Tariffs Threaten Board Game Industry's Holiday Season and Survival

Board games have long been cherished for their tactile appeal and social engagement, offering a refreshing alternative to digital screens. Titles like Settlers of Catan, Gloomhaven, and Hive captivate players with vibrant art and intricate physical components that bring gameplay to life. However, this beloved industry now faces a severe threat due to tariffs imposed on imports from China, where most specialized board game components are manufactured.

These tariffs, fluctuating between 30% and a staggering 145%, have disrupted the delicate supply chains of small and medium-sized board game companies. Many rely on Chinese factories that excel in producing small batches of highly specialized miniatures, boards, and boxes. Attempts to relocate production to countries like Vietnam or Indonesia have been hampered by the unique craftsmanship and scale required.

The timing could not be worse. The industry’s critical holiday season ordering window is clouded by uncertainty, with many companies hesitant to place orders amid unpredictable tariff changes and court rulings. This jeopardizes product availability for consumers and threatens the financial viability of businesses that operate on slim margins and tight schedules.

Small companies like Cephalofair Games, maker of the hit Gloomhaven series, and Rollacrit, known for Heroes of Barcadia, have voiced concerns about potential shutdowns and layoffs. The tariffs have forced them into a high-stakes gamble: import now at a loss, delay shipments, or cancel orders altogether. Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and BackerKit, vital to these creators, have introduced tools to manage tariff-related costs, but the fundamental challenges remain.

The tariffs were intended to encourage domestic manufacturing, but replicating the expertise and scale of Chinese factories is a multi-year endeavor. US factories capable of producing detailed miniatures and components are scarce and cost-prohibitive, especially for small production runs typical in the board game market. Even if tariffs were lifted tomorrow, the ripple effects—production backlogs, increased shipping costs, and shaken consumer confidence—would persist.

Industry leaders emphasize that the uncertainty and abrupt tariff hikes have made strategic planning nearly impossible. Pricing products, scheduling production, and maintaining retailer relationships have become exercises in navigating shifting rules. The stakes are high: failure to deliver during the holiday season could force many small companies out of business, erasing years of innovation and community building within the tabletop gaming world.

This crisis highlights the vulnerability of niche industries dependent on global supply chains and specialized manufacturing. It also underscores the importance of stable trade policies and the challenges small businesses face when geopolitical decisions ripple down to the consumer level. For board game enthusiasts, the potential loss of new titles and empty store shelves is a tangible reminder that even the most beloved pastimes are not immune to economic turbulence.

As the industry navigates this uncertain terrain, the resilience and creativity of small publishers and their communities remain a beacon of hope. Crowdfunding platforms continue to support creators, and some companies explore diversifying sales internationally or adjusting business models. Yet, without swift resolution or tariff relief, the future of many beloved board game makers hangs in the balance.