Modern board games have evolved far beyond Monopoly and Scrabble. Today there are thousands of engaging games that encourage teamwork, strategy, creativity, communication, competition, and laughter for every age and experience level. Our motto at The Board Game Catalyst is "There's a board game for everyone!" Let us share our passion for board games with you and your group.
How does it work? A host from The Board Game Catalyst will bring a carefully curated selection of games directly to you. Every event is customized to your group, whether you're looking for a screen-free social activity, a team-building experience, or an ongoing game night. If your group is looking to build connection through modern board games, or just curious about what the hobby has to offer, we're here to make it happen.
We handle everything, from selecting the right games and bringing the materials to teaching the rules so participants can focus on having fun. We strive to create a memorable experience by making your gaming event stress-free. No previous gaming experience is required.
Want to get your group into modern board games but not sure how to get started? Over one or more sessions, we will teach a new game or two per session and be there to help with rules clarifications and strategy advice. Let us choose the line-up from a tried-and-true sampling of "gateway" games or tell us if you have specific ones in mind. After a few sessions, you'll be ready to explore new titles on your own!
Let us help you start up a club at your library, school, or center. We'll bring a variety of games and teach them on-the-fly. This can be a one-and-done or recurring event until enough people in your group have built up their own collection of games. Then your attendees can take over the role of teaching.
Looking to have an engaging, low-key, screen-free activity with your friends or family? With your input we'll curate a game night that everyone in your group can enjoy. Whether it's collecting cute pieces of sushi, building the best kingdom, or escaping from a sinking island, we've got the games for you.
Having a casual get-together with friends and want some lite entertainment? How about Just One or Codenames? Telestrations or Wits & Wagers? Or maybe Cash & Guns or Anomia? We even have the NSFW versions of some of these. If you've never heard of them, you're missing out! You supply the refreshments, we'll bring the games and get your guests laughing, drawing, and showing off their creative sides.
Kids spending too much time on their screens? We have just the solution. From casual games like Exploding Kittens, Unstable Unicorns, and Doomlings to epic battles in King of Tokyo or Star Realms, your kids will be fully engaged. Depending on the age range and interests, let us tailor the perfect gaming experience for your youth group, summer camp, enrichment program, or private event.
Want to trick your kids into doing math, reading, & logic under the guise of playing games? Our wide selection of games offer youngsters true autonomy, where their choices determine their outcomes. For younger players we suggest cooperative games as a great non-competitive option. Can you get all the owls home before night time by choosing the most optimal cards to play? Can you place the right tile at the right time to collect the most baby dragons? Let's find out together!
Have a specific game you've always wanted to learn or tried to learn but got thwarted by a confusing rulebook? Or maybe you're tired of being the one who teaches the game to your group and spends most of your time clarifying rules instead of playing? Look no further! Get your group together and we'll take care of the rest. Most likely, we'll even have the game in our collection.
Geared to those who already have a passion for the hobby. Do you get frustrated when teaching games? Do the people you're teaching get frustrated? Constant interruptions? Strategy questions? Everyone learns differently. Let our experienced game instructors show you the tips and tricks to refine your "teach" so people keep coming back to you for more games!
We specialize in collaborative Cooperative Games and Escape Room Games that will get your group working together for the greater good (or bad in some cases). If you want the experience of winning or losing together or want your team to have that experience in a way they will actually enjoy, let us run your next game night!
Reach out and let us know what you have in mind!
"What a fun time at Monmouth Library Game Night with Alex! Each week he taught us a new board game. They started out easy and progressed from there. What a great teacher! He was so knowledgeable, very thorough explaining the rules and had so much patience for our endless questions. I haven’t played a board game since my kids were little but I was looking forward to weekly game nights. It was engaging, fun and kept me on my toes!"
— Carol R. (Monmouth County Library Learn & Play)
"Working with Alex was a pure delight. He came quite prepared with a whole host of board games, from casual party games to more involved titles. Alex did a masterful job explaining the rules and running the games, and by the end of the night the participants all asked when the next game night was!"
— Jason G. (MCPS Teen Game Night)
"It was given 5 stars from our kid. As a parent, we loved it because it was a program for an age group that isn't always addressed - not yet teens but don't want to mix with "little kids" - they do need to be engaged and board games are perfect and they are able to handle more strategic and thoughtful games."
— Amy M. (MCPS Teen Game Night)
"Alex volunteered to host several games for our teens over winter break. The kids played several party games none of us even knew existed. Our adolescent unit usual has 20-30 teens. It’s no easy feat to entertain them all, but Alex did a great job keeping them tuned in. We had break out tables with different groups playing different games. Somehow all of this was going on simultaneously. Everyone had a great time and we'll definitely be bringing him back for more."
— Gabe G. (New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care)
