodee’s survey of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Sweden, 26% of respondents play tabletop at least once a week, compared to 32% who game digitally. That’s close enough to change how we talk about the hobby.
Just as important is the why behind the numbers. Nearly two thirds (64%) of people say tabletop games help bring family and friends together. More than half say they reach for games to take a break from constant bad news. That’s a compelling mix: social connection plus practical stress relief—reasons that sustain habits long after a trend fades.
When weekly play becomes normal, groups stabilize. Stable groups finish campaigns, actually use expansions, and justify collections. At that point publishers start treating tabletop as a mainstream channel, not a side quest—meaning more localizations, broader themes, and better production values across the board.
Why It Matters for Players and Publishers
For players, these numbers are a green light. You’re not dragging friends uphill anymore; you’re inviting them into a habit many already share. Weekly play encourages campaign structures, modular content, and save-friendly designs that fit busy lives. It also rewards games with fast setup, smart storage, and clear teach paths so a session actually starts on time.
For publishers and retailers, a near-parity with video games reshapes priorities. Expect:
- Streamlined teach times without dumbing down strategy.
- Cooperative and team modes that keep groups engaged and reduce quarterbacking.
- Licensed themes that lower the barrier for newcomers.
- More learn-to-play nights in stores, and family demos that stress clarity over complexity.
Culturally, the report matches what many see on the ground: board-game cafés are busy on weekends from New York to Oxford to Dubai. More demand means healthier second-hand markets, fuller events at cafés, and a pipeline where gateway nights naturally lead to heavier games.
Meet the Generation Powering the Boom
The quiet engine here is Millennials. In the study, their tabletop playtime lands on par with how often they read or watch the news, and they report the highest joy while playing compared to other generations. That matters because of life stage: Millennials are the ones hosting, teaching, and—crucially—buying.
Joy plus regular habit equals evangelists. When that cohort shows up every week, you get consistent Tuesday game nights, more “teach once, play often” libraries, and a social loop that turns curious guests into regulars. Tabletop isn’t just keeping pace with video games; it’s also matching podcasts as a go-to way to unwind. If your commute queue is slower because your group claimed Tuesday nights, you’re part of the trend.
Read the Fine Print—Then Seize the Opportunity
Let’s stay clear-eyed: this is a company-commissioned study. Treat it as directionally useful, not universal truth. Still, the sample size (8,000 people) across four countries is solid, and the trend lines point the same way: people are choosing analog social time on purpose.
That choice creates opportunity across the ecosystem:
- Designers: Lean into campaigns that actually finish, with modular chapters, quick refreshers, and bookmarkable saves.
- Retailers: Run structured learn-to-play sessions, highlight co-ops for mixed-experience tables, and keep demo copies ready.
- Clubs & libraries: Use this data to expand shelf space, host family-friendly events, and build starter stacks patrons can check out.
What to Watch Next (Next 12 Months)
Three trends to keep on your radar:
- Hybrid, app-assisted boards
Apps that handle bookkeeping and narrative pacing—without hogging attention—can make heavier titles approachable for new groups. - Social-first design
Games that spark conversation and storytelling will own living rooms: party titles with actual depth, and low-downtime co-ops that keep everyone engaged between turns. - Accessibility and inclusivity
Publishers looking to sustain weekly habits will translate more languages, adopt color-blind-friendly palettes, and offer clear rules with short teach videos so anyone can jump in.
If you’re curating for skeptical friends, assemble a starter stack: one social bluffing game, one clear-objective co-op, one light strategy with table talk, and one cozy family title. Give people a great first hour, and you’re on your way to a standing weekly group.
Final Take
People are hungry for connection that feels real, repeatable, and fun. Tabletop delivers—and now stands shoulder to shoulder with digital play in the weekly routine. If you’ve been waiting to start or restart a group, this is your sign. Set the night, pick the teach, and let the habit do the rest.
