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Game Mode: The New American Board Game Craze : 1A We all know the classics: Monopoly, Backgammon, Checkers, and many more.

For some, board games are relegated to the dregs of American entertainment, to be broken out at bad parties and played by candlelight on nights where the power's out.

But for many, a new wave of board game production and enthusiasm has them clearing calendars and pulling up a chair.

We discuss what's driving the tabletop gaming surge and what it means for an industry that's primarily analog.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

1A

Game Mode: The New American Board Game Craze

Game Mode: The New American Board Game Craze

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A resident-patient of a Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center plays Scrabble. JAKE SALVADOR/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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JAKE SALVADOR/AFP via Getty Images

A resident-patient of a Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center plays Scrabble.

JAKE SALVADOR/AFP via Getty Images

We all know the classics: Monopoly, Backgammon, Checkers, and many more.

For some, board games are relegated to the dregs of American entertainment, to be broken out at bad parties and played by candlelight on nights where the power's out.

But for many, a new wave of board game production and enthusiasm has them clearing calendars and pulling up a chair.

What's driving this tabletop gaming surge? And what does it mean for an industry that's primarily analog?

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.