Luxury brands are increasingly turning to premium board games as a new avenue for socializing and experiential entertainment. This trend reflects a shift away from conventional gatherings in restaurants or bars toward sophisticated leisure activities centered on exquisitely crafted gaming sets.
Longstanding favorites such as backgammon and poker have historically held a place in upscale social circles, with brands like Dunhill producing exceptional poker sets for over a century. This year, Dunhill introduced its Despatch edition, featuring a calf leather case with two decks of silver-gilt playing cards, branded clay chips, and poker dice, elevating the traditional poker experience. Similarly, Ettinger celebrated its 90th anniversary with poker dice housed in durable goat leather cases and finished with monogrammed button fasteners, paying homage to classic mid-20th century designs.
Beyond these classics, luxury brands are embracing other games with renewed vigor. Mahjong, a 19th-century Chinese tile game, is experiencing a notable resurgence, particularly in New York’s members’ clubs and upscale restaurants. Brunello Cucinelli recently launched a mahjong set encased in an elegant walnut box inspired by traditional sewing chests, featuring brass hinges and drawers lined with tiles finished in Krion, a solid surface material.
Childhood staples are also receiving high-end redesigns. Italian atelier Pinetti crafted a £3,000 battleship set using calfskin leather, polished metals, and brass ships, replacing conventional plastic and cardboard elements with premium materials. Bottega Veneta has created dominoes made from Venetian clay, housed within nappa leather cases, while Genoa-based Giobagnara upgraded rummikub sets with leather and suede tile pouches.
Some designs prioritize portability without sacrificing luxury. Smythson’s Panama Harlequin Backgammon Roll replaces traditional wooden boards with vibrant, cross-grain calf leather that can be rolled up to fit into a compact size. This model facilitates on-the-go gaming for a discerning clientele.
For those seeking dedicated spaces to enjoy these refined games, Armani Casa unveiled the Borgonuovo games table during Milan Design Week in April. Initially resembling an art deco side table, the piece features a rotating top that reveals an ebony and maple playing surface. Additional features include side drawers for storing chess and checkers pieces and hidden cup holders, seamlessly integrating functionality and aesthetic appeal.
As high-end brands continue to innovate in this niche, luxury board games are emerging as a fashionable alternative for social interaction among affluent consumers, blending craftsmanship and play in exclusive settings.