Board Game News | October 2025: A Month of Innovation and Resilience in the Board Game Industry

October 2025 has been a dynamic month for the board game industry, marked by innovative releases, significant market trends, and notable industry developments. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key happenings that have shaped the board gaming landscape this month.

1. German Board Game Market Thrives Amid Economic Challenges

Despite facing a “structural crisis” in its economy, Germany’s board game market has demonstrated remarkable resilience. While the broader toy market experienced a nearly 5% decline, board game sales grew by 0.9% in the year leading up to August 2024. This growth is attributed to the rising popularity of adult games, particularly party and knowledge games, which saw a surge of over 50%. Trading cards and collectible cards have also maintained strong performance, further boosting the market.

Interestingly, while online sales channels contribute significantly to the board game market, exceeding 40% of sales, brick-and-mortar specialist retailers remain the primary point of sale for board games in Germany. This suggests that the tactile experience of browsing and selecting games in person remains important for consumers. Notably, the price of a game is not the most critical factor influencing purchasing decisions. Players prioritise finding games that align with their preferences and playing styles.

Crowdfunding has emerged as a driving force behind the introduction of fresh and innovative game ideas. Platforms like Kickstarter empower smaller publishers to bring their creations to market, reducing financial risks and fostering diversity in the industry. The availability of international games translated into German editions further expands the choices for German players.

A recent GfK survey underscored the growing popularity of board games in Germany, revealing that 13% of respondents play board or card games at least once a week, up from 8% a decade ago. This trend is even more pronounced among families, with 24% playing at least weekly, highlighting the enduring appeal of family-oriented games. Encouragingly, over half of the survey respondents indicated a desire to play board and card games even more frequently.

Despite the challenging economic climate, German board game publishers are optimistic about the future, particularly with the approaching Christmas season expected to drive increased demand. The German market’s successful rebound in 2023, with sales rising by 9% following a 5% decline in 2022, further bolsters this optimism. The strong performance of trading card games (TCGs), including Pokémon, Magic, and Lorcana, played a key role in this resurgence, demonstrating the strength of the hobby games segment within the overall market.

2. Uncommons Publishing Launches with Asmodee USA Distribution

A new player has entered the board game publishing arena, Uncommons Publishing (UP Games), founded by the designers behind LEGO’s Monkey Palace and Gnome Hollow. UP Games has partnered with Asmodee USA for the exclusive distribution of their debut title, Floristry. Floristry is a two-player tile-laying game utilizing an app to facilitate timed Dutch auctions.

Asmodee USA sees the collaboration as an opportunity to expand their offerings with light strategy games crafted by renowned designers, catering to a wider range of players. UP Games, on the other hand, believes Asmodee’s global reach and industry expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the successful distribution of Floristry.

3. Mythic Games Faces Uncertain Future

French board game publisher Mythic Games, once known for its successful Kickstarter campaigns, is now battling for survival. While reports circulated about the company’s liquidation, Mythic Games clarified that it is still operational through its Luxembourg-based parent company. The liquidation only affected their French subsidiary, which primarily handled payments for French employees before they were all let go in 2023. Since then, Mythic Games has relied entirely on freelancers to continue work on its numerous outstanding Kickstarter projects.

The company’s current financial woes can be traced back to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the board game industry. Escalating manufacturing and shipping costs, coupled with Mythic Games’ continued pursuit of ambitious Kickstarter projects and staff expansion during this turbulent period, led to a financial crisis. Mythic Games co-founder Leonidas Vesperini admitted that the company has been awaiting payments from creditors for several months and is exploring “last resort measures” to keep the business afloat. He expects to have a clearer picture of Mythic Games’ future by the end of October 2024.

In an attempt to address its financial difficulties, Mythic Games made the controversial decision to request additional contributions from backers of its crowdfunding campaigns to ensure project completion. This move sparked criticism and uncertainty among backers, especially regarding the delivery of Wave 2 of the Darkest Dungeon board game.

Despite raising over $12 million across six recent Kickstarter campaigns, Mythic Games has struggled to manage these funds effectively, leading to delays and broken promises. For instance, backers of Darkest Dungeon were initially assured they would not incur additional charges for Wave 2 (which included expansions, add-ons, and localized editions) after contributing extra funds for Wave 1. However, Mythic Games later backtracked on this commitment, demanding further payments from Wave 1 backers for each Wave 2 expansion.

As a result, some backers faced a total additional cost of over $380, effectively doubling their initial pledge. This situation underscores the risks and complexities associated with crowdfunding, particularly when publishers encounter financial difficulties.

Mythic Games’ last official update on the Darkest Dungeon Kickstarter page was eight months ago, claiming that Wave 2 production was imminent. Vesperini has not responded to inquiries regarding the status of Wave 2 or the fate of the additional funds contributed by backers.

4. Upcoming Games on Kickstarter

While Mythic Games’ future hangs in the balance, Kickstarter remains a vibrant platform for new board game projects. Here are a few upcoming campaigns:

Estate: Raise the Realm: A worker-placement, engine-building game set in a medieval fantasy world, where players assume the roles of nobles rebuilding their family estates.
Fate of the Kingdom: A strategic board game challenging players to accumulate points and assemble a team of characters to establish their kingdom.
Shallow Sea: A visually stunning multi-layered puzzle game inspired by the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.
Tide & Tangle: A DIY board game focused on the playful world of otters, where players swim, dive, and raft together to become the most joyful otter on the Golden Coast.

These diverse offerings, spanning various themes and mechanics, showcase the creativity and innovation within the board game community. They highlight the enduring appeal of board games as a source of entertainment, social interaction, and imaginative exploration.

5. SPIEL ESSEN 2025: Anticipation Builds for the World’s Largest Board Game Fair

Looking ahead, the board gaming community is eagerly anticipating SPIEL ESSEN 2025, scheduled for October 23-26, 2025, in Essen, Germany. As the world’s largest public fair for board games, SPIEL ESSEN brings together passionate game fans with national and international exhibitors. Attendees can discover new titles from around the world, enjoy the company of other gamers, and play to their heart’s content. Thousands of new releases are expected to be showcased and sold for the first time, with explainers on hand to help attendees start playing right away. Authors will be present to sign their

games, adding a personal touch to the experience and allowing fans to engage directly with the creative minds behind some of their favorite titles. The fair promises to be a highlight in the global board gaming calendar, featuring panels, exclusive game launches, and industry networking opportunities.

SPIEL ESSEN has long been a beacon for gaming enthusiasts, showcasing everything from the latest mainstream hits to indie gems. This year, the event is set to draw even larger crowds with an increased focus on eco-friendly initiatives, digital hybrid games, and an array of playtesting areas. Attendees are encouraged to explore, experiment, and immerse themselves in the unique offerings from developers worldwide.

6. Digital Board Games and Hybrid Play Continue to Grow

Hybrid board games—games that merge physical components with digital applications—are making waves in the industry. This month, several new titles have embraced digital integrations to enhance gameplay, offering a fresh experience for fans and paving the way for more tech-forward games in the future.

Titles like Mystic Realms: Digital Quest incorporate interactive apps that assist with game rules, track player progress, and add elements of augmented reality (AR) to transform gameplay into a multi-sensory experience. Not only do these features streamline complex game mechanics, but they also cater to both tech-savvy players and traditional board gamers who enjoy a blend of both worlds.

The push for digital hybrid games aligns with the evolving landscape of gaming, where accessibility, innovation, and convenience are paramount. This shift has opened new doors for game designers, enabling them to create multi-layered worlds that combine physical engagement with the benefits of digital storytelling and interaction.

A Promising Future for Board Games

October 2025 has been a dramatic month but it underscored the board game industry’s incredible adaptability, resilience, and creativity. From Germany’s economic defiance to Kickstarter’s bustling project lineup and the innovations presented by digital hybrid games, it’s clear that the world of tabletop gaming is thriving and evolving in exciting new directions.

As we approach the holiday season, industry leaders and enthusiasts alike are optimistic about the future. Whether you’re drawn to complex strategy games, family-friendly options, or tech-enhanced experiences, there’s never been a better time to be part of the global board game community. With fresh titles, engaging mechanics, and inclusive practices, the industry continues to offer something for every player, ensuring that board gaming remains a beloved and enduring form of entertainment.