The board game boom isn't slowing down. The global market is projected to hit $22 billion in 2026 on its way to $44 billion by 2034, driven by digital fatigue, the resurgence of in-person social play, and a generation of adults willing to pay premium prices for tactile, community-driven experiences. Specialty game stores lead that growth - they captured 41% of all sales in 2026 and continue to outpace big-box retail. The trading card phenomenon is its own story. Pokémon card