Board games collection

Collecting board games is a hobby that combines nostalgia, strategy, and social interaction, with rare pieces and special editions.

About this subject

Board game collecting has grown exponentially in recent years, driven by the resurgence of modern games since the 1990s. Titles like Catan, Carcassonne, and Ticket to Ride popularized more complex mechanics and attracted adult audiences, while classics such as Monopoly, Clue, and Risk maintain their appeal. Collecting involves limited editions, anniversary versions, or crowdfunding releases from publishers like CMON and Fantasy Flight Games, as well as vintage wooden or metal pieces.

Rarity is a central factor: out-of-print games with small print runs or incomplete parts can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Online communities like BoardGameGeek catalog over 130,000 games and help assess market value. Events such as Gen Con and Essen Spiel attract thousands of collectors seeking pre-releases and exclusives.

Beyond financial value, the hobby provides social experiences. Many collectors host game nights, join clubs, or visit board game cafés, which have spread across cities like New York, London, and Tokyo. A curated collection reflects the owner's personality, ranging from war games to party games, cooperative play, and abstract strategy.

Interestingly, the independent design scene is strong worldwide, with Brazilian designers creating games like Sapiens, Fim dos Tempos, and Odisseia that reach international markets via crowdfunding. For beginners, the advice is to focus on preferred genres and research forums before investing in rare pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most expensive board game in the world?

The most expensive game ever sold is a rare copy of The Campaign for North Africa (1978), which can fetch up to $2,000 at auction. Limited editions of modern games like Gloomhaven also reach high prices.

How do I start a board game collection?

Set a budget and choose a preferred genre (strategy, cooperative, party). Join online groups, visit board game cafés to try games, and look for recommendations on sites like BoardGameGeek.

Are board games making a comeback?

Yes. Since the 2000s, the market has grown by about 20% annually. The pandemic accelerated interest with record sales in 2020. Specialized cafés and YouTube channels have also popularized the hobby.