Board games booming at prairie cafes and other places people gather

The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying some quality time together. For many people across the Prairies, this means diving into the world of board games and tabletop gaming.

At D6 Table Top Café in Calgary, friends Janet Gutierrez and Katy Cadman enjoy a friendly game of Scrabble amidst a vast collection of over 650 games. The café offers a cozy atmosphere where players can relax, enjoy some food, and spend hours playing their favorite games. Gutierrez and Cadman appreciate the human connection that comes from playing games together, something that is often hard to find in today’s digital age.

Solomon Kwan, co-owner of D6 Table Top Café, was inspired to open the café after spending quality time playing board games with his family during the COVID-19 pandemic. The café features private rooms for Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts and creates a welcoming space for gamers of all ages.

In Winnipeg, Across the Board Game Cafe boasts an impressive collection of 1,800 gaming titles, catering to a diverse range of players. Co-owner Clinton Skibitzky notes that the holiday season is a busy time for the café, with corporate events, family gatherings, and gift shopping bringing in a steady stream of customers.

Meanwhile, in Saskatoon, Roberta Alton, owner of Breakout Escape Rooms and Board Game Lounge, faces economic challenges as sales fluctuate compared to previous years. Despite the ups and downs of the industry, Alton remains committed to providing a space for the local gaming community to come together and enjoy their favorite pastime.

As the year comes to a close, board game enthusiasts across the Prairies continue to find joy in playing games that range from classic favorites like Clue to strategic gems like Kingdom Builder. Whether it’s battling dragons in a mythical realm or solving mysteries in a murder mystery game, the love for board gaming remains strong.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of tabletop gaming, there’s no better time to gather with friends and family, roll the dice, and immerse yourself in a world of fun and excitement.

This article was originally published by The Canadian Press on December 22, 2024, and highlights the thriving board game culture across the Prairies.