'People want to be connected via the tabletop'

Connections, escapism and social interaction – these were some of the reasons people gave for why they loved playing tabletop games.

They were among around 50,000 hobbyists who have been flocking to the UK Games Expo at the NEC in Birmingham over the weekend.

After just 900 people turned up to the first event 20 years ago, organisers have claimed it has now grown to become the largest hobby games convention in the UK.

It is perhaps a testament to how tabletop games have managed to not just survive but thrive, while other pastimes have fallen by the wayside during the digital age.

Tony Hyams, the expo's co-founder, told BBC Midlands Today that this year's event had been "absolutely fantastic" and had "never been so busy".

Asked what was behind the surge in popularity in tabletop games, he said: "I think games in general have become more popular. I think they're a super valuable thing.

"You go to the cinema, it costs you £40 or £50 for the family – you can buy a game for £30 and you've got days of entertainment."

Hannah Mason, from gaming firm asmodee, said people's desire to make "connections" was a key factor.

"People want to be connected via the tabletop, the games are fantastic," she said.

Mason added: "We're seeing a little bit of a rise of more complex gaming and a rise in TCGs – trading card games – as well.

"The gaming industry is becoming so much more popular."

The founders of the expo previously said the event was projected to have a turnover of about £2.2m in 2026.

The said the UK's tabletop games market was estimated to be worth somewhere from £450m to £500m and was growing all the time.

Reanna Bowen, 23, was at the event with 24-year-old James Hanson on Friday.

She said: "I'm here because James really loves board games, but I'm actually surprised by the amount of games I thought I would enjoy as well."

Jonny Amor, 32, was there with Kim Wakefield, 33, and said "escapism" was the reason he loved them so much.

Asked what the point of them were, Wakefield said: "Social interaction – meeting people and playing games with friends."

The UK Games Expo, which features exhibitors, shows, seminars, re-enactors and cosplay, is being held at the NEC and the nearby Hilton Hotel until the end of Sunday.

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