Table Top Games Market Expected to Reach $5.3 Billion by 2035

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Table Top Games Market," The table top games market was valued at $2.7 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $5.3 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2035.

Tabletop games, including role-playing games and miniature war games, play a vital role in children's growth and development. These strategic and role-playing games enhance brain development by fostering logical reasoning, spatial awareness, and decision-making skills. Additionally, RPGs help children build social and communication abilities while making learning more engaging. The increasing demand for strategy and adventure-based games among children is a key driver of the table top games market size. Notably, China's relaxation of its long-standing one-child policy, allowing couples to have two children, is expected to boost the young population, positively impacting market growth. According to the World Bank, approximately 25.6% of the global population was under the age of 15 in 2022.

A large consumer base and a growing young population in developing countries like India and China are fueling demand for tabletop games across the Asia-Pacific region. In India, rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a growing interest in social gaming contribute to market expansion. Increased awareness through social media, board game cafés, and online retail channels has further boosted demand. Millennials' nostalgia, family bonding activities, and the educational benefits of tabletop games are also key growth factors. Crowdfunding platforms and local innovations continue to support the expanding market for board and strategy games.

Playing tabletop games requires some level of guidance, which can be provided through retailers, experienced players, instructional videos, or rule books. In recent years, the U.S. has seen a surge in learning opportunities for hobby games, including board and tabletop games, which has significantly contributed to table top games market growth. Game companies now organize demonstrations at conventions and stores, create instructional videos, and implement formalized programs to introduce new players to the hobby. Increased awareness of hobby gaming is expected to drive market expansion in the coming years.

To enhance sales across various markets, manufacturers are adopting innovative marketing and branding strategies. One of the notable table top games market trends is the introduction of miniatures made with eco-friendly and durable materials, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. This approach not only attracts new customers but also strengthens brand reputation and increases revenue. Collectively, these strategies contribute to the overall growth of the tabletop games market.

Tabletop gaming is inherently a social activity, requiring groups of players who often form organically or through organized gaming events. The rise of structured play programs in hobby game stores, board game nights at bars and restaurants, and gaming cafés has further fueled market growth. Additionally, consumer participation depends on sufficient disposable income and leisure time. With the U.S. economy allowing more consumers to engage in entertainment activities, interest in tabletop games has risen.

To stay competitive, tabletop game publishers and miniature manufacturers must continually innovate. This includes designing unique games, developing creative marketing campaigns, and catering to evolving consumer preferences. Consumer innovativeness plays a crucial role, as individuals willing to embrace new gaming experiences drive market expansion. By continuously refining their products and marketing efforts, manufacturers can attract both existing and new customers, ensuring sustained growth in the tabletop games industry.

The use of digital devices instead of board games and hobby games is expected to hamper the growth of the table top games industry, particularly in developed regions such as the U.S. and EU. The advent of smartphones, computers, video game systems, and tablets has penetrated every household. Rapid market expansion and proliferation of digital infrastructure in developed as well as developing regions have given access to the internet to adults as well as kids. Internet penetration across the world is growing steadily. The increase in internet penetration and the rise in highly addictive online games on smartphones and tablets have enormously hampered the table top games market. The easy availability of attention-grabbing gadgets, such as smartphones, video games, and computers, poses a significant challenge for the table top games market in the coming years. 

The table top games market report is segmented into type, application, and region. On the basis of type, the market is divided into miniature war games and role-playing games. On the basis of application, the market is divided into children, adults, family, and party. On the basis of region, the market is analyzed across North America (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa). Role-playing games accounted for more than 50% of the table top games market share in terms of revenue in 2021 as they are the most popular type of table top games among consumers. A role-playing game (RPG) is a type of table top game in which each participant assumes the role of a character to solve quests, defeat enemies, and become stronger by gaining various skills and equipment. There are different types of RPGs available in the market. RPGs' rich story and character development mechanics attract a particularly loyal gamer fan base, who become part of the narrative by creating their unique characters and honing their skills to help their characters progress. 

On the basis of region, Europe was the largest market in 2023 and had the highest market share of 29.6%. Europe is a major market for table top games. Germany is the leading market in Europe and is also expected to be the fastest-growing market. The rise in adoption of table top games by millennials is increasing at a significant rate in Europe. Although a large proportion of manufacturing currently takes place in China, a substantial number of miniature war games are also manufactured in European countries. There are almost 5,000 companies in Europe’s board game sector, which includes both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as per a report of the Toy Industries of Europe. However, over 99% of all companies are SMEs, which play a key role in Europe’s economic fabric, particularly in rural areas where most companies are located. Approximately 88% of companies in Europe are micro-enterprises with less than ten employees.

Key Findings of the Study

• On the basis of type, the miniature war games segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of application, the children segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 6.0% in revenue terms during the forecast period.
• On the basis of region, the U.S. was the largest country in terms of revenue generation for the table top games market in 2021.
• On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate, registering a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2035.