> The simpler explanation here is that board games are still a niche hobby

The article says "games", which I took to be more likely to be video games. These are teenagers after all. And if they're safe and goofing around gaming in a youth club, they're less likely to be doing antisocial behaviour on the street.

Ok video games then. I am not sure video gaming in person in a group setting is popular with modern youth. Same outcome to me.