In the classic “Seinfeld” episode “The Pitch,” Jerry and George dream up a TV show in which (just as on the show itself) the plots are based on the most unremarkable aspects of everyday life, like the wait for a table at a Chinese restaurant. In the world of “Seinfeld,” any topic, no matter how mundane, could turn into a show.

The same is true of modern board games. As the universe of games expands, designers are pushing beyond familiar themes like grand army battles, railroad building and fending off zombies. Nothing is...