When people think of tabletop gaming, they often imagine classic board games like Monopoly or a group of friends playing games like Dungeons & Dragons around a table. However, the tabletop gaming industry has evolved far beyond family game nights, becoming a booming global industry that reflects a growing interest in analog entertainment.
Tabletop Games Market in China
Tabletop games encompass a variety of genres, including board games (such as Monopoly, Catan, Zombicide), card and dice games (such as Uno, Yahtzee), collectible games (such as Magic: The Gathering, Disney Lorcana), miniature games (such as Warhammer, Freeblades), and role-playing games (such as Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, Pathfinder). Over the past few decades, the number of new games released every year has surged. In the early 1990s, around 800 new tabletop games were launched, while in 2022, more than 5,000 new games hit the market.
The rapid expansion of the tabletop gaming market is also evident in China, where the industry has been growing steadily. In 2022, the global market for board games alone reached $15.1 billion, and tabletop role-playing games alone grossed over $3.2 billion in 2023. The market for all tabletop games is projected to reach $37.82 billion by 2030. This represents significant opportunities for both international and domestic game developers to tap into the Chinese market.
Growth of Tabletop Games in China
Several factors are driving this growth. One of the major contributors is the rise of indie game developers utilizing crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter, BackerKit, and Indiegogo. These platforms have enabled independent creators to bring their games to a global audience. For instance, the highly successful game Exploding Kittens raised over $8.7 million in 2015, with more than 219,000 backers. More recently, Frosthaven, the sequel to Gloomhaven, raised almost $13 million, becoming the highest-funded game on Kickstarter. These crowdfunding successes are not only impacting Western markets but also contributing to the expanding tabletop game scene in China.
Another factor contributing to the growth of tabletop gaming in China is the expansion of popular franchises into the board game market. We have all seen different versions of Monopoly featuring everything from NASCAR to The Simpsons, but what’s more intriguing is the increasing presence of well-known video game and TV franchises in the tabletop space. Brands like Resident Evil, The Witcher, Fallout, and Game of Thrones have launched board games and RPGs, helping to bring tabletop gaming to a wider audience, including casual gamers in China who may have otherwise been hesitant to try more complex games.
The third driving force is the increasing demand for diverse gaming experiences. Tabletop gaming now spans a wide range of themes and mechanics, catering to various player preferences. Whether it's strategy games, deck-building games, or narrative-driven RPGs, the industry has become more inclusive and diverse. This inclusivity is also reflected in the games' social awareness, with many games addressing themes like diversity and equality, which resonate well with the evolving values of modern Chinese consumers.
Development of Tabletop Games in China
Looking ahead, it's important to recognize the emerging trends that will shape the future of the tabletop gaming industry in China. These trends indicate the industry's adaptability and innovation, creating new opportunities for growth, especially through partnerships that fill gaps in the market.
One of the key trends is the demand for more personalized and customizable gaming experiences. Players in China are seeking unique game components, miniatures, and variants, which presents opportunities for game companies to collaborate with artisans and manufacturers to create distinctive gaming products. A recent example of this is the collaboration on miniatures for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles RPG, where custom miniatures were created to meet the unique demands of the developers and the brand holders, exceeding expectations.
Technology is also playing an increasing role in enhancing the tabletop gaming experience. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and companion apps are being integrated into games, providing immersive and interactive experiences that complement traditional mechanics. These technologies are especially useful in China, where the gaming market is highly tech-savvy, and players expect cutting-edge experiences.
Crowdfunding has democratized game development, and this trend is likely to continue, with more innovative and niche games entering the market. Indie game developers in China will increasingly require services to support the development and implementation of their crowdfunding campaigns, ensuring their success in reaching a wider audience.
Localizing rules and components is another important factor for successful distribution, especially for international games being introduced to China. Many games first see release in European markets, but translation and local distribution often take time. By integrating localization services during the development phase, companies can release their games in China alongside other global markets, maximizing reach and minimizing the need for intermediary publishers.
The Future of Tabletop Games in China
Looking ahead, the future of tabletop gaming in China will be shaped by the synergy between industry growth, strategic partnerships, and emerging trends. The integration of technology, the emphasis on innovation, and the continued rise of indie developers will continue to influence the direction of the industry. Through collaboration, creative design, and the advantages of strategic outsourcing, the tabletop gaming industry in China is poised for continued success and expansion in the coming years.
So, let’s roll the dice and dive into this rapidly growing industry as it continues to evolve and captivate a global audience, including the growing number of tabletop gaming enthusiasts in China!
