What Made The York Board Games Convention 2025 So Popular With Families And Gamers?

Ever walked into a room buzzing with energy, the sound of dice rolling, cards shuffling, and people laughing? That was the scene in York at the end of October, where the annual board games convention just had its biggest weekend ever. From Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October 2025, St Peter's School was transformed into a paradise for anyone who loves a good game.

More than just monopoly

When someone says 'board games', you might picture an old dusty box of Cluedo. But the world of modern board games is so much bigger. The York Board Games Convention 2025 was the perfect place to see this firsthand. One of the main attractions was the huge board games library. Imagine a library, but instead of books, it's packed with hundreds and hundreds of games. Guests could just borrow a game, find a free table, and start playing. It's a fantastic way for newcomers and families to try out different games without having to buy them first.

For those who love story-driven adventures, there were world-class role-playing games on offer. These are games where you create a character and go on an epic quest, guided by experienced game masters. Think of a game master as a live-action storyteller who runs the game, describes the world, and plays all the other characters. To top it all off, there were even special guests from the BBC show The Traitors, adding a bit of telly magic to the weekend. This mix of activities meant there was something for everyone, from absolute beginners to seasoned players.

A treasure trove of games and goodies

One of the most talked-about parts of the convention was the Bring & Buy sale. It was basically a giant marketplace for gamers, by gamers. People brought along their pre-loved games that were gathering dust on the shelf and sold them to other attendees. Hundreds of games swapped hands, with people finding rare gems and brilliant bargains. It's such a great idea because it helps people refresh their collections and makes the hobby more affordable. It's recycling, but for board games!

And if you were looking for something brand new, the traders' hall was the place to be. This year, there were 10 brilliant exhibitors showing off their creations across all three days. You could find everything from cool accessories to make your games look amazing, to original artwork and brand-new indie titles. The list of traders included:

• Dungeon Tokens
• HullaBailu
• The Moonshine Adventure Company
• S C Games
• Leblanco Art
• Frog n Friends
• Ferngaile
• Wayfarer Games
• Play It Forward Prints
• Tail Lamp Enterprises

Having so many unique sellers in one place created a brilliant atmosphere, where you could chat with the creators and find unique gifts. The event was clearly a hub for creativity within the UK board game scene.

Making games welcoming for everyone

A big reason for the event's success was its focus on being open and friendly. The main sponsor, Hachette Games UK, helped a lot with this. They supported the convention in bringing a massive range of modern board games and family-friendly experiences to York. Their involvement showed a real commitment to building a strong community around playing games together.

This idea of community spirit was everywhere. For starters, the convention offered free entry for anyone aged 16 and under. This was a game-changer for families, making it an affordable and fun day out where parents and kids could connect over a board game. The organisers also put a lot of thought into accessibility. The entire venue was wheelchair-accessible, and there were specially designed wheelchair-friendly gaming tables so that everyone could play comfortably. There was even a quiet room, providing a calm space for anyone who felt a bit overwhelmed by the noise and crowds. These touches made a huge difference, ensuring all guests felt welcome.

A golden ticket for next year

As if all that wasn't enough, there was also a bit of a treasure hunt going on. Hidden around the venue were five silver tickets and one golden ticket. The lucky guests who found a silver ticket won free entry to the 2026 convention. But the person who found the golden ticket won something incredible: free lifetime access to every future York Board Games Convention. How cool is that?

The organisers were thrilled with how the whole weekend went. They said, "We've been blown away by the enthusiasm and warmth of the community. York has such a strong board gaming scene, and it's been amazing to see families, friends, and newcomers come together to play and connect. We can't wait to make next year even bigger and better."

Following the event's success, the organisers have been handling many media enquiries and interviews about their plans for the future. And it sounds like they have big ideas. Plans are already in motion for next year, with promises of more tables, more games, and even more ways for people to get involved. After the incredible success of the 2025 event, the next York board games convention is definitely one to watch.