The coronavirus pandemic that paralyzed large parts of society became a springboard for new heights for the board game industry. Old games came down from the shelf when people were forced to socialize in new ways, in smaller circles.
Last year, the board game became the Christmas gift of the year. The Trade Research Institute HUI Research then pointed out that "innovations are constantly taking place within this industry".
As far as I know, board games have been growing more than video games for a longer period. Then again, the industry is much smaller, but it's growing more, says Jon Manker, founder of Ion Game Design.
"Strong demand"
Exact figures for the industry are difficult to secure. So far, there is no industry organization similar to the Video Game Industry, which gathers companies' interests and represents them to authorities, politicians, and media. The organization Sverok, which gathers the country's gaming associations, emphasizes, however, that the growing popularity of board games is clear.
There is a strong demand across the country, it's not metropolitan-centered. The pandemic gave a big boost, but also series like "Stranger Things" have increased interest, says Sverok's chairman Evelina Ferbrache.
The fact that Swedish board game companies are doing well is also evident in connection with the world's largest board game fair, Spiel, which takes place in Essen, Germany. At least 200,000 visitors are expected during the fair's four days.
Essen is really the Mecca of board games, it's the highlight of the whole year, says Tobias Hall, founder of All Or None Games – one of the seven Swedish companies attending Spiel.
"A lot of competition"
Besides pure sales, Spiel is also an opportunity for Swedish companies to establish contacts in other countries that can sell or translate the games, a business model that has grown significantly in recent years.
At the time of writing, we have released "Terraforming Mars" in 25 different languages, says Jonathan Fryxelius from Fryx Games about the company's bestseller.
"Terraforming Mars" is a relatively complex game in terms of rules and strategy. But several Swedish developers who TT has spoken to point out that the industry has grown to encompass "all kinds" of games in recent years.
There is so much competition now, with so many games. Which is fantastic, but it's about standing out. Today's board games have become more like works of art, there's much more thought behind how something looks, design, and that there's a story, says Besime Uyanik, game designer and CEO of Ion Game Design, which focuses on games with correct historical context.
Spiel is the world's largest board game fair. It was first held in 1983, when around 5,000 visitors came and 12 exhibitors showed off games. Last year, 193,000 visitors came and 935 exhibitors participated. At least as many are expected to visit Essen on October 3-6 to play and buy board games, role-playing games, and card games on an area of over 62,000 square meters.
Exhibitors from over 50 countries have registered. Seven of them are from Sweden:
All Or None Games, Fria Ligan, Fryx Games, Ion Game Design, Lindorm Dice, Studio Midhall, and von Braus Publishing.
Source: Spiel
