If Millenials are the generation that retook board games and reintroduced them into their social schedules and gatherings, Gen Z is taking the next step. Rather than simply reviving tabletop play, they are consciously setting aside screen time and weaving board games into their everyday social lives.
A deliberate way to slow down, socialise face-to-face, and connect with others. What started as a revival among Millennials has become lifestyle for Gen Z.
Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping social interaction 一 And Board Games are Part of the Shift
We have taken the liberty of including Millennials in this shift in behaviour, as they are the generation responsible for the re-emerge of board games in social gatherings and for establishing them as a regular feature of day-to-day life. For clarity, when we refer to Millennials, we mean those born between 1981 and 1996, and when we refer to Gen Z, we mean those born between 1997 and 2012.
It is impossible to ignore how these two generations, having lived through the establishment of technology, communications, and the internet as integral parts of their everyday lives, are reshaping the way they interact with others, how they value their time, and the media and games they choose to consume. Here is where board games and tabletop gaming take a stand, emerging as one of the ways both generations have chosen to make more intentional use of their time.
We’ve already talked about how board games can help slow cognitive aging, as well as how Wargamer clubs are helping with mental wellbeing through community and shared purpose. It comes as no surprise that board games are increasingly seen not merely as entertainment, but as a meaningful social and cultural tool.
Digital Fatigue: Deliberate Reduce of Screen Time
Millennials introduced the concept of “digital detox”, and GenZ is taking it a step further fighting back against brain rot. As the use of digital platforms increases, the brain begins to crave dopamine hits, and GenZ is particularly predisposed to this situation having grown up with unparalleled access to technology.
And so, Gen Z is taking matters into their own hands to fight back the dopamine overload and go back to less interactions with screens and online platforms.
- Digital minimalism: meaning to implement boundaries to the use of their devices, limiting the number of notifications, the amount of time using the device and using the “Do Not Disturb” function during particular hours.
- The return of the dumb phone: a step back from 24/7 connection to the digital world. The use of these “dumb phones” have proven to increase focus, behaviour and social interaction.
Meaningful Connection and Social Interaction
Rather than doomscrolling, Millennials and Gen Z have reintroduced board games as a form of entertainment and social connection. The board gaming community continues to expand, as more new players take an interest in gathering around a table with their friends to enjoy game night. But how did we reach this point? and why have these generations chosen board games as a way to spend their time?
A Board Game Legacy Through Generations
Board games have had a head start of several thousand years over both millennials and Gen Z. It’s impossible not to grow up seeing your grandparents playing cards for an entire afternoon, or your parents, uncles and aunts getting excited over games like taboo or Trivial Pursuit. Board games have always been there, sometimes more present in certain generations than others.
Today, board games offer a wide variety of adventures, entertainment and strategic challenges. You could say there is one一or even more than one一for every kind of interest: competitive, cooperative, narrative-driven, mechanically complex, or party games.
Millennials and Gen Z have picked up this legacy and come to value social face-to-face connection once again, the chance to take a break away from screens, and quality time spent together.
Media Representation as a Hook for the Curiosity
Representation in media such as films and TV series has also fuelled this curiosity about board games and tabletop gaming. A clear example is the growing interest in Dungeons & Dragons, Partly due to its apparition in Stranger Things, or adaptations of Critical Role campaigns, such as Vox Machina and The Mighty Nein.
The portrayal of board games in media sparks the viewers’ curiosity, who may in time become a new player of these games in the future.
Cooperative Games More Attractive than Competitive Board Games
It seems like cooperative board games hold a particular appeal for Genz, who often prioritise social connection and collaboration over competition. Games like Pandemic and Gloomhaven illustrate why cooperative mechanics resonate with younger players, where winning and losing is a matter of teamwork and shared goals.
The popularity of cooperative board games also reflects broader generational attitudes towards leisure, favouring social interaction over individualism or achievement-focused experiences.
How This new Tendency is shaping the Market and its Consequences
It’s impossible not to ask the following question: how has this change in attitude and behaviour been reflected in the board game industry? If millennials and Gen Z are turning their attention and time back to board games, the consequences should be significant.
The answer is clear: yes.
Board Game Sales Increase
According to Icon-Era article on Board Game Sales Statistics 2026 the global board games market reached $15.83 billion in 2025, marking a 10.3% growth from its revenue in 2024. A quantity that has not stopped increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic. Adult gamers being the segment with more gamer enthusiasts who regularly purchase premium titles.
In regional board game sales in 2024, North America maintains leadership with 41.68%, followed by Asia-pacific with 39.5% and Europe holds steady third position.
Increase of Board Game Cafés
Another clear sign of this is the rise of board game cafés. These venues provide a social space where people can gather to play a wide variety of games. The concept taps into the desire of shared experiences and face-to-face interaction, offering a break from the digital world.
As more people take interest in board games, these cafés offer an accessible entry point into the world of tabletop gaming. For millennials and Gen Z these are places to connect, unwind and participate in a growing cultural movement.
The future of play: Winning Back a Generation
Board Gaming offers an inclusive and accessible space where everyone can learn and have a good time. If you’re willing to try new board games or are looking for players who share your interests, it might not be easy at first一 especially if you don’t know anyone who plays. That is why at Gamers.Online, we provide the perfect way to connect with fellow gamers.
Find new players on our platform, form your new gaming group, and never stop playing!
Game on! 🎲