How to Build a Board Game Playing Community

Board games have long been a source of entertainment, education, and social interaction. From the strategy of chess to the cooperative thrill of Pandemic, board games offer something for everyone. Over the years, board games have seen a resurgence in popularity, and now, people of all ages are embracing the joys of sitting around a table, rolling dice, and strategizing their way to victory.

For those passionate about board games, creating or joining a community of like-minded individuals can deepen the experience, provide a sense of belonging, and enhance the fun. Building a board game community, however, requires more than just bringing people together to play a game. It involves fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment where players of all backgrounds and experience levels can come together, share their love for the hobby, and create lasting friendships.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to build a thriving board game-playing community, step by step. From starting small with friends and family to creating a larger, more inclusive group, we will delve into strategies, tips, and tools that can help you grow a passionate and sustainable community.

Defining Your Community's Purpose and Identity

Before diving into the practical steps of building a community, it's important to clarify the purpose and identity of the group you want to create. A community without a clear purpose is like a game without rules---people might show up, but the experience may lack depth or direction.

Key Considerations for Defining Your Community:

• Audience: Who do you want to bring into the community? Are you focusing on families, young professionals, competitive gamers, casual players, or a mix of all? The more you narrow down your target audience, the easier it will be to tailor events, game selections, and the tone of the community.
• Types of Games: Will your community focus on specific types of games, such as strategy, party games, or cooperative games? Having a shared preference can help draw in individuals who share similar interests, whether it's heavy Euros, quick fillers, or party games.
• Tone and Culture: What kind of atmosphere do you want to foster? Do you envision a competitive, high-stakes environment or a casual, fun-first space? The tone will set the stage for all future interactions and can heavily influence the type of members you attract.
• Events and Activities: Will your community focus primarily on casual weekly meetups, or do you plan on organizing tournaments, game nights, or themed events? Think about whether your community will have a formal structure or be more fluid and informal.

Having a solid sense of your community's purpose from the outset will help you set goals and organize activities that appeal to your members while fostering a unique, inclusive culture.

Finding Your First Members

Every successful community starts with a small group of passionate individuals. While it might seem intimidating to start from scratch, there are numerous ways to recruit your first members, even if you're starting with zero experience.

Ways to Find Initial Members:

• Personal Connections: Start by inviting friends, family, or colleagues who have an interest in board games, even if it's limited. Personal connections are a great way to get the ball rolling and establish a core group of players. Even if someone is new to board games, enthusiasm can quickly spark, especially when they see the fun others are having.
• Online Communities: Use social media platforms, discussion forums (like Reddit or BoardGameGeek), and Facebook groups to reach potential members who are already interested in the hobby. Posting on relevant online communities allows you to find people who are already invested in board games but might not know others nearby to play with.
• Game Stores and Cafes: Many local game stores or board game cafes host events, tournaments, or casual game nights that attract individuals looking for a community. Get involved with these local spaces and start promoting your group. A flyer, a casual conversation, or hosting a meetup in a public space can help generate interest.
• Meetup Websites and Apps : Platforms like Meetup.com are specifically designed to help people find and create groups based on shared interests. Creating a board game community profile here can make it easy for interested players to find you.

Initial Group Dynamics:

When gathering your first members, try to keep the group small and manageable. It's easier to foster relationships, plan events, and establish group norms when there are fewer people involved. Start with a handful of players, get to know each other's tastes in games, and work together to plan your first official events.

Create a Welcoming, Inclusive Environment

A community is only as strong as its members, and the way you set the tone in the early stages will have a significant impact on its long-term success. To build a thriving community, you need to create an environment where all players feel welcome, valued, and respected.

Inclusivity:

Board games are a social activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. It's essential to create a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels they belong, whether they're newcomers or experienced gamers.

• Encourage Friendly Competition: While many players enjoy competition, it's important that it's fun and supportive rather than cutthroat. A positive attitude toward winning and losing alike will help make your community welcoming for newcomers and less experienced players.
• Introduce New Players to Games: One of the best ways to welcome newcomers into your community is by introducing them to games that match their interests and experience level. Have a selection of games that are easy to learn and quick to play, so new players can get comfortable without feeling overwhelmed.
• Create Safe Spaces: Foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions, trying new games, and engaging with others. This includes establishing ground rules around respectful behavior, ensuring that people can play without fear of judgment or exclusion.

Respectful Communication:

Encourage respectful and positive communication among members. This can be done both in person and online, as many communities now operate through group chats, social media, or websites. It's crucial to create a space where everyone's voice is heard, whether they're suggesting a game or expressing concerns about the community.

Regularly Organize Events and Game Nights

Once you have a solid group of members, you need to keep the momentum going with regular events. Events provide opportunities for new players to join, experienced players to bond, and everyone to continue learning and enjoying board games together. Additionally, having regular events will help build consistency and excitement for the group.

Types of Events to Organize:

• Weekly Game Nights: This is a staple of many board game communities. Set aside a specific night each week where everyone gathers to play a variety of games. It gives members something to look forward to and ensures regular engagement.
• Themed Events: Spice things up by hosting themed events based around a particular genre, such as fantasy, historical, or sci-fi games. You can also try hosting "Game Designer" nights where you explore games from a particular designer or publisher.
• Tournaments: For competitive players, organizing tournaments can bring an additional level of excitement. Whether it's a board game championship or a casual knockout event, tournaments can add an extra layer of fun.
• Collaborative Events : Many board game communities focus on cooperative games, so organizing events where everyone works together can be a great way to strengthen bonds among members. Games like Pandemic or Gloomhaven lend themselves well to this type of interaction.
• Collaborations with Local Businesses: If your community grows large enough, you can partner with local game stores or cafes to host events. These collaborations can give you access to new spaces, games, and even prizes for tournaments.

By diversifying the types of events and games you offer, you'll keep the community engaged and excited to return each time.

Utilize Technology and Online Tools

In today's digital age, online tools and platforms can play a significant role in growing and managing your board game community. Even if you're focused on in-person events, digital tools can help you stay organized, communicate effectively, and provide additional opportunities for engagement.

Online Platforms for Managing the Community:

• Facebook Groups: A private Facebook group is a great way to communicate with your community, share event updates, and keep everyone connected. It's a space where members can interact outside of game nights, share their favorite games, and ask for recommendations.
• Discord: For more interactive communication, Discord is a popular platform where board game communities can chat, voice call, and even stream games together. You can create different channels for game discussions, event planning, and general chatter.
• BoardGameGeek: BoardGameGeek is an essential platform for any board game community. You can use it to catalog games, discuss game mechanics, and organize local events.
• Event Platforms : Platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite can help you organize events and keep track of attendees. They are especially useful for larger groups or public events.

Digital Play Options:

For some communities, having the ability to play games remotely or digitally can expand your reach. Platforms like Tabletopia , Board Game Arena , or Steam offer digital versions of board games, allowing your community members to play games together online.

Fostering Growth and Sustainability

As your community grows, it's important to maintain its culture and ensure its sustainability. Here are a few strategies to keep the community thriving over the long term:

• Mentorship and Leadership: As your community grows, delegate responsibilities to others. Empower your members to take leadership roles in organizing events, managing online groups, and welcoming newcomers.
• Consistent Engagement: Make sure to keep up regular communication with your members, both online and offline. Regularly check in on your members, ask for feedback, and keep the energy alive with new events or updates.
• Community Contributions: Encourage members to contribute to the community in their own ways. Whether it's suggesting games, leading events, or helping newcomers, a community is strongest when everyone plays a role.

By following these steps and nurturing your community with patience and care, you'll be able to build a sustainable and enjoyable board game community where everyone can come together, play, and form lasting friendships.

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