As Easter weekend approaches, new research suggests many Brits are at risk of falling into a familiar trap: unplanned downtime turning into hours of screen time. According to a study commissioned by Asmodee, a leading publisher and distributor behind popular titles like Catan, Ticket to Ride and Dobble, a staggering 86% expect to default to screens if they don’t organise their long weekend in advance.
Easter Weekend: A Missed Opportunity?
Easter is often seen as the first real pause since Christmas — a chance to reset, recharge, and reconnect. However, without structured plans, that opportunity is frequently lost. The research reveals that:
- 61% of Brits expect to binge-watch TV or stream content
- 26% admit they’ll likely fall into “doomscrolling”
- 34% plan to spend most or all of the weekend at home
Unlike Christmas, which is typically filled with schedules, gatherings, and detailed planning, Easter tends to be far more relaxed — sometimes to a fault. In fact, 57% say Easter is less organised than the festive season.
Cost and Weather Are Holding People Back
Financial pressures and unpredictable British weather are also major factors influencing how people spend the long weekend. Over a third of respondents say it’s simply too expensive to plan a day out, while 36% blame unreliable weather for making plans difficult.
The result? Nearly half (48%) admit they often reach the end of a long weekend feeling like they “didn’t really do anything.”
Brits Want Connection — Not Just Distraction
Despite the rise in screen time, the research highlights a clear desire for meaningful connection. The most valued activities are simple, shared moments:
- 58% enjoy eating together
- 43% value going for a walk
But many are looking for more than just passing the time — they want experiences that feel memorable and engaging.
Board Games Offer a Simple Solution
That’s where Asmodee’s latest campaign comes in. This Easter, the company is encouraging households to “put a game on the table” as an easy, affordable way to bring people together.
Board and card games tick several key boxes:
- No need for good weather
- Budget-friendly
- Quick to set up
- Suitable for all ages
Yet, surprisingly, fewer than 20% of Brits say they’re likely to play a board or card game over Easter.
The Time Is There — It’s Just How You Use It
The study also found that time isn’t the issue. In fact:
- 12% expect over 31 hours of unstructured time
- 30% anticipate spending 3–5 hours with others in the same space
This presents a clear opportunity to swap passive scrolling for interactive entertainment.
Lindsay Cooper, Senior Marketing Brand Manager at Asmodee, explains:
“We all look forward to the long weekend, and then suddenly it’s the final day and it feels like we didn’t really do anything. This research from our Make the Memories campaign shows how easily unstructured time gets swallowed by TV and doomscrolling. But board games are an easy switch that gets everyone talking and, most importantly, laughing.”
Make Easter Count
With digital distractions becoming the default, finding simple ways to reconnect is more important than ever. Board games offer a low-effort, high-reward solution — transforming spare time into shared experiences.
Whether it’s a quick card game or a longer strategy session, these small moments around the table can turn an otherwise forgettable weekend into something meaningful.
To discover the perfect game for your Easter plans, visit the official Asmodee website: https://www.asmodee.co.uk/
