Board Game Days 2024 Thrills Gamers in Knoxville
Knoxville recently played host to a lively gathering of board game enthusiasts at the Board Game Days 2024, which took place at the charming Awaken Coffee in the Old City. The event, now in its ninth year, witnessed a significant rise in attendance, comparable to the booming board game market across the United States. The numbers have skyrocketed from 35 attendees at its inception to an impressive 220 attendees this year, up from 168 last year.
The Rise of Board Gaming
Over the last several years, the popularity of board games has surged, with the market in the United States seeing revenues climb from $930 million in 2017 to a whopping $2.12 billion in 2022. Projections indicate that this number could reach $3.5 billion by 2027.
Throughout the weekend event, players had the chance to enjoy a variety of games, with a growing interest stemming from the pandemic. Many people picked up board gaming during lockdowns as a way to stay connected with friends and family. Connor Cole, the event’s founder who has since moved away but returns to offer his support, noted, “The pandemic helped spur growth in board gaming as people sought ways to fill the time.” Indeed, even as the world began to reopen, the enthusiasm for board games remained strong.
A Warm and Inclusive Community
The current owner, Rachel Davidson, took over from Cole and has modeled the event to be more inclusive. She highlighted how attendees often come alone, looking to join groups and make new friends, while some return with their usual gaming circles. One participant, Natalie Tyler, who recently moved to Knoxville, shared that she attended last year and is excited to be back, saying, “I wanted to find people who shared my interest in board games.”
Davidson explained that Board Game Days provides a more calming environment compared to larger conventions like GenCon, where the atmosphere can feel overwhelming. The focus remains on letting people discover new games and connect with fellow gaming fans, making the atmosphere inviting for both introverts and extroverts.
Networking and Development Opportunities
Thursday night was dedicated to game developers and testers, where the emphasis remained on networking. This special event allowed developers to present their game prototypes while receiving feedback from experienced players. As one mantra echoed through the evening, “fail faster to improve the game faster.” Developers showcased their games in various stages of development, from hand-drawn prototypes to nearly completed products ready for crowdfunding.
Jesse Dranger, a developer, expressed his long journey with his game “Contender,” which began during high school. “I’m looking for an artist to help create a comic book to accompany my game,” he said. Meanwhile, Tristan Helmink, another developer, emphasized the importance of community, sharing how Board Game Days gives him an “excuse to do something I enjoy.”
Play to Win and Unique Experiences
From Friday through Sunday, attendees participated in various gaming sessions, including the unique Play to Win games, where players compete for a chance to win a game at the end of the session. With a library of over 200 games available, the event catered to both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
A new feature at this year’s event was the introduction of the game sommelier, who helps players decide on which games to play based on their preferences. Tim Copley, who helped develop this role, noted that having a sommelier enhances participants’ experience, particularly when they are faced with an overwhelming selection of titles.
Future Events and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, Davidson confirmed that Board Game Days plans to host more events, including a Play to Win session at the Kraken’s Cup Tea Room on October 5. The next big gathering will be the tenth annual Board Game Days next summer in Knoxville.
For fans of board gaming, this convention proves to be a highlight on the calendar. Connecting with fellow gamers, discovering new games, and engaging with developers creates a vibrant community that thrives on shared experiences. With continued growth expected in the future, the Board Game Days event in Knoxville is sure to remain a staple for both new and seasoned gamers alike.
