Went to a board game cafe downtown and noticed something weird about the regulars

I stopped by The Dice Box last Saturday for the first time in a few months... and I couldn't help but notice how many people there were playing alone at the big tables in the back. Like, maybe 6 or 7 folks just sitting there with a solo game set up, headphones in, not talking to anyone. I get that solo board gaming is a thing now, but it felt more like a library than a gathering spot. There was this one guy who had a whole elaborate setup for Spirit Island spread across a table meant for 4 people. The owner said about 30% of his weekend crowd are solo players now. I asked him if it bugs him, but he said they buy just as many snacks and drinks as the groups do. Has anyone else seen this shift in their local game spots?

2 comments

2 Comments

logan_young291d ago

@elizabeths51 nailed it, solo players are basically free money for cafes.

elizabeths511d ago

The Dice Box owner might be smart to lean into this. Solo players tend to camp out longer and buy more stuff to justify taking up a whole table. Groups split one drink and nurse it for hours, but that Spirit Island guy probably grabbed two coffees and a snack during his session. Plus there's less noise complaints and no arguments over rules. A place near me started running solo game nights on slow weekdays and it filled the room every Tuesday. Your mileage may vary but from a business angle, those quiet tables might be the money makers now.