Board Game Days 2024 Brings Joyful Competition to Knoxville
Knoxville, TN, recently witnessed a gathering of board game enthusiasts at the ninth annual Board Game Days, hosted in the cozy environment of Awaken Coffee located in the Old City. The popularity of board games has surged in recent years, and this event is evidence of the growing interest among gamers.
Growing Attendance Reflects National Trends
In 2017, the American board game market was valued at $930 million. Fast forward to 2022, and this figure jumped to $2.12 billion with projections reaching a staggering $3.5 billion by 2027. Board Game Days has followed a similar trajectory, growing from an initial attendance of just 35 participants to 220 this year.
Connor Cole, the founder of Board Game Days, reflected on its growth. Though he has moved away from Knoxville, he returned for the event, expressing excitement over the increase in attendance, which reached 168 last year. Users also came from different areas, including Chris Morton, who traveled four hours from Huntsville, Alabama.
A Warm Welcome for All Gamers
The current owner, Rachel Davidson, aims to create an inviting and inclusive atmosphere for all attendees. Many come with friends or regular gaming groups, while others, like Natalie Tyler, seek new connections in the Knoxville community. Tyler, who moved to the city in 2023, found her fellow board game lovers at the event.
Davidson noted that Board Game Days provides a quieter experience compared to larger conventions like GenCon. Unlike these big events with rampant vendor participation and intense pace, Board Game Days fosters laid-back exploration and interaction among players.
Networking and Creativity: A Hub for Developers
The convention also hosts special gatherings for game developers and beta testers, with the Thursday evening segment proving valuable. One of the evening’s highlights was the mantra “fail faster to improve the game faster,” which reflects the agile approach developers take in refining their creations.
During this segment, developers like Jesse Dranger showcased their prototypes. His journey into game design started during high school detention, leading to the formation of his game, Contender, now in development after relocating to Knoxville.
A Rich Schedule of Events
From Friday to Sunday, Board Game Days transformed into a playground of gaming opportunities, showcasing over 200 games available in their library. The Play to Win sessions gained attention, where players learn a new game and could win it by participating until the end. Moreover, a newly created role, modeled after wine sommeliers, has emerged—game sommeliers guide players through decision paralysis when selecting from extensive game selections.
Tim Copley, one of the game sommeliers, created a specific menu, including a “Kids Menu,” to assist families with younger players. This advice makes it easier for attendees to choose games based on their interests and group sizes.
A Flavorful Experience
Vendors at the event provided a complete experience for hobbyists. Local vendor Cheyne Clark, known for his custom wooden gaming accessories, expressed his enthusiasm for the friendly environment. He highlighted how Board Game Days helps strengthen connections within the Knoxville gaming community.
Tom Royalty represented Moratia Games, showcasing his Moratia Card Quest Game, a project he initially funded through Kickstarter. His enthusiasm for engaging with fellow creators led him to return for his third consecutive year, showcasing his unique designs.
What’s Next for Board Game Days?
Looking ahead, Board Game Days will be sponsoring a Play to Win session on October 5 at Kraken’s Cup Tea Room, where attendees will have the chance to win Elfenroads. The next major event will mark the tenth occurrence of Board Game Days in its ninth year next summer, continuing to welcome board game lovers from all around.
For more information on upcoming events, visit their website at bgdknx.com. The board game community in Knoxville continues to thrive, and its events like these bring heartwarming connections and enjoyable competition.
