'Wingspan' helped popularize the engine-building genre. The game's streamlined mechanics and engaging theme made it accessible to a wide audience, paving the way for other engine-building games to gain traction.

'Wingspan' raised the bar for thematic integration in board games. Its seamless blend of mechanics and theme inspired other designers to prioritize thematic coherence in their designs.

Elizabeth Hargrave's success helped increase the visibility and recognition of female game designers in the board game industry, inspiring aspiring female designers to pursue their passion.