# Build-a-Boardgame Boardgames require players to not only play, but create the game itself. By [Joey Haar](https://www.trendhunter.com/joeyisa), Research Writer | Published Oct 18, 2017 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/buildaboardgame ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Build-a-Boardgame trend? **Build-a-Boardgame:** Consumers who play independently produced board games are likely familiar with most basic game designs. Rather than striving to catch lightning in a bottle with a new and inventive game concept, savvy producers have created games that require creativity and participation on the part of the player — games where the player becomes the designer. Strategies for immersing consumers in product design, whether in games or any other industry, add an extra layer of participation and encourage emotional connections to that product. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 30, 2016 to Aug 17, 2017 - Published: Oct 18, 2017 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Build-a-Boardgame trend ### Player-Created Board Games Board games that require creativity and participation on the part of the player. ### Customizable Board Games Board games that allow the purchaser to choose the material of the board and engrave a personalized message. ### DIY Board Game Kits Board game kits that enable users to create their very own board game designs for a game that is entirely their own. ## What the Build-a-Boardgame trend means for industry ### For Gaming Industry Create player-created or customizable board games to provide unique gameplay experiences. ### For Gift Industry Offer customizable board games as unique gift options for customers. ### For Educational Industry Develop DIY board game kits to educate and inspire kids and adults to become makers of their own toys. ## Workshop question How could you incorporate your consumer into the design or output of your brand's offering? ## Trend signals for Build-a-Boardgame Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 66%, activity 55%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 66% - Activity: 55% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Build-a-Boardgame trend 6 featured examples from Nov 30, 2016 to Aug 17, 2017. - [DIY Board Game Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/board-game-designs): 'The White Box' Lets You Create Your Own Board Game Designs (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: 'The White Box' kit offers a DIY approach to board game design, presenting opportunities for innovation in the toy and game industry. - [Dry-Erase Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-board-game): This DIY Board Game Kit Boasts a Reusable Base and Cards (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The DIY board game trend presents an opportunity for toy manufacturers to provide customizable options that engage and inspire customers. - [Customizable Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customizable-board-game): The Design and Material of This Game Can Be Chosen by the Purchaser (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Board game manufacturing companies should consider adding more customization options to their product lines to meet the growing demand for personalized gaming experiences among co… - [Linguistic Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dialect): The 'Dialect' Game Explores How Languages are Built and Lost (Category: Tech) Implication: The board game industry can capitalize on the trend of language manipulation games by creating innovative and immersive board games centered around language building and manipulat… - [Freestyle Rapping Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freestyle-rap): The 'Vers' Card Game Lets Players Partake in Freestyle Raps (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: As board games embrace new cultural trends and become more diverse, the industry will need to adapt by investing in new technologies and marketing strategies to stay competitive a… - [Conversation-Starting Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conversation-game): The 'Personalitree' Conversation Game Gets Participants Chatting (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Design and release board games that focus on facilitating conversations and building relationships. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)