18 Business Ideas For Board Game Enthusiasts [2024]
If you're a board game lover with an entrepreneurial spirit, 2024 offers a wealth of business opportunities. Imagine turning your passion for games into a thriving venture. Whether it's creating your own board games or starting a boutique game store, the possibilities are extensive and exciting.
You could design and market your unique board games, tapping into a growing community of eager players. Alternatively, consider opening a board game café where enthusiasts gather to play and socialize. Another option might be developing apps or digital versions of classic games, blending traditional fun with modern technology.
These business ideas are just a starting point for board game enthusiasts looking to enter the market. With dedication and a bit of creativity, you could transform your love for games into a profitable and enjoyable career. Explore these avenues and find the perfect fit for your interests and skills.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other board game enthusiast businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business is a natural fit for board game enthusiasts looking to supplement their income or begin a side business. Subscription boxes deliver niche products to customers monthly, allowing you to share your passion for unique and exciting board games with a wider audience. This business model not only offers exclusive and curated gaming experiences but also provides an opportunity to build a loyal community of fellow enthusiasts. As this industry is in high demand, it can be both enjoyable and profitable.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could share your passion for board games with others by curating unique gaming experiences.
- Subscription boxes are in high demand, adding value and exclusive content for customers.
- You could build a loyal community, further establishing your brand and increasing profitability.
For more detailed insights on starting this business, you can check out the pros and cons of running a subscription box business.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
2. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
As a dedicated board game enthusiast, you could channel your passion into starting an eCommerce reselling business. Leveraging your knowledge of popular and rare games, you could curate a selection of sought-after items that other enthusiasts would love to add to their collections. This business model provides you with the flexibility to scale as you grow, starting with social media platforms before potentially launching a full-fledged website. For inspiration, explore some eCommerce reselling business success stories on Starter Story.
Why starting an eCommerce reselling business?
- You could leverage your deep knowledge of board games to curate unique and desirable offerings for customers.
- There’s low initial investment since you don’t need to produce goods, just identify and source them.
- This venture could easily start as a side hustle on social media and grow into a full-time income stream.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
3. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
As a board game enthusiast, creating a niche website allows you to combine your passion with an entrepreneurial opportunity. By focusing on a specialized topic within the board gaming world—such as reviews, strategy guides, or news—you can attract a dedicated audience eager for your insights. With various monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, ad revenue, or selling exclusive digital content, this venture could provide a rewarding stream of passive income.
Wondering how a niche website could be a good business move for you? Check out some success stories on Starter Story here to see what's possible.
Why start a niche website?
- You get to share your specialized knowledge and passion with a community that values it.
- Monetizing your expert content through ads or affiliate marketing can provide substantial passive income.
- It offers creative freedom to tailor content exactly how you envision it, making it both a business venture and a personal project.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
4. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be a great way to supplement your income or even establish a full-fledged business by leveraging your passion for board games. By creating unique and informative content tailored to fellow enthusiasts, you could engage a dedicated audience and create monetization opportunities through affiliate links, collaborations, and more. Thrive in a community that values your expertise while enjoying the flexibility of managing a blog on your terms.
Learn more about starting a niche blog and its profitability.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could share your authentic passion, engaging with a lively community of board game enthusiasts.
- Monetize your expertise through affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and speaking engagements.
- Enjoy creative freedom to write about reviews, strategies, and latest news in the board game world.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
5. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Starting a mobile app business is an exciting opportunity for board game enthusiasts to bring the joy of gaming to a wider audience. With the right vision and strategy, you could create a mobile app that caters to fellow gamers, whether it's a virtual board game, a resource for game reviews, or a community platform for game nights. This venture not only allows you to dive deep into your passion but also has the potential to generate substantial revenue with a well-marketed, user-friendly application. For more inspiration and insights, check out these success stories of mobile app entrepreneurs on Starter Story.
Why create a mobile app?
- Mobile apps are integral to daily life, offering vast opportunities for innovative gaming solutions.
- You can connect with a global community of board game enthusiasts and create new gaming experiences.
- The flexibility of mobile app development allows you to start small and scale as your user base grows.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
6. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
If you have a knack for creating compelling video content, starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move as a board game enthusiast. A YouTube channel offers you the opportunity to share your expertise, passions, or hobbies while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. From detailed game reviews and strategy guides to unboxing videos and live gameplay sessions, you could attract an audience eager to know more about the world of board games.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality. Planning content, shooting and editing videos, and engaging with your audience regularly will be crucial. If you're ready to dedicate the time and effort, this could be a worthwhile endeavor.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could turn your passion into profit by monetizing your videos with ads and sponsorships.
- You could connect with a global community of board game enthusiasts, sharing tips and insights while building your brand.
- The flexibility of YouTube allows you to create and share content according to your schedule, offering a perfect side hustle or potential full-time venture.
Interested in learning more about starting a YouTube channel? Check out this detailed guide on profitability and success stories.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
7. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Are you a board game enthusiast looking for innovative ways to supplement your income? Consider starting an AI-based business solution. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could streamline various business operations, from customer service to inventory management, and provide valuable customer insights. This type of business doesn't require a tech background, as many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems. As AI continues to grow in demand, this could be an excellent way for you to tap into a rapidly expanding market and secure a competitive edge for businesses.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- The demand for AI is rapidly increasing, offering a lucrative market opportunity.
- AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, freeing you up to focus on strategic activities.
- Many platforms provide user-friendly interfaces, making it accessible for non-tech enthusiasts.
For more detailed insights and success stories, check out our page on AI-based business solutions.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
8. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
As a board game enthusiast, starting a niche investment platform could be an exciting business venture that aligns with your passion for specialized interests. This type of platform allows you to foster a community of like-minded individuals interested in alternative asset classes such as collectibles, real estate, or even fine wines. You could create a transparent trading ecosystem that not only engages investors but also generates recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.
Why consider a niche investment platform?
- Capitalize on specialized knowledge: Use your expertise in niche markets to build a platform that caters to a dedicated audience.
- Potential for steady income: Generate recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.
- Foster a passionate community: Engage with a network of enthusiasts who share your interests in unique asset classes.
For more details on starting a niche investment platform, visit the Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
9. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
For board game enthusiasts, starting an online course sales business offers a fantastic opportunity to monetize your passion and share your expertise. You could create courses on various topics such as game design, strategy development, or even how to host the perfect game night. The e-learning market is projected to soar to over $645 Billion in the coming years, making now the perfect time to tap into this lucrative field.
Why start an online course sales business?
- Board game enthusiasts possess specialized knowledge that others are willing to pay for.
- Your initial efforts can generate passive income for years as new students enroll.
- Teaching people about something you love adds a rewarding and motivational dimension to the endeavor.
For more information on how to get started, check out our success stories here.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
10. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a board game enthusiast, starting an affiliate marketing business can be a lucrative way to turn your passion into profit. By promoting board games, accessories, and related products from various companies, you could earn commissions on each sale made through your referral links. This approach allows you to share your knowledge and excitement about board games while generating a passive income stream that can supplement your primary income or even become a full-time endeavor.
Why consider an affiliate marketing business?
- You could monetize your existing knowledge and passion for board games.
- You could tap into a dedicated community of fellow enthusiasts who are keen to discover new games and accessories.
- You could earn a passive income that grows over time with minimal ongoing effort.
For more detailed insights, check out our affiliate marketing business success stories.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
11. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Navigating the world of stock investing can be a lucrative venture if you’ve got a knack for financial markets. As someone who enjoys the strategic thinking involved in board games, starting a stock investing business could appeal to your analytical mindset. This business revolves around buying and selling stocks to generate profit, based on informed decisions, market trend analysis, and precision in executing trades.
For board game enthusiasts, this venture combines the excitement of strategy games with real financial rewards. While it requires continuous learning and dedication, the potential for high returns makes it a promising entrepreneurial journey. For more insights and success stories, consider visiting Starter Story's stock investing business tips.
Why start a stock investing business?
- You already possess a strategic mindset from board games, which is essential for analyzing market trends.
- It offers the potential for high financial returns, making your strategic efforts rewarding.
- Continuous learning in stock investing can be exciting for enthusiasts who love mastering complex games.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
12. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business makes sense for board game enthusiasts because it allows you to combine your passion with a flexible and low-cost business model. By setting up an online store, you could curate a collection of unique and popular board games, as well as related accessories, without the need to invest in inventory upfront. This way, you could focus on marketing, customer service, and staying current with new trends in the board game industry.
By leveraging dropshipping platforms and reliable suppliers, you could offer a diverse range of products and scale your business as demand grows. If you're ready to begin, check out some starter tips and success stories at Starter Story to get inspired.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- You could turn your board game hobby into a profitable side hustle or full-time business.
- You won't need significant upfront capital since you don't hold inventory.
- You could reach a global audience and offer a diverse range of products with minimal risk.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
13. Develop a workforce automation tool
As a board game enthusiast, creating a workforce automation tool could be an intriguing and rewarding business venture. Your understanding of intricate game mechanics and strategizing can translate well into developing systems that optimize mundane tasks in business operations. These tools are rapidly transforming modern workplaces by handling repetitive functions, which means there's a robust market opportunity. You could even integrate game theory principles to make your automation tools more engaging and efficient.
Why develop a workforce automation tool?
- You’ll leverage your strategic thinking to solve real-world problems efficiently.
- The growing demand for automation gives you a thriving market to tap into.
- By reducing manual tasks, you’ll help companies boost productivity and minimize errors.
For more insights on the benefits and challenges of starting this type of business, check out workforce automation tool startup costs.
14. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business as a board game enthusiast allows you to leverage your passion for unique game designs and custom merchandise without needing upfront inventory costs. By creating and selling customized products such as themed apparel, home goods, or phone cases, you could monetize your creativity and transmit your love for board games to a broader audience. Utilizing marketplace platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy to reach global customers, you could maintain a flexible schedule and run operations from home while building a scalable business on your own terms.
Learn more about the profitability of print-on-demand businesses here.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could turn your board game ideas into tangible products people cherish and use.
- You have the freedom to design unique merchandise that reflects your passion, enabling you to stand out in a niche market.
- With minimal startup costs, you could efficiently test new designs and ideas without financial risk.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
15. Start a payment app ($716K/month)
Starting a payment app as a board game enthusiast could be an ingenious way to merge your passion with technology, creating a unique business opportunity. With the rise of digital payments, you could develop an app tailored to facilitate smoother payments during game nights, conventions, or local meetups. This could not only streamline transactions but also introduce a specialized revenue stream that taps into the growing market of cashless payments.
Creating a new payment app allows you to seize a share of this lucrative industry, leveraging your understanding of the gaming community to cater specifically to their needs. Whether it's simplifying ticket purchases for events or enabling microtransactions for in-game purchases, there's a multitude of ways to monetize your app while enhancing the gaming experience for others.
Why consider starting a payment app?
- You could design it specifically for board game transactions, filling a niche that's often overlooked.
- Payment apps provide a scalable revenue model, allowing you to earn passive income with minimal ongoing effort.
- Leveraging your board game expertise ensures that your app meets the specific needs of fellow enthusiasts, creating loyal users.
For more insights and tips on creating payment apps, check out these starter stories.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
16. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm could be a winning strategy for board game enthusiasts looking to diversify their entrepreneurial ventures. Much like mastering strategic board games, successfully navigating the real estate market involves careful planning, informed decision-making, and a keen eye for opportunities. Scouting properties, negotiating deals, and managing investments can be akin to playing a high-stakes game, where strategy and timing are everything.
The profitability in real estate comes from the potential for asset appreciation and the steady income stream from rentals. If you thrive on strategic challenges and enjoy the thrill of property management, this could be an immensely rewarding endeavor. For more insights, you might find success stories and marketing ideas from real estate firms enlightening.
Why starting a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate offers substantial profit potential through property appreciation and rental income.
- The strategic skills honed through board games are directly applicable to managing real estate investments.
- Diversifying into real estate can provide a steady stream of passive income, enhancing financial stability.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
17. Start a garage organizer business
If you're a board game enthusiast with a knack for organization and an eye for detail, starting a garage organizer business could be a fantastic side gig or even a full-blown business. Just as you meticulously organize your board games and ensure every piece is in its rightful place, you could bring the same expertise to transforming cluttered garages into functional, well-organized spaces. This business not only taps into your passion for order but also meets a significant demand, as many homeowners seek effective solutions for their storage woes.
Why consider a garage organizer business?
- As a board game enthusiast, you already excel at organization, making it easy to transition those skills to garage spaces.
- This service is always in demand, providing steady business opportunities and income.
- With proper marketing and networking, you could grow your business and create a loyal client base.
For more insights, you might want to check real-life success stories on Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $10,500/month
Curate Labs is a creative practice focused around ethical and sustainable design, with an annual publication that champions good business and a travel platform that advocates conscious travel, founded in 2016 by co-founders Abb-d Choudhury and Sara, bootstrapped, now turning into one business with 3 departments and aiming for 50-100% increase in revenue.
18. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
As a board game enthusiast, starting a podcast could be an exciting way to share your passion while earning extra income. You could delve into game reviews, designer interviews, strategies, and latest releases, attracting a niche audience eager for specialized content. With minimal startup costs involving just a microphone and hosting platform, you can build a dedicated fanbase and potentially attract sponsorships or advertisers to monetize your podcast. For more details on startup costs, you can check out this helpful page.
Why starting a podcast?
- You could easily reach a global audience of fellow board game enthusiasts sharing your insights and reviews.
- Podcasting provides a platform to engage in-depth with game designers, creating unique, behind-the-scenes content.
- With low initial costs, it's a viable side business that, if successful, could lead to sponsorships and advertising revenue.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
