Board games are enjoying a remarkable revival, and their appeal appears to extend far beyond entertainment.

Research highlighted by the University of Plymouth suggests that tabletop gaming can support wellbeing, encourage inclusion and improve engagement, while other studies link regular play with lower stress, stronger relationships and greater social connection.

The renewed popularity of board games has continued even after the pandemic, helped partly by growing interest in digital detoxes and face-to-face activities. But researchers argue that their benefits go much deeper than simply spending less time on a phone.

<h3>Board Games Can Strengthen Relationships</h3>

Studies conducted during the pandemic found that playing board games was associated with reduced stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation. Tabletop games can also help people practise communication, patience, cooperation and emotional regulation while spending time with others.

Programs such as Bonding thru Board Games at Kansas State University use tabletop play to develop abilities including self-control, communication, executive function and a positive sense of self.

These benefits matter because stable social relationships are closely connected with emotional wellbeing. Playing a game creates a shared task, giving people a reason to talk, collaborate and respond to one another without relying on digital platforms.

<h3>Gaming Spaces Can Build Community</h3>

Board game cafés, specialist stores and organised events are also becoming important social spaces.

Andrea Robertson, co-owner of Rain City Games in British Columbia, explained that her stores increasingly function as a “third space” between home and work. She said organised events can provide young people with opportunities to meet others directly and reduce loneliness without social media or algorithms shaping the interaction.

Participation in the company’s events increased from about 8,500 ticket sales in 2024 to more than 9,100 in 2025.

<h3>Inclusive Gaming Matters</h3>

The modern tabletop community is also paying more attention to accessibility and representation.

David Plamondon, co-founder of Indigenous-owned Pe Metawe Games in Edmonton, has worked to create a welcoming environment for groups that have historically faced barriers within tabletop gaming.

Plamondon explained that poor representation, financial barriers and geographic access have previously made participation more difficult for some Indigenous players and other marginalised communities. His work also involves advising game developers on respectful inclusion of Indigenous histories, cultures and storytelling traditions.

<h3>Games Can Help People Meet New Friends</h3>

Playtesting groups offer another example of how games can create connections.

The Vancouver Playtest Group was founded in 2018 to bring designers together to test prototypes and exchange ideas. Co-founder Noe Escobar explained that games allow people to experience excitement, frustration and humour together, often helping strangers form friendships they might not otherwise have made. This shared emotional experience may be one reason tabletop gaming can feel more socially engaging than many solitary leisure activities.

<h3>How To Start Playing</h3>

Getting involved does not require an expensive collection. Local board game nights, libraries and specialist shops can offer easy ways to try different games before buying anything.

Beginner-friendly choices include Hues and Cues and Wavelength for groups, while Dominion and Ascension introduce deck-building mechanics. Patchwork works well for two players and leaves plenty of room for conversation, while Ticket to Ride remains accessible for both adults and younger players.

Board games may seem like a simple hobby, but their appeal lies partly in what happens around the table. They create opportunities to talk, cooperate, compete and spend uninterrupted time together — something that can be increasingly valuable in a screen-dominated world.