How how many board games are in the world?

It's impossible to give an exact number of board games in the world. Here's why:

* No Central Registry: There isn't a single, comprehensive database that tracks every board game ever created.

* Definition of "Board Game": The definition of a board game is subjective. Do we include card games, role-playing games, party games, or just traditional board games with a board, pieces, and dice?

* Constant New Releases: New board games are constantly being designed and released, making any count quickly outdated.

* Self-Published Games: Many board games are self-published, further complicating any attempt at an official count.

Estimates and Resources:

* BoardGameGeek (BGG): BGG is the largest online database of board games, with over 200,000 entries. However, it's not exhaustive and doesn't include all self-published games.

* Other Databases: Smaller databases and specialized websites exist for specific types of board games, but these are also not complete.

In Conclusion: While we can't give a precise number, it's safe to say there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of board games in the world. The number is constantly growing!