If I compare the world of games today with that of my childhood (1987), I see how today there is a customs clearance towards the large masses, also thanks to the increasing appearances of the game theme (both video and tabletop) in many series. tv and movies.
For example, you can see the protagonists of "Orphan Black" play Gloomhaven ed Agricultural; in "The Big Bang Theory”Our 4 favorite geeks play Talisman, Catan e Dungeon's and Dragons; the same D&D represents a focal point in the plot of Stranger Things.
To demonstrate the growing interest of the general public in the world of board games, just look at the world of retailers (both specialized and generalist): once in fact the only board games available in supermarkets or toy stores were linked to the world Ravensburger (titles such as "Labyrinth" or "Scotland Yard") or Hasbro (“Monopoly”), recently it is possible to find areas / exhibitors dedicated to the distributor Asmodee, new giant in the sector.
Asmodee in fact it is the true leader of the boardgame sector, which has grown thanks also to successful acquisitions:
- 2014 - Fantasy Flight Games (owner of the titles related to the Star Wars saga, the disappeared Android: Netrunner and several successful titles such as the Arkham Horror saga)
- 2016 - Bergsala Enigma (one of the main distributors in Northern Europe)
- 2016 - F2Z Games (also known as z-games - "A Party for Odin", "Camel Up", "Pandemia", ...)
- 2018 - Lookout Games (18XX saga, "Bohnanza", "Agricola", "Le Havre")
(Source https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/asmodee#section-acquisitions)
Lately we hear numerous rumors about the possible acquisition by Hasbro area of Asmodee; the acquisition would seem plausible, considering that Hasbro (listed company) has 1,6 Billion of available cash / capital, and that Asmodee it is owned by 60% of an investment fund which has every interest to sell.
Only the future will tell us if these rumors are true, but in the meantime welcome to the best time ever to play!
