People are looking for ways to play together face to face, and that is keeping demand for tabletop games strong, according to Asmodee CEO Thomas Koegler.
Sweden-based Asmodee publishes and distributes many globally known board games such as Catan and Carcassonne. It also distributes other publishers’ titles, including Pokémon, Hasbro‘s Magic: The Gathering and Bandai Namco’s One Piece trading card games.
“What’s clear is that our industry benefits from very strong sociological dynamics of spending time with your loved ones,” Koegler told Reuters in an interview on Friday.
Board games have gained popularity among 16- to 25-year-olds, who are now putting them “at the heart” of their social life, Koegler said.
74% of Gen Z think in-person experiences are more important than digital ones, according to one analysis (Getty Images)
An international barometer compiled by Asmodee and Kantar in 2026 showed that 74% of the so-called “Gen Z” thought that in-person experiences were more important than digital ones.
The end-of-year holidays are a key sales season for game and toy companies and Koegler expects game nights to remain a popular Saturday plan,
