# Shareable Play Board games integrate social media-friendly elements to boost popularity. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published May 16, 2017 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/shareable-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.6/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Shareable Play trend? **Shareable Play:** In the social media age, consumers view their personalities more as personal brands, making them acutely aware of how the products they consume fit into their image of self. Combine this with the rise of the Experience Economy -- the idea that memorable experiences are more valuable than material goods -- and a boost in self-aware, social media-friendly play can be seen. Board games that boast a bit of novelty satisfy both needs by providing a group experience that is friendly for social media sharing. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 24 to May 11, 2017 - Published: May 16, 2017 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Shareable Play trend ### Social Media-Friendly Play Consumers want products that fit seamlessly with their personal brand and are friendly for social media sharing. ### Experience Economy Memorable experiences are more valuable than material goods, and businesses can capitalize on creating unique experiences. ### Quirky & Novelty Games Games that are unique, fast-paced and have novelty elements appeal to consumers looking for new forms of entertainment. ## What the Shareable Play trend means for industry ### For Board Games Board games continue to evolve, incorporating new technology and features to provide unique experiences for consumers. ### For Party Games The rise of the Experience Economy has led to an increase in demand for social games that provide memorable group experiences. ### For Gaming Accessories As board games continue to incorporate new elements, there is an opportunity for businesses to create innovative accessories that enhance gameplay. ## Workshop question What does your product or brand do to bring consumers together offline, as well as online? ## Trend signals for Shareable Play Trend score 2.6 out of 10, from popularity 41%, activity 29%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 41% - Activity: 29% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Shareable Play trend 4 featured examples from Feb 24 to May 11, 2017. - [Zombie Domination Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/party-board-game): The 'Zombie Tsunami' Party Board Game Has Players Form Undead Hordes (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: There is an opportunity for the board game industry to capitalize on the growing demand for unique party games and zombie-themed games. - [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… - [Gesture-Based Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-salmon): 'Happy Salmon' is a Quirky, Fast-Paced Game of Fist Bumps and High-Fives (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: This trend presents an opportunity for game developers to create innovative gesture-based games and capitalize on the demand for interactive gaming experiences. - [Disappearing Pen Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pass-the-pen): Kevin and Jules of PLP TV Played 'Pass the Pen' for Their Viewers (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The rise of pen games presents an opportunity for gaming accessory companies to develop innovative pens with unique features like retractable ink and timers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)