Board Games are Back in Trend and India Can't Get Enough

Young professionals enjoy dim sum and playing Mahjong tiles in Mumbai’s business district, while in Bhubaneswar, software engineers unwind with board games after work. From board game cafés in big cities to gaming groups in small towns, India is coming back to analogue entertainment. This is not only about nostalgia, but is about true social interaction, smart thinking, and telling stories in a time when we are very digital.

Old Games With A New Energy

For thousands of years, India has had a culture of board games. Games played centuries ago, such as Chaturanga, became modern chess; Pachisi evolved into Ludo; archaeological excavations in the Indus Valley show dice and game boards more than 4,000 years old. Board games were more than a source of entertainment; they were also a way to teach military strategy, mathematics, and social skills.

Today's board game resurgence builds off this rich history with new approaches and themes. Indian publishers and designers are creating games that celebrate local narratives, ranging from ancient sea trade to modern political movements. Whereas prior games reflected existing societal rules, new Indian board games allow players to tune into their identity and experiment with strategy and teamwork in different and exciting ways. 

There are now multiple active publishers and designers of games in India. Many games, for example, SHASN (political strategy) by Shasn India and Boita (maritime trade) by Kheo Games, are finding audiences around the world. According to the 2024 IMARC Group's report, The Indian market for board games was worth $1.70 billion in 2024 and will hit an estimated market value of $3.80 billion by 2033, with a yearly growth of 8.60%. Both the growth opportunity in business and this genuine cultural movement to create meaningful offline time for people are exciting.

Indian Stories In Global Games

Indian game developers are invested in cultural storytelling. The Kheo Games team found themselves invested in storytelling during the pandemic. "During the pandemic, we got hooked on modern board games. Playing board games was our way of dealing with the lockdown and spending quality time with the family. This hobby sparked our interest in designing and publishing board games themed on India and its rich stories," their team explains. "Most modern board games have themes centred on the Western or Eastern world, with a few themes based on India. We wanted to showcase the best part of India to the world using the medium of board games."

Mozaic Games shares this mission: "At Mozaic Games, we're on a mission to tell Indian stories and narratives through elegantly designed card games and board games. I'm passionate about sharing India's rich cultural heritage and diverse experiences with the world. Our brand aims to bring people together, foster social connections, and provide entertainment that's both fun and intellectually stimulating. By creating games that showcase Indian narratives, we hope to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation."

"Indian players are increasingly embracing locally made games, appreciating the cultural relevance and unique themes that resonate with their experiences," notes Mozaic Games. "At Mozaic Games, we're proud to be part of this shift, creating games that showcase Indian stories and narratives. By sharing our cultural heritage through games, we hope to promote a sense of pride and ownership among Indian players, while also introducing our stories to a global audience."

Strategy games with Indian themes are particularly popular. "Right now, Indian audiences are responding well to games that showcase local narratives and cultural themes. At Mozaic Games, we're finding success with games that blend strategy, storytelling, and social interaction. Our mission to tell Indian stories through elegantly designed games is resonating with players, who appreciate the unique cultural context and themes," the Mozaic Games team observes.

Restaurants Join the Game

High-end restaurants are now embracing board games with dedicated events and experiences. Yauatcha Mumbai is hosting a Mahjong tournament, on Mahjong Day on August 1, which is absolutely telling of how hospitality players have embraced gaming culture.

Abhishek Bindal, COO of Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, explains why: "Urban audiences are interested in exploring new experiences beyond screen time. Board game cafés and themed events offer a social escape in the real world, fostering social interactions and bonding as a community. Events like Yum Cha with Mahjong are an entertaining, competitive and accessible format that appeals to a growing section of people."

This trend will keep evolving. "Board game-focused social dining events are likely to evolve into more curated culinary and entertainment experiences. Going beyond just dining and gaming, the focus will be on bringing niche gaming communities together and attracting guests with diverse interests," Bindal predicts.

The appeal lies in meeting modern social needs. "Indians are interested in authentic, shared experiences that balance competition with camaraderie. Board games, like Mahjong, give guests a chance to enjoy indoor gaming and be a part of an ancient celebratory, immersive culinary experience like Yum Cha. It's tradition with a touch of modernity, which makes for a compelling social ritual that young Indians find fascinating."

Beyond Big Cities

What is most incredible is how fast board games as an activity have spread to smaller cities. Places that traditionally have followed trends late are now building gaming communities that have them as enthusiastic as larger cities.

Abhishek Panda who is a member of the Boards of Bhubaneswar, a board game collective in the capital city of Odisha, sees this change: "We've seen a real shift over the last few years—people in cities like Bhubaneswar are craving meaningful, offline connections, and board games offer that in spades. It's not just about nostalgia anymore; it's strategy, storytelling, and social bonding rolled into one. What used to be a Sunday pastime has become a lifestyle choice for many, especially among young professionals looking to unplug and build community."

According to Credence Research, the global board game cafe market is expected to reach an estimated USD 2,495.12 Million by 2030 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.14%. The huge number of audience can be attributed to rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and changing leisure proclivities of millennials and Gen-Z. Board Game cafés, e-sport competitors, and gaming groups are continuing to develop rival urban cities. Established locations in Delhi and Mumbai, and new gaming scenes in Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, and other small towns, are continuing to evolve and develop spaces as shops, gathering spaces, venues for (e)sports tournaments, and community spaces where strangers become friends over games.

India's board games craze is indicative of a cultural shift, where strategic thinking, social connection, and the storytelling of India intersect in innovative ways. As publishers continue to make culturally relevant games, restaurants enhance their gaming experiences, and smaller cities forge their own gaming cultures, India is emerging as a serious player in the global board games space. Sometimes, the best innovations involve simply rediscovering old pleasures with new eyes.