The current State of the Board Game Industry: From the perspective of Next Big Thing Publishing
Hey everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to talk about where the board game industry is right now. And if I had to sum it up in one word, I'd say: awesome.
It feels like we've entered a new golden age. This hobby isn't just a niche thing anymore; it's a huge, global community full of incredible games and passionate people.
One of the biggest changes we've seen is how we get games into our hands. Crowdfunding has totally changed the game, literally. It’s put the power directly in the hands of creators like us, allowing us to connect with you—the players—and bring our wild ideas to life. It’s a huge win for everyone involved.
And speaking of players, we've seen a shift in how we play. It's not all about crushing your opponents anymore. Cooperative games, where we all work together to beat the board, have become a massive part of the hobby. It's a fantastic way to welcome new people to the table and prove that the best part of gaming is the time we spend together.
Plus, let's talk about technology. AI isn't some scary, futuristic concept anymore. It's a new tool that we, as designers, can use to make better games. It's helping us test ideas, balance mechanics, and streamline our process so we can focus on the most important thing: crafting a great story and an unforgettable experience.
Of course, there are always things to work on. We need to keep making our tables welcoming to everyone, and we need to hold ourselves to a high standard of quality.
But overall, the state of our industry is strong, and it's full of potential. Here at Next Big Thing Publishing, we're so excited to be a part of this journey. We can't wait to keep pushing the envelope, bringing you games and stories that will spark your imagination and bring you closer together.
Thanks for being on this adventure with us. The best is yet to come.
Do you think the best years of board games is behind us, or are we entering a new golden age and the best years are those to come? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comment section below.
