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The GAMA Expo 2025 logo in the exhibition hall

Date: 21/10/2024 

GAMA Expo 2025: Trends and Push for Sustainability

Again this year, we had the opportunity to attend GAMA Expo 2025, held from February 23-27 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky, which showcased the latest developments in the tabletop gaming industry. A significant focus of the event was sustainability, echoing trends we observed at the recent Spielwarenmesse. This year’s event reinforced that eco-friendly board game production is not just a passing trend—it’s the future of board gaming.

From the push for sustainable materials to the need for anti-counterfeiting programs, the expo highlighted significant shifts in game design, manufacturing, and community engagement. As European Union regulations on sustainability become stricter, the gaming industry must adapt quickly. Here’s what we learned and want to share with you!

Sustainability Takes Center Stage: The Future of Eco-Friendly Board Game Production

The conversation around sustainable board game manufacturing has gained momentum in recent years, and GAMA Expo 2025 confirmed that it’s now a priority for publishers, designers, and manufacturers alike.

Upcoming EU Regulations on Sustainable Production

The European Green Deal and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) are set to reshape the manufacturing landscape for board games. These policies will require:

  • A significant reduction in carbon emissions during production.
  • Higher recyclability standards for packaging and components.
  • Transparency on environmental impact, forcing companies to disclose material sourcing and sustainability efforts.


This shift means that publishers selling in European markets will need to adjust their supply chains, reducing reliance on plastics and increasing the use of FSC-certified cardboard, wood, and biodegradable inks.

Insights from the Green Games Guide

The Green Games Guide (GGG), a collaboration of industry leaders, focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of tabletop games. Key takeaways include:

  • Reduce unnecessary packaging by using compact boxes without shrink wrap.
  • Ditch plastic components in favor of recyclable or compostable alternatives.
  • Opt for sustainable printing practices like soy-based inks and water-based finishes.

What’s Next for the Board Game Industry?

After attending GAMA Expo 2025, it’s clear that sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation are the driving forces behind the future of board gaming. The industry is responding to:

  • Increasing environmental regulations (especially in Europe).
  • A demand for more inclusive and community-driven games.
  • The need to protect intellectual property from piracy and counterfeits.


At Rawstone Games, we’re committed to integrating these key trends into our future projects. Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. And as players become more engaged in eco-conscious gaming, we believe this shift will benefit both business and the planet.

What do you think? Which of these trends excites you the most? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook!

Next stop: UKGE 2025

Our journey continues. Our next stop will be in Birmingham for the UKGE 2025, and this time we will have a booth! We can’t wait to welcome you there and showcase our newest solutions for eco-friendly board game production and manufacturing. 

-> Want to meet us there? Contact us to schedule a meeting!
Meanwhile, stay tuned for more updates as we continue exploring the latest board game trends shaping the industry in 2025!

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