Recent years have witnessed a stunning evolution in the world of board games. A string of luxury brands have taken it upon themselves to step in and elevate these classic, timeless pastimes into objects of desire for the elite.

From centuries-old games like chess to commercial hits like Monopoly, classic board games are undergoing a lavish makeover, turbocharged by the investment, craftsmanship and creativity of fashion powerhouses such as Gucci and Hermes. Even iconic design firms like Linley have got in on the act, too.

These plush, high-end alternatives to the board games we know and love aren’t just reimagining the way we play, but they’re also becoming sophisticated accessories and symbols of status in high society.

The incarnation of premium board games is a blend of tradition and 21st century living. A world where generations-old classics are imbued with contemporary flair and more than a hint of opulence. Gucci’s decorative chess set is one of the primary examples of a luxury brand diving head first into the gaming world. Its chess board and pieces are adorned with its unmistakable motifs and feature premium materials including brass and leather.

It’s a similar story with Hermes’ own array of premium board games, with mahjong and backgammon sets proving especially popular, featuring the brand’s iconic silk scarves, plus taurillon H and smooth taurillon leather. As a result, it’s not uncommon for these iterations to set consumers back a princely five-figure sum, designed in the Hermes Studio and painstakingly constructed in Indonesia.

Is the gameplay of luxury board games the main draw?

The appeal of lavish board game experiences is about so much more than the gameplay itself. They now serve as expressions of individual style and discernment. People are increasingly displaying them in homes and even exclusive members-only clubs, with the aim of commanding respect and attention, while reflecting the expensive tastes of their owners.

Behind the exclusive bubble of high-end versions of classic board games lies the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail which goes into making luxury gaming an experience. Each piece or board is carefully crafted using only the best materials and techniques. The end result? Genuine works of art that pop both visually and functionally. From hand-stitched leather game boards to hand-carved chess pieces, every element is designed to perfection, elevating the gaming experience.

A reiteration of the power of aesthetics

In addition, the sudden emergence of plush board games underlines the importance of aesthetics, as it is in other aspects of modern life, especially online. Fields like website design and iGaming place heavy importance on the visual appeal of a website’s user experience or online slot game features. The latter needs to stand out from the crowd, given the hundreds of slot games and themes which now fill the game libraries of the leading iGaming brands.

Just as these designer board games enhance the ambience of a game night, website designers and online casinos leverage art and design to improve user experience and drive cross-platform engagement, too.

In summary, the transformation of classic board games by high-end brands represents an exciting fusion of tradition, craftsmanship and contemporary style. These designer sets not only redefine the way we play, but serve as symbols of status and sophistication in upscale social circles.