Spiel des Jahres

Spiel des Jahres e.V.
Formation1978
Founded atNuremberg
TypeAssociation
Chairman
Harald Schrapers
General Manager
Guido Heinecke
Websitewww.spiel-des-jahres.com/en
Harald Schrapers, Chairman of the Jury of the Spiel des Jahres
Randy Flynn’s Cascadia: Winner of Spiel des Jahres 2022

The Spiel des Jahres (German: [ˈʃpiːl dəs ˈjaːʁəs], 'Game of the Year') is an award for board and card games, created in 1978 with the purpose of rewarding family-friendly game design, and promoting excellent games in the German market.[1] It is thought that the existence and popularity of the award was one of the major drivers of the quality of games coming out of Germany, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s.[2] A Spiel des Jahres nomination can increase the typical sales of a game from 500–3,000 copies to around 10,000, and the winner can usually expect to sell as many as 500,000 copies.[3]

Award criteria

[edit]

The award is given by a jury of German-speaking board game critics from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland,[1] who review games released in Germany in the preceding twelve months. The games considered for the award are family-style games. War games, role-playing games, collectible card games, and other complicated, highly competitive, or hobbyist games are outside the scope of the award. Since 1989, there has been a separate award for children's games. The jury is not subject to public scrutiny and members of the public are not offered the opportunity to influence the voting.

On occasion, the jury has awarded a special prize for more complex games, such as Agricola in 2008 or World Without End in 2010. Prior to 2011, this award was an exceptional award which was not necessarily awarded annually. In 2011, however, this practice was formalized when the jury created a new category for more complex games called Kennerspiel des Jahres. Along with the nominations, the jury also gives a list of recommended games, and occasionally gives out special prizes for games which will not be considered for the main award. The criteria on which a game is evaluated are:[4]

  1. game concept (originality, playability, game value)
  2. rule structure (composition, clearness, comprehensibility)
  3. layout (box, board, rules),
  4. design (functionality, workmanship)

The jury does not release its scoring system or provide insight into how the categories are weighted.

Awards and nominees

[edit]

1998 awards

[edit]

The games receiving recognition at the 1998 awards were:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result Ref
Elfenland Alan R. Moon Amigo Won [5][6]
Special Award
Game Designer Publisher Category Result Ref
Zicke Zacke Hühnerkacke (Chicken Cha Cha Cha) Klaus Zoch Zoch Verlag Children's Game of the Year Won [7][6]

1999 awards

[edit]

The games receiving recognition at the 1999 awards were:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result Ref
Tikal Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling Ravensburger Won [8][9]
Giganten Wilko Manz Kosmos Nominated [8][10]
Union Pacific [de] Alan R. Moon Amigo Nominated [8][10]
Special Award
Game Designer Publisher Category Result Ref
Kayanak Peter-Paul Joopen HABA and Nabita World Children's Game of the Year Won [11][9]

2000 awards

[edit]
Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Torres Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling F.X. Schmid Won
Carolus Magnus Leo Colovini Rio Grande Games Nominated
Ohne Furcht und Adel (Citadels) Bruno Faidutti Hans im Glück Nominated
Special Award
Game Designer Publisher Category Result
Arbos Armin Müller, Martin Arnold M+A Spiele Children's Game of the Year Won

2001 awards

[edit]

This was the first year the Children's Game of the Year award was given, an award for more simple games:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Carcassonne Klaus-Jürgen Wrede Hans im Glück Won
Das Amulett Alan R. Moon and Aaron Weissblum Goldsieber Spiele Nominated
Zapp Zerapp Heinz Meister and Klaus Zoch Zoch Verlag Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Klondike Stefanie Rohner, Christian Wolf HABA Won
Rüsselbande (The Piggyback Brigade) Alex Randolph Drei Magier Nominated
Im Märchenwald Markus Nikisch Adlung Spiele Nominated
Special Award
Game Designer Publisher Category Result
Troia Thomas Fackler Zeitstein Spiele Historical Game Won
Der Herr der Ringe (Lord of the Rings) Reiner Knizia Kosmos Literary Game Won

2002 awards

[edit]
Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Villa Paletti Bill Payne Zoch Verlag Won
Puerto Rico Andreas Seyfarth Alea Nominated
TransAmerica Franz-Benno Delonge Winning Moves Germany Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Maskenball der Käfer Peter-Paul Joopen Selecta Won
Höchst verdächtig (Highly Suspect) Manfred Ludwig HABA Nominated
Bärenstark Heinz Meister Goldsieber Spiele Nominated

2003 awards

[edit]
Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Der Palast von Alhambra (Alhambra) Dirk Henn Queen Games Won
Clans Leo Colovini Venice Connection Nominated
Die Dracheninsel Tom Schoeps Amigo Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Viva Topo! Manfred Ludwig Selecta Won
Robbys Rutschpartie Wolfgang Kramer, Jürgen P.K. Grunau, Hans Raggan Kosmos Nominated
Lauras Sternenspiel Kai Haferkamp, Rüdiger Husmeier Amigo Nominated

2004 awards

[edit]
Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Zug um Zug (Ticket to Ride) Alan R. Moon Days of Wonder Won
Dicke Luft in der Gruft (Dawn Under) Norbert Proena Zoch Verlag Nominated
Ingenious Reiner Knizia Kosmos Nominated
Raja: Palastbau in Indien (Maharaja: The Game of Palace Building in India) Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling Phalanx Games Nominated
Sankt Petersburg (Saint Petersburg) Michael Tummelhofer Hans im Glück Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Geistertreppe (Spooky Stairs) Michelle Schanen Drei Magier Won
Schnelle Welle (Treasure Hunt) Dirk Hanneforth, Hajo Bücken Ravensburger Nominated
Schatz der Drachen Reiner Knizia Winning Moves Nominated
Mare Polare Roberto Fraga Selecta Nominated
Macius: Achtung, fertig los! Wolfgang Kramer, Jürgen P.K. Grunau, Hans Raggan Kosmos Nominated

2005 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2005 award were announced on May 8, 2005, and the winner on June 27, 2005:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Niagara Thomas Liesching Zoch Verlag Won
Verflixxt! (That's Life!) Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling Ravensburger Nominated
In 80 Tagen um die Welt (Around the World in 80 Days) Michael Rieneck Kosmos Nominated
Jambo Rüdiger Dorn Kosmos Nominated
Himalaya Régis Bonnessée Tilsit Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Das kleine Gespenst Kai Haferkamp Kosmos Won
Schildkrötenrennen (Ribbit) Reiner Knizia Winning Moves Nominated
Schildi Schildkröte Ronald Hofstätter HABA Nominated
Mago Magino Reiner Knizia Selecta Nominated
Daddy Cool Heinz Meister Huch! Nominated

2006 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2006 award were announced on May 28, 2006, and the winner on July 17, 2006:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Thurn and Taxis Karen & Andreas Seyfarth Hans im Glück Won
Seeräuber (Buccaneer) Stefan Dorra Queen Games Nominated
Aqua Romana Martin Schlegel Queen Games Nominated
Just 4 Fun Jürgen P.K. Grunau Kosmos Nominated
Blue Moon City Reiner Knizia Kosmos Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Der schwarze Pirat Guido Hoffmann HABA Won
Piratissimo Manfred Ludwig Selecta Nominated
Nacht der Magier Kirsten Becker, Jens-Peter Schliemann Drei Magier Nominated
Los Mampfos Maja Dorn, Rüdiger Dorn Zoch Verlag Nominated
Giro Galoppo Jürgen P.K. Grunau Selecta Nominated

Along with the nominations, the jury also assigned two special prizes for games which it felt were too demanding to count as 'family style' games:[12]

Special Prizes
Game Designer Publisher Category Result
Schatten über Camelot (Shadows over Camelot) Serge Laget and Bruno Cathala Days of Wonder Fantasy Game Won
Caylus William Attia Ẏstari Games Complex Game Won

2007 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2007 award were announced on May 20, 2007, and the winner on June 25, 2007:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Zooloretto Michael Schacht Abacus Spiele Won
Der Dieb von Bagdad (The Thief of Baghdad) Thorsten Gimmler Queen Games Nominated
Jenseits von Theben (Thebes) Peter Prinz Queen Games Nominated
Die Baumeister von Arkadia (Arkadia) Rüdiger Dorn Ravensburger Nominated
Yspahan Sébastien Pauchon Ẏstari Games Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Beppo der Bock Peter Schackert, Klaus Zoch Oberschwäbische Magnetspiele Won
Rettet den Märchenschatz! (Save the Treasure of Fairy Tales) Kai Haferkamp Selecta Nominated
Hüpf hüpf, Hurra! (Hop Hop Hooray!) Heinz Meister Ravensburger Nominated
Gesagt – getan! Roberto Fraga HABA Nominated
Burg-Ritter (Castle Knights) Christian Tiggemann HABA Nominated

2008 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2008 award were announced on May 25, 2008, and the winner on June 30, 2008:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Keltis Reiner Knizia Kosmos Won
Stone Age Michael Tummelhofer Hans im Glück Nominated
Wie verhext! (Witch's Brew) Andreas Pelikan Alea/Ravensburger Nominated
Blox Wolfgang Kramer, Jürgen P.K. Grunau, Hans Raggan Ravensburger Nominated
Suleika Dominique Ehrhard Zoch Verlag Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Wer war's? (Whoowasit?) Reiner Knizia Ravensburger Won
Geisterjäger (Ghost Hunters) Andreas, Ueli und Lukas Frei HABA Nominated
Fluss der Drachen Inka and Markus Brand Kosmos Nominated
Didi Dotter Ariel Laden Zoch Verlag Nominated
Capt'n Sharky: Abenteuer auf der Schatzinsel Kai Haferkamp Die Spiegelburg Nominated
Special Prize
Game Designer Publisher Category Result
Agricola Uwe Rosenberg Lookout Games Complex Game Won

2009 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2009 award were announced on May 24, 2009 and the winner on June 29, 2009:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Dominion Donald X. Vaccarino Rio Grande Games Won
FITS Reiner Knizia Ravensburger Nominated
Finca Ralf zur Linde, Wolfgang Sentker Hans im Glück Nominated
Fauna Friedemann Friese HUCH & Friends Nominated
Pandemie (Pandemic) Matt Leacock Pegasus Spiele Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Das magische Labyrinth (The Magic Labyrinth) Dirk Baumann Drei Magier Won
Curli Kuller Marco Teubner Selecta Nominated
Zoowaboo Carlo A. Rossi Selecta Nominated
Nicht zu fassen (Hide the Kids!) Fréderic Moyersoen Zoch Verlag Nominated
Land in Sicht (Tonga Island) Stefan Dorra Ravensburger Nominated
Special Prizes
Game Designer Publisher Category Result
Gift Trap Nick Kellet Heidelberger Spieleverlag Party Game Won
Space Alert Vlaada Chvátil Heidelberger Spieleverlag New Game Worlds Won

2010 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2010 award were announced on May 31, 2010, and the winner on June 28, 2010:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Dixit Jean-Louis Roubira Libellud Won
Identik William P. Jacobson and Amanda A. Kohout Asmodee Nominated
A la Carte Karl-Heinz Schmiel Moskito/Heidelberger Nominated
Im Wandel der Zeiten: Das Würfelspiel – Bronzezeit (Roll Through the Ages: The Bronze Age) Matt Leacock Pegasus Spiele Nominated
Fresko (Fresco) Marco Ruskowski and Marcel Süßelbeck Queen Games Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Diego Drachenzahn Manfred Ludwig HABA Won
Panic Tower! Andrew Lawson, Jack Lawson Goliath Nominated
Vampire der Nacht (Vampires of the Night) Kirsten Becker, Jens-Peter Schliemann Drei Magier Nominated
Turi-Tour Alessandro Zucchini Selecta Nominated
Kraken-Alarm Oliver Igelhaut Kosmos Nominated
Special Prizes
Game Designer Publisher Category Result
Die Tore der Welt (World Without End) Michael Rieneck, Stefan Stadler Kosmos Game of the Year Plus Won

2011 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2011 awards were announced on May 23, 2011, and the winners on June 27, 2011. This was the first year the Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year award was given, an award for more complex games:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Qwirkle Susan McKinley Ross Mindware Spiele Won
Asara Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling Ravensburger Nominated
Die verbotene Insel (Forbidden Island) Matt Leacock Schmidt Games Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
7 Wonders Antoine Bauza Repos Production Won
Strasbourg Stefan Feld Pegasus Spiele Nominated
Lancaster Matthias Cramer Queen Games Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Da ist der Wurm drin Carmen Kleinert Zoch Verlag Won
Die kleinen Zauberlehrlinge (Magician's Kitchen) Thomas Daum, Violetta Leitner Drei Magier Nominated
Monster-Falle (Monster Trap) Inka and Markus Brand Kosmos Nominated

2012 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2012 awards were announced on May 21, 2012, and the winners on July 9, 2012:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Kingdom Builder Donald X. Vaccarino Queen Games Won
Las Vegas Rüdiger Dorn Alea/Ravensburger Nominated
Eselsbrücke Stefan Dorra and Ralf zur Linde Schmidt Spiele Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Village Inka Brand and Markus Brand Pegasus Spiele Won
K2 Adam Kałuża rebel.pl Nominated
Targi Andreas Steiger Kosmos Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Schnappt Hubi! Steffen Bogen Ravensburger Won
Spinnengift und Krötenschleim Klaus Teuber Kosmos Nominated
Die kleinen Drachenritter Marco Teubner HUCH! & friends Nominated

2013 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2013 awards were announced on May 21, 2013, and the Spiel and Kennerspiel winners were announced on July 8, 2013. The Kinderspiel (Children's) Game of the Year was announced on June 12, 2013:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Hanabi Antoine Bauza Asmodée Éditions Won
Augustus Paolo Mori Hurrican Nominated
Qwixx Steffan Benndorf GameFactory Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Die Legenden von Andor (Legends of Andor) Michael Menzel Kosmos Won
Brügge (Bruges) Stefan Feld Hans im Glück Nominated
Die Paläste von Carrara (The Palaces of Carrara) Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer Hans im Glück Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Der verzauberte Turm (The Enchanted Tower) Inka and Markus Brand Schmidt Games Won
Gold am Orinoko Bernhard Weber HABA Nominated
Mucca Pazza Iris Rossbach Zoch Verlag Nominated

2014 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2014 awards were announced on May 19, 2014. The Children's Game of the Year was announced on June 23, and the Game of the Year and Connoisseur's Game of the Year were announced on July 14:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Camel Up Steffen Bogen Pegasus Spiele Won
Concept Gaëtan Beaujannot and Alain Rivollet Repos Production Nominated
Splendor Marc André Space Cowboys Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Istanbul Rüdiger Dorn Pegasus Spiele Won
Rokoko (Rococo) Matthias Cramer, Louis Malt and Stefan Malz Eggertspiele Nominated
Concordia Mac Gerdts PD-Verlag Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Geister, Geister, Schatzsuchmeister! (Ghost Fightin' Treasure Hunters) Brian Yu Mattel Games Won
Flizz & Miez Klemens Franz, Hanno Girke, Dale Yu Stadlbauer Nominated
Richard Ritterschlag (Brandon the Brave) Johannes Zirm HABA Nominated

2015 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2015 awards were announced on May 18, 2015. The Kinderspiel des Jahres winner were announced on Monday, June 8, 2015, and the Spiel and Kennerspiel winners were announced on Monday, July 6, 2015:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Colt Express Christophe Raimbault Ludonaute Won
Machi Koro Masao Suganuma Kosmos Nominated
The Game Steffen Benndorf Nürnberger Spielkarten Verlag Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Broom Service Andreas Pelikan and Alexander Pfister Ravensburger Won
Elysium Brett J. Gilbert and Matthew Dunstan Space Cowboys Nominated
Orléans Reiner Stockhausen dlp games Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Spinderella Roberto Fraga Zoch Verlag Won
Push a Monster Wolfgang Dirscherl, Manfred Reindl Queen Games Nominated
Schatz-Rabatz Karin Hetling Noris-Spiele Nominated

2016 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2016 awards were announced on May 23, 2016,[13] and the winners on Monday July 18, 2016:

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Codenames Vladimír Chvátil Czech Games Edition Won
Imhotep Phil Walker-Harding Kosmos Nominated
Karuba Rüdiger Dorn HABA Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Isle of Skye: Vom Häuptling zum König (Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King) Andreas Pelikan and Alexander Pfister Lookout Games Won
Pandemic Legacy - Season 1 Matt Leacock and Rob Daviau Z-Man Games Nominated
T.I.M.E Stories Manuel Rozoy Space Cowboys Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Stone Age Junior (My First Stone Age) Marco Teubner Hans im Glück Won
Mmm! Reiner Knizia Pegasus Spiele Nominated
Leo muss zum Friseur (Leo Goes to the Barber) Leo Colovini Abacus Spiele Nominated

2017 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2017 award were announced on May 22, 2017. The winner for Children's Game of the Year was announced on June 19, 2017. The winners for Game of the Year and Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year were announced on July 17, 2017.

Game of the Year[14]
Game Designer Publisher Result
Kingdomino Bruno Cathala Pegasus Spiele Won[15]
Magic Maze Kasper Lapp Pegasus Spiele Nominated
Wettlauf nach El Dorado (The Quest for El Dorado) Reiner Knizia Ravensburger Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year[16]
Game Designer Publisher Result
EXIT: Das Spiel (Exit: The Game) Inka Brand and Markus Brand Kosmos Won[17]
Räuber der Nordsee (Raiders of the North Sea) Shem Phillips Schwerkraft (Oberhausen) Nominated
Terraforming Mars Jakob Fryxelius Schwerkraft (Oberhausen) Nominated
Children's Game of the Year[18]
Game Designer Publisher Result
ICECOOL Brian Gomez Amigo Won[19]
Captain Silver Wolfgang Dirscherl and Manfred Reindl Queen Games Nominated
Der Mysteriöse Wald (The Mysterious Forest) Carlo A. Rossi Iello (Heillecourt) Nominated

2018 awards

[edit]

The nominations and the special prize for the 2018 award were announced on May 14, 2018.[20] The winner for Children's Game of the Year was announced on June 11, 2018. The winners for Game of the Year and Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year were announced on July 23, 2018.

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Azul Michael Kiesling Next Move/Plan B Games Won
Luxor Rüdiger Dorn Queen Games Nominated
The Mind Wolfgang Warsch Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Die Quacksalber von Quedlinburg (The Quacks of Quedlinburg) Wolfgang Warsch Schmidt Games Won
Ganz Schön Clever Wolfgang Warsch Schmidt Games Nominated
Heaven & Ale Michael Kiesling and Andreas Schmidt Eggertspiele Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Funkelschatz (Dragon's Breath) Lena und Günter Burkhardt HABA Won
Emojito! Urtis Šulinskas Huch! & friends Nominated
Panic Mansion Asger Harding Granerud and Daniel Skjold Pedersen Blue Orange Nominated
Special Prize
Game Designer Publisher Category Result
Pandemic Legacy: Season 2 Matt Leacock and Rob Daviau Z-Man Games Special Prize Won

2019 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2019 award were announced on May 20, 2019.[21] The winner for Children's Game of the Year was announced on June 24, 2019[22]

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Just One[23][24][25] Ludovic Roudy and Bruno Sautter Repos Production Won
L.A.M.A. (L.L.A.M.A.) Reiner Knizia Amigo Nominated
Werwörter (Werewords) Ted Alspach Ravensburger Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Flügelschlag (Wingspan)[26][25] Elizabeth Hargrave Stonemaier Games Won
Carpe Diem Stefan Feld Alea/Ravensburger Nominated
Detective: Ein Krimi-Brettspiel (Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game) Ignacy Trzewiczek, Przemysław Rymer and Jakub Łapot Portal Games and Pegasus Spiele Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Tal der Wikinger (Valley of the Vikings)[27][28][25] Marie and Wilfried Fort HABA Won
Fabulantica Marco Teubner Pegasus Spiele Nominated
Go Gecko Go! Jürgen Adams Zoch Verlag Nominated

2020 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2020 award were announced on May 18, 2020.[29] The award for Children's Game of the Year was announced on June 15, 2020.[30] The winners were announced on July 20, 2020.[31][32]

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Pictures Daniela and Christian Stöhr PD-Verlag Won
My City Reiner Knizia Kosmos Nominated
Nova Luna Uwe Rosenberg and Corné van Moorsel Edition Spielwiese and Pegasus Spiele Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Die Crew: Reist gemeinsam zum 9. Planeten (The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine) Thomas Sing Kosmos Won
Der Kartograph (Cartographers) Jordy Adan Pegasus Spiele Nominated
The King's Dilemma Lorenzo Silva, Hjalmar Hach and Carlo Burelli Horrible Guild and HeidelBÄR Games Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Speedy Roll (Hedgehog Roll) Urtis Šulinskas Piatnik Won
Foto Fish Michael Kallauch Logis Nominated
Wir sind die Roboter (Robots) Reinhard Staupe NSV Nominated

2021 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2021 award were announced on May 18, 2021.[33] The award for Children's Game of the Year was announced on June 14, 2021.[34] The winners were announced on July 19, 2021.[35]

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
MicroMacro: Crime City Johannes Sich Edition Spielwiese and Pegasus Spiele Won[33][36][37]
Die Abenteuer des Robin Hood (The Adventures of Robin Hood) Michael Menzel Kosmos Nominated
Zombie Teenz Evolution Annick Lobet Scorpion Masqué Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Paleo Peter Rustemeyer Hans im Glück Won[33][36][37]
Die verlorenen Ruinen von Arnak (Lost Ruins of Arnak) Michaela Štachová and Michal Štach CGE Nominated
Fantastische Reiche (Fantasy Realms) Bruce Glassco Strohmann Games and WizKids Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Dragomino Bruno Cathala, Marie Fort and Wilfried Fort Pegasus Spiele and Blue Orange Won[38][33][37]
Fabelwelten (Storytailors) Wilfried Fort and Marie Fort Lifestyle Boardgames Nominated
Mia London Antoine Bauza and Corentin Lebrat Scorpion Masqué Nominated

2022 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2022 award were announced on May 23, 2022. The award for Children's Game of the Year was announced on June 20, 2022.[39] The winners were announced on July 17, 2022.[40][41]

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Cascadia Randy Flynn Flatout Games, AEG, and Kosmos Won[42]
Scout Kei Kajino Oink Games Nominated
Top Ten Aurélien Picolet Cocktail Games Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Living Forest Aske Christiansen Pegasus Spiele and Ludonaute Won[42]
Cryptid Hal Duncan and Ruth Veevers Osprey Games/Skellig Games Nominated
Dune: Imperium Paul Dennen Dire Wolf Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Zauberberg (Magic Mountain) Jens-Peter Schliemann and Bernhard Weber Amigo Won[43]
Auch schon clever (Ganz Schön Clever Kids) Wolfgang Warsch Schmidt Nominated
Mit Quacks & Co. nach Quedlinburg (Quacks & Co. Quedlinburg Dash) Wolfgang Warsch Schmidt Nominated

2023 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2023 award were announced on May 22, 2023.[44] The winners were announced on July 21, 2023.[45][46]

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Dorfromantik: Das Brettspiel (Dorfromantik: The Board Game) Michael Palm and Lukas Zach Pegasus Spiele Won
Fun Facts Kaspar Lapp Repos Productions Nominated
Next Station London Matthew Dunstan HCM Kinzel Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Challengers! Johannes Krenner and Markus Slawitscheck 1 More Time Games and Z-Man Games Won
Iki Koota Yamada Giant Roc / Sorry We Are French Nominated
Planet Unknown Ryan Lambert and Adam Rehberg Strohmann Games / Adam’s Apple Games Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Mysterium Kids Antonin Boccara and Yves Hirschfeld Libellud / Space Cow Won
Carla Caramel Sara Zarian Loki Nominated
Gigamon (Gigamons) Johann Roussel and Karim Aouidad Mirakulus / Studio H Nominated
Special Prize
Game Designer Publisher Category Result
Unlock! Game Adventures Cyril Demaegd, Mathieu Casnin, Thomas Cauët and Jeremy Koch Space Cowboys Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year Special Prize Won
Unlock! Kids: Detektivgeschichten (Unlock! Kids: Detective Stories) Cyril Demaegd, Wilfried Fort, Marie Fort Space Cow Children's Game of the Year Special Prize Won

2024 awards

[edit]

The nominations for the 2024 award were announced on June 11, 2024. The winners were announced on July 21, 2024.[47]

Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Sky Team Luc Rémond Kosmos / Scorpion Masqué Won
Auf den Wegen von Darwin (In the Footsteps of Darwin) Grégory Grard and Matthieu Verdier Sorry We Are French Nominated
Captain Flip Paolo Mori and Remo Conzadori Playpunk Nominated
Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
e-Mission (Daybreak) Matt Leacock and Matteo Menapace Schmidt / CMYK Won
Die Gilde der fahrenden Händler (The Guild of Merchant Explorers) Matthew Dunstan and Brett J. Gilbert Skellig Games / AEG Nominated
Zug um Zug Legacy: Legenden des Westens (Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West) Rob Daviau, Matt Leacock and Alan R. Moon Days of Wonder Nominated
Children's Game of the Year
Game Designer Publisher Result
Die magischen Schlüssel (Magic Keys) Markus Slawitschek and Arno Steinwender Game Factory / Happy Baobab Won
Große kleine Edelsteine Wolfgang Warsch Schmidt Nominated
Taco Katze Pizza Junior (Taco Kitten Pizza) Dave Campbell and Thierry Denoual Blue Orange Nominated

All winners

[edit]

Game of the year

[edit]
Year Game Designer Publisher
1979 Hare and Tortoise David Parlett Ravensburger
1980 Rummikub Ephraim Hertzano Intelli
1981 Focus Sid Sackson Parker
1982 Enchanted Forest Alex Randolph and Michel Matschoss Ravensburger
1983 Scotland Yard Werner Schlegel, Dorothy Garrels, Fritz Ifland, Manfred Burggraf, Werner Scheerer and Wolf Hoermann Ravensburger
1984 Railway Rivals David Watts Schmidt Games
1985 Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Raymond Edwards, Suzanne Goldberg and Gary Grady Kosmos
1986 Top Secret Spies Wolfgang Kramer Ravensburger
1987 Auf Achse Wolfgang Kramer F.X. Schmid
1988 Barbarossa Klaus Teuber Altenburger und Stralsunder
1989 Café International Rudi Hoffmann Mattel
1990 Adel Verpflichtet Klaus Teuber F.X. Schmid
1991 Drunter und Drüber Klaus Teuber Hans im Glück
1992 Um Reifenbreite Rob Bontenbal Jumbo
1993 Call my Bluff Richard Borg F.X. Schmid
1994 Manhattan Andreas Seyfarth Hans im Glück
1995 The Settlers of Catan Klaus Teuber Kosmos
1996 El Grande Wolfgang Kramer and Richard Ulrich Hans im Glück
1997 Mississippi Queen Werner Hodel Goldsieber
1998 Elfenland Alan R. Moon Amigo Spiele
1999 Tikal Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling Ravensburger
2000 Torres Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling Ravensburger
2001 Carcassonne Klaus-Jürgen Wrede Hans im Glück
2002 Villa Paletti Bill Payne Zoch Verlag
2003 Alhambra Dirk Henn Queen Games
2004 Ticket to Ride Alan R. Moon Days of Wonder
2005 Niagara Thomas Liesching Zoch Verlag
2006 Thurn and Taxis Andreas Seyfarth and Karen Seyfarth Hans im Glück
2007 Zooloretto Michael Schacht Abacus Spiele
2008 Keltis Reiner Knizia Kosmos
2009 Dominion Donald X. Vaccarino Rio Grande Games
2010 Dixit Jean-Louis Roubira Libellud
2011 Qwirkle Susan McKinley Ross Mindware Spiele
2012 Kingdom Builder Donald X. Vaccarino Queen Games
2013 Hanabi Antoine Bauza Abacusspiele
2014 Camel Up Steffen Bogen Eggertspiele
2015 Colt Express Christophe Raimbault Ludonaute
2016 Codenames Vlaada Chvátil Czech Games Edition
2017 Kingdomino Bruno Cathala Pegasus games [de]
2018 Azul Michael Kiesling Next Move/Plan B Games
2019 Just One[23][24][25] Ludovic Roudy and Bruno Sautter Repos Production
2020 Pictures Daniela and Christian Stöhr PD-Verlag
2021 MicroMacro: Crime City[33][36][37] Johannes Sich Edition Spielwiese and Pegasus games [de]
2022 Cascadia[42] Randy Flynn Flatout Games, AEG, and Kosmos
2023 Dorfromantik Michael Palm and Lukas Zach Pegasus games [de]
2024 Sky Team Luc Rémond Kosmos / Scorpion Masqué

Connoisseurs' game of the year

[edit]
Year Game Designer Publisher
2011 7 Wonders Antoine Bauza Repos Production
2012 Village Inka Brand and Markus Brand eggertspiele and Pegasus games [de]
2013 Legends of Andor Michael Menzel Fantasy Flight Games
2014 Istanbul Rüdiger Dorn Pegasus games [de]
2015 Broom Service Andreas Pelikan and Alexander Pfister Ravensburger
2016 Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King[48] Andreas Pelikan and Alexander Pfister Mayfair
2017 Exit - The Game Inka Brand and Markus Brand Kosmos
2018 The Quacks of Quedlinburg Wolfgang Warsch Schmidt Games
2019 Wingspan[26][25] Elizabeth Hargrave Stonemaier Games
2020 The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine Thomas Sing Kosmos
2021 Paleo[33][36][37] Peter Rustemeyer Hans im Glück
2022 Living Forest[42] Aske Christiansen Pegasus games [de] and Ludonaute
2023 Challengers! Johannes Krenner and Markus Slawitscheck 1 More Time Games and Z-Man Games
2024 Daybreak Matt Leacock and Matteo Menapace Schmidt

Children's game of the year

[edit]
Year Game Designer Publisher
1989 Gute Freunde Alex Randolph Selecta
1990 My Haunted Castle
(German title: Das Geisterschloss)
Virginia Charves F.X. Schmid
1991 Corsaro – Irrfahrt im Piratenmeer Wolfgang Kramer Herder
1992 Galloping Pigs
(German title: Schweinsgalopp)
Heinz Meister Ravensburger
1993 Ringel Rangel Geni Wyss Habermaaß
1994 Loopin' Louie Carol Wiseley Milton Bradley
1995 Karambolage Heinz Meister Habermaaß
1996 Noah's Park
(German title: Vier zu Mir)
Heike Baum Altenburger und Stralsunder
1997 Leinen Los! Alex Randolph Habermaaß
1998 Chicken Cha Cha Cha Klaus Zoch Zoch Verlag
1999 Kayanak Peter-Paul Joopen Habermaaß
2000[49] Arbos (game) [de] Armin Müller and Martin Arnold M+A Spiel
2001 Klondike Christian Wolf and Stefanie Rohner Habermaaß
2002 The Ladybug's Costume Party
(German title: Maskenball der Käfer)
Peter-Paul Joopen Selecta
2003 Viva Topo! Manfred Ludwig Selecta
2004 Spooky Stairs
(German title: Geistertreppe)
Michelle Schanen Drei Magier Spiele
2005 Das Kleine Gespenst Kai Haferkamp Kosmos
2006 Der Schwarze Pirat Guido Hoffmann Habermaaß
2007 Beppo der Bock Peter Schackert Huch & Friends
2008 Wer war's? Reiner Knizia Ravensburger
2009 The Magic Labyrinth Dirk Baumann Drei Magier Spiele
2010 Diego Drachenzahn Manfred Ludwig HABA
2011 Da ist der Wurm drin Carmen Kleinert Zoch Verlag
2012 Schnappt Hubi! Steffen Bogen Ravensburger
2013 Der verzauberte Turm Inka and Markus Brand Schmidt/Marke Drei Magier Spiele
2014 Geister, Geister, Schatzsuchmeister!

(English title: Ghost Fightin' Treasure Hunters)

Brian Yu Mattel Games
2015 Spinderella Roberto Fraga Zoch Verlag
2016 My First Stone Age[50][non-primary source needed] Marco Teubner ZMAN Games
2017 Ice Cool[19] Brian Gomez Amigo
2018 Funkelschatz

(English title: Dragon's Breath)

Lena und Günter Burkhardt HABA
2019 Tal der Wikinger[27][25]

(English title: Valley of the Vikings)

Marie and Wilfried Fort HABA
2020 Speedy Roll

(Alternate title: Hedgehog Roll)

Urtis Šulinskas Piatnik
2021 Dragomino[37][33] Bruno Cathala, Marie Fort and Wilfried Fort Pegasus games [de] and Blue Orange
2022 Zauberberg

(English title: Magic Mountain)

Jens-Peter Schliemann and Bernhard Weber Amigo
2023 Mysterium Kids Antonin Boccara and Yves Hirschfeld Libellud / Space Cow
2024 Die magischen Schlüssel

(English title: Magic Keys)

Markus Slawitschek and Arno Steinwender Game Factory / Happy Baobab

Special awards

[edit]
Year Prize Game Designer Publisher
1979 Beautiful game Seti No specific designer Bütehorn
1980 Beautiful game Spiel Reinhold Wittig Edition Perlhuhn
Solitaire Rubik's Cube Ernő Rubik
1981 Beautiful game Ra Marco Donadoni International Team
1982 Beautiful game Skript Henri Sala Jumbo
1983 Beautiful game Wir füttern die kleinen Nilpferde Reinhold Wittig Edition Perlhuhn
1984 Beautiful game Uisge Roland Siegers Hexagames
1985 Beautiful game Die drei Magier Johann Rüttinger Drei Magier Spiele
1986 Beautiful game Müller & Sohn Rei'nhold Wittig Kosmos
1987 Beautiful game Orient Express Jeff Smets Jumbo
1988 Beautiful game Inkognito Alex Randolph and Leo Colovini Milton Bradley
Cooperative family game Sauerbaum Johannes Tranelis
1989 Beautiful game Henne Berta Geni Wyss Habermaaß
1990 Beautiful game Life Style No specific designer Ravensburger
1991 Beautiful game Master Labyrinth Max Kobbert Ravensburger
1992 No special prizes awarded
1993 Beautiful game Kula Kula Reinhold Wittig Blatz Spiele
1994 Beautiful game Doctor Faust Reinhold Wittig Blatz Spiele
1995 Beautiful game Tri-Ba-Lance Michael Sohre Theta Promotions
Puzzle 3D Krimi-Puzzle No specific designer
1996 Beautiful game Venice Connection Alex Randolph Drei Magier Spiele
Dexterity game Carabande Jean du Poel
1997 Beautiful game Aztec Nicolas Neuwahl Zoch Verlag
Dexterity game Husarengolf Torsten Marold
1998–2000 No special prizes awarded
2001 Literary game Lord of the Rings Reiner Knizia Kosmos
Historical game Troia Thomas Fackler
2002–03 No special prizes awarded
2004 Recommended Attika Marcel-André Casasola Merkle Rio Grande
2005 No special prizes awarded
2006 Fantasy game Shadows Over Camelot Serge Laget and Bruno Cathala Days of Wonder
Complex game Caylus William Attia
2007 No special prizes awarded
2008 Complex game Agricola Uwe Rosenberg Lookout Games
2009 New game worlds Space Alert Vlaada Chvátil Czech Games Edition
Party game Gift Trap Nick Kellet
2010 Game of the Year plus World Without End Michael Rieneck and Stefan Stadler Kosmos
2011–17 No special prizes awarded
2018 Special prize Pandemic Legacy: Season 2 Matt Leacock and Rob Daviau Z-Man Games
2019–22 No special prizes awarded
2023 Special prize Unlock! Game Adventures and Unlock! Kids: Detective Stories[51] Cyril Demaegd, Mathieu Casnin, Thomas Cauët and Jeremy Koch Space Cowboys

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Dale Yu (20 June 2011). "Interview with Tom Werneck, Spiel des Jahres jury member – Part 1 of 3". The Opinionated Gamers. Archived from the original on 2011-06-23. Retrieved 2013-02-12.
  2. ^ Werneck, Tom. "The Impact of the Award "Spiel des Jahres" on the Development of the Board Games Market in Germany" (PDF).
  3. ^ Scott Tepper cited in Stewart Woods (2012). Eurogames: The Design, Culture and Play of Modern European Board Games. McFarland. p. 221. ISBN 978-0-7864-9065-3.
  4. ^ "Spiel des Jahres e.V. -". Spiel des Jahres (www.spiel-des-jahres.com). Archived from the original on 24 March 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  5. ^ "Games database [Spiel des Jahres - Nominated for Spiel des Jahres]". Game of the Year (www.spiel-des-jahres.de). Archived from the original on 1 February 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
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  12. ^ "Boardgame News article". Archived from the original on 2006-05-29. Retrieved 2006-05-30.
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  14. ^ "Spiel des Jahres 2017 Announcement". spieldesjahres.com. Archived from the original on 2017-07-20. Retrieved 2017-05-22.
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  23. ^ a b Breuer, Hendrik (July 22, 2019). "'Just One' is the game of the year 2019". Der Spiegel. Archived from the original on October 13, 2019. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
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  30. ^ Heinecke, Guido (2020-06-15). "Speedy Roll ist das Kinderspiel des Jahres 2020" [Speedy Roll is the Kinderspiel des Jahres 2020]. Spiel des Jahres (in German). Archived from the original on 2020-09-28. Retrieved 2020-12-15.
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  45. ^ "Spiel des Jahres 2023: Dorfromantik". Spiel des Jahres. 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
  46. ^ "Spiel des Jahres 2023". Spiel des Jahres. 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
  47. ^ "Spiel des Jahres 2024: Sky Team". Spiel des Jahres. 2024-07-21. Retrieved 2024-07-21.
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  49. ^ This and earlier awards were Special Awards
  50. ^ "Spiel des Jahres on Twitter". Archived from the original on 2017-06-04. Retrieved 2016-08-30.
  51. ^ "Unlock! Game Adventures".
[edit]