Board games are making a strong comeback in Bengaluru, with a growing number of residents joining meetups to unwind and digitally detox, say several game café founders and community organisers.
Victory Point Board Games, founded by Rohith Dabbiru eight years ago, has doubled its weekly events to four due to increased interest. Their meetups attract participants aged 23 to 40, who enjoy modern titles like Blood On The Clocktower and Dune Imperium.
At Now Boarding Cafe in Jayanagar, co-founder Avikant Bhardwaj notes a 50–75% surge in footfall since 2022. The café now hosts two sessions daily (Tuesday to Friday) with games like Castles of Burgundy and Brass Birmingham, some of which cost up to ₹8,000.
Roll the Dice, founded by Tanushri S N, focuses on reviving ancient Indian games such as Pagade, Chowka Bara, and Navakankari. Their monthly meetups attract participants aged six to 90. “People are seeking a break from their rushed routines,” says Tanushri.
Live The Game, based in HSR Layout, owns 600+ games and hosts themed strategy nights every alternate Friday. Slots fill within hours, says founder Vale Prasadh.
Other popular venues include Board 4 Bored, which runs late-night sessions every Saturday for up to 15 players, and The Boardgame Den on Church Street. The latter has seen exponential growth—from 15–20 weekend players in 2019 to over 350 now, according to founder Mansi Shah.
For details, check Instagram handles like @vipo_boardgames, @nowboardingcafe, @rollthedice_in, @livethegame_playitall, @board4bored, or call The Boardgame Den at 96866 94048.
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