I just watched Rental Family, and it got me thinking about board game communities acting in a similar way. Tokyo-set drama/comedy Rental Family could have easily tipped into cringey, overly sentimental territory, but in the hands of the director Hikari, it’s quietly beautiful and contemplative. Brendan Fraser plays Phillip, a middle-aged actor in Japan taking on jobs with a “rental family” service. Essentially, he is hired to play a spouse, a parent, or a friend to help people navigate tricky emotional situations. The story explores loneliness, connection, and the moral complications of helping others while pretending to be someone else. It’s tender, thoughtful, and funny, with moments of sweetness that land without ever feeling forced.
This movie made me think of board game communities. Just like Phillip steps into someone else’s life to offer support and companionship, board game nights offer a safe space to be part of a group, even if it’s temporary. Open game nights, clubs, and local gaming communities become a “rental family” of sorts: a place where you can connect with others, form bonds, and have fun without the pressures of your everyday life.
I want to give a shoutout to my home board game community: Mandaluyong Board Game Club! We meet every Friday in Kapitolyo. At our open game nights, we see this in action all the time. Newcomers are welcomed, strangers become teammates, and regulars look out for each other. There’s a shared goal: playing, learning, laughing, and a sense of belonging that can be hard to find elsewhere, especially in a world that sometimes feels isolating. You don’t have to be a lifelong friend to feel like family here; the community itself becomes a space where friendships can grow naturally, much like Phillip’s connections in the movie.
If you’ve ever thought about creating your own board game group, the first step is simple: invite people to play. Start with friends, coworkers, or post on local social media groups to gather like-minded players. Pick a regular schedule, even if it’s just once a month, and create a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
It helps to have a mix of games: party games like Flip 7, Trio, and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza are perfect for new players to jump in quickly, while gateway games like Cascadia, Catan, Harmonies, Splendor, and Ticket to Ride are excellent starting points for those ready to try heavier games. Veteran players may prefer more complex titles, but giving new players an approachable entry point helps the community grow—and who knows, they might level up into heavy gamers in time!
From there, it’s all about nurturing the culture:
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Encourage new players and provide guidance without judgment.
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Introduce people to each other and watch for those who need a game to join.
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Mix casual game nights with more complex games or mini-tournaments for those seeking a challenge.
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Celebrate everyone’s wins, mistakes, and funny moments alike.
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Be consistent, but flexible. Life happens, and community thrives when it feels inclusive, not strict.
The more effort you put into fostering connection, the more your board game group becomes like a rental family: a place to belong, to be supported, and to share experiences with people who genuinely care.
You might be asking, where can I find these magical board game communities? Your best bet is to check social media, as many groups post there. There’s also a list of regular open game days and game nights compiled by Jerico, one of the most hardworking board game community organizers. Get in touch with these groups and join their game nights! (I know it can be a bit nerve-wracking to put yourself out there, but trust me—the people are warm and welcoming!)
What’s doubly exciting is that we’ll soon have the biggest gathering of board game communities at ALL ABOARD EXPO in May. Imagine meeting people from all over the country (and even the world), sharing stories, and making new connections. It’s also a perfect opportunity for your own community to recruit new members. Last year we saw so many people looking for a way into the hobby and searching for welcoming board game groups.
Board games aren’t just about strategy or competition, they’re about community. And in a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, that’s more important than ever. As Phillip reminds us in Rental Family, sometimes the family you need isn’t given, it’s made.
About Gaming Library
Gaming Library aims to be the go-to resource for board games, providing not only titles that can be enjoyed by families, but also to be enjoyed by friends both newcomers and veterans alike. By pulling from different resources from all over the world, we at Gaming Library curate an impressive collection of games for consumers to choose from, suitable for anybody from casual players to hardcore hobbyists. In doing so, we hope to provide the best means to foster activities that strengthen family ties and friendships, while teaching relevant skills and practical critical thinking that can be applied to your everyday life.
