Knoxville Hosts Successful Board Game Days 2024
Knoxville recently welcomed board game enthusiasts from various locations for the highly anticipated Board Game Days 2024. This year’s event marked the ninth convention of its kind, showcasing a growing trend in the board game industry.
The Growing Interest in Board Games
Board games have become a popular pastime for many people. The U.S. board game market has seen substantial growth over the years, with revenues skyrocketing from $930 million in 2017 to an impressive $2.12 billion in 2022, and a projected increase to $3.5 billion by 2027, according to data from Statista. Knoxville has been at the forefront of this trend with events like the Rocky Top Gaming Convention and Fun K-Town.
Event Details
This year, the Board Game Days convention was held at Awaken Coffee in the Old City, a venue that helped create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for players and developers alike. The event attracted 220 attendees, surpassing expectations and demonstrating the growing popularity of board games in the area. The event’s founder, Connor Cole, who now resides outside Knoxville but returns for the convention each year, noted that attendance has jumped from just 35 attendees at the inaugural event.
A Diverse Community of Gamers
The convention drew people from far and wide, including Chris Morton, who drove over four hours from Huntsville, Alabama. The convention appealed to everyone, from seasoned veterans to newcomers looking for fun. Rachel Davidson, the current owner of Board Game Days, has worked diligently to ensure that the space is inclusive and welcoming for all.
Individuals like Natalie Tyler, a newcomer to Knoxville, found the event to be a great opportunity to connect with others who share her love for board games. Davidson emphasizes that Board Game Days is designed for both introverts and alert extroverts, allowing everyone to find their place and enjoy gaming.
Developer Night Shines
Before the main event kicked off, a Developer Night was held where designers and experienced testers mingled and provided valuable feedback on game prototypes. With discussions themed around the mantra of “fail faster to improve the game faster”, developers showcased various game iterations. Some games were nearly ready for crowdfunding, reflecting the evolving landscape of game design.
Play Opportunities Over the Weekend
The main event, spanning from Friday to Sunday, featured a game library with over 200 games available for attendees… There were both Play to Win sessions—where participants had a chance to win games while playing—and scheduled game demonstrations to help new players learn.
Expert Guidance
This year, Board Game Days introduced a unique role known as the game sommelier. Much like a wine steward, these experts assist players in narrowing down options from the extensive game library. They can quickly guide players to games best suited for their preferences based on group size and game type.
Vendors and Community Engagement
The convention also included local vendors showcasing their creations. Cheyne Clark, from Dragon Armor Games, offered custom wooden gaming accessories, while Tom Royalty presented his Moratia Card Quest Game, which has found success on Kickstarter. Attendees enjoyed the relaxed environment and the chance to connect with the local gaming community.
Future Events and Conclusion
Looking ahead, Board Game Days has planned future events, including a Play to Win session at the Kraken’s Cup Tea Room scheduled for October 5. As the interest in tabletop gaming continues to rise, Knoxville is eager to host its tenth event next summer. More information is available on their official website.
The success of Board Game Days 2024 demonstrates the strong and vibrant community of board game enthusiasts in Knoxville. With continued growth and future events on the horizon, it’s clear that the love for board games is here to stay.
