Board game lovers from across the country will come together in Sydney this weekend for Australia’s biggest dedicated convention.
Monopoly, Catan and Trivial Pursuit enthusiasts will fill the Southern Sydney Event Centre for Play Con, where more than 300 different games will be played and won by attendees across the three-day event.
Play Con organiser Jules Watson said gamers young and old were set to attend the sold-out event.
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“We know people are coming from Tasmania, there’s groups from Perth even people from New Zealand are flying in for this,” Watson said.
“There are so many [board games] to choose from. There’s Splendid Jewell, Unrest, The Castles of Burgundy.
“There’s plenty of time to play lots of games, drink plenty of water, stretch your legs, but come with a good attitude, come to have some fun and make some new friends.”
For some, it’s serious stuff that combines physical exertion, mental stamina and overall skill.
The Green family have been training for this moment their whole lives.
The family’s passion started with dad Andrew, who plays once a week with his mates.
“It’s a great social thing to do right,” he said.
“We have made some really good friends out of it. We have a lot of laughs.”
He’s passed his obsession onto his wife and kids, who play a board game most nights after dinner.
“It builds a better stronger relationship between us all,” wife Lauren said.
“It’s teaching the kids to win and lose gracefully as well.
“It’s fun because he brings home board games every week and we try them out … just like this new game here,” son Fletcher said.
For many Play Con attendees, it provides an opportunity to get away from screens and reconnect.
Child psychologist and board gamer Lauren Ehrenfeld said board games were a great way for children and families to switch off and learn.
“It stimulates your mind, it promotes thinking skills, training, different cognitive skills that are great for children to develop,” Ehrenfeld said.
“Anything that promotes positive interaction within the family unit and positive socialisation is so important.”