A new global study, commissioned by tabletop giant Asmodee to mark its 30th anniversary, makes the bold claim that one in four people play board games at least once a week.

The research, conducted by Censuswide across the UK, USA, France, and Sweden, suggests a significant portion of the population are regular tabletop gamers. The survey of 8,001 people also found that nearly two-thirds (64%) use board games as a way to bring their families closer together.

However, it’s worth approaching the headline figure with a degree of healthy scepticism. While conducted by a member of the British Polling Council, the methodology for recruiting the “general public” sample isn’t detailed. It’s plausible that the survey reached a higher proportion of existing hobbyists than a truly random sample would, potentially skewing the results towards more frequent play. I mean, do you get weekly board games?

Despite this, the findings tap into a growing narrative around “digital fatigue”. The study notes that 53% of respondents use games for escapism, a figure that climbs to 65% in the US. This desire to disconnect from screens and overwhelming news cycles is often cited as a key driver behind the modern board game renaissance. In the press release, Asmodee CEO Thomas Koegler commented on the trend.

Tabletop games are gaining more traction as a favored leisure activity, offering an appealing way to unwind and spend quality time with friends and family. As a lifelong gamer myself, I know first-hand how tabletop games are played for much more than recreation, but are also a valuable gateway to imagination, wellbeing, fun and togetherness among players.”

The research also highlights that Millennials (defined as ages 29-44) are leading the charge, reportedly playing tabletop games as often as they consume news content (38% vs 37%).

The emphasis on escaping screens creates an interesting paradox for the tabletop industry’s growing digital wing. If the appeal of board games is their physical, offline nature, where does this leave the virtual tabletop (VTT) platforms? VTTs have become essential for connecting gamers across distances, but they exist entirely in the digital realm that many players are seemingly trying to escape. This suggests that the market may be driven by two distinct, almost opposing, desires: the need to disconnect from screens and the need to connect with friends, regardless of the distance. The future success of VTTs may depend on their ability to minimise the feeling of ‘screen time’ while maximising social connection.

Alongside the study, Asmodee has launched a digital fresco, an interactive seek-and-find illustration by Charlotte Hugues, to celebrate its three decades in the industry. The online experience incorporates stories from over 1,200 players and will feature quests and prizes until March 2026.

Quick Links

• Asmodee: Your Turn to Play competition.