LotR: Fate of the Fellowship
Best for: Tolkien fans, cooperative gamers, campaign players
1–5players90 minMedium
Golden Geek
Golden GeekUnited States · founded 2006 · judged by BoardGameGeek community vote
Winners by year
The Golden Geek Awards are voted on by members of BoardGameGeek, a community of millions of tabletop gamers. Unlike jury awards, these reflect the aggregated preference of dedicated hobbyists rather than a panel of critics. Awards are given across many categories — best family game, best strategy game, best cooperative game, best solo game, and more — which means a single game can win several in one year.
What this award means for you
Golden Geek results reflect what committed hobbyists actually enjoy playing, which can differ meaningfully from what a jury selects. Because one game can sweep multiple categories from this single organization, we count Golden Geek as one voice when calculating cross-organizational consensus.
Winners in our catalog
LotR: Fate of the Fellowship
Best for: Tolkien fans, cooperative gamers, campaign players
1–5players90 minMedium
2025 · Best Cooperative Game
/pic8933083.jpg)
Hot Streak
Best for: Party groups, families, casual game nights
2–8players20 minLight
2025 · Best Party Game
LotR: Fate of the Fellowship
Best for: Tolkien fans, cooperative gamers, campaign players
1–5players90 minMedium
2025 · Best Thematic Game
Galactic Cruise
Best for: Heavy strategy fans, worker-placement lovers, space fans
1–4players150 minHeavy
2025 · Heavy Game of the Year
Hot Streak
Best for: Party groups, families, casual game nights
2–8players20 minLight
2025 · Light Game of the Year
Flip 7
Best for: Filler games, icebreakers, large groups, non-gamers
3–8players20 minLight
2024 · Best Party Game
/pic8157856.png)
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
Best for: Slay the Spire fans, roguelike lovers, solo gamers
1–4players90 minHeavy
2024 · Best Solo Game
Harmonies
Best for: Puzzle fans, solo gamers, nature lovers, spatial thinkers
1–4players30 minMedium
2024 · Medium Game of the Year
Arcs
Best for: Root fans, trick-taking enthusiasts, campaign gamers
2–4players120 minHeavy
2024 · Best Wargame
Arcs
Best for: Root fans, trick-taking enthusiasts, campaign gamers
2–4players120 minHeavy
2024 · Most Innovative
/pic8250341.png)
Castle Combo
Best for: Casual gamers, couples, gateway gaming
2–4players30 minLight
2024 · Light Game of the Year
/pic7246317.png)
SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Best for: Strategy hobbyists, solo gamers, science enthusiasts
1–4players120 minHeavy
2024 · Heavy Game of the Year
SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Best for: Strategy hobbyists, solo gamers, science enthusiasts
1–4players120 minHeavy
2024 · Best Thematic Game
/pic7061825.jpg)
Thunder Road: Vendetta
Best for: Action game fans, families, retro gaming enthusiasts
2–4players60 minMedium
2023 · Light Game of the Year
/pic9345519.jpg)
Hegemony
Best for: Political science fans, negotiation lovers, dedicated groups
2–4players180 minHeavy
2023 · Heavy Game of the Year
Hegemony
Best for: Political science fans, negotiation lovers, dedicated groups
2–4players180 minHeavy
2023 · Best Thematic Game
/pic6699821.jpg)
Earth
Best for: Nature lovers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players60 minMedium
2023 · Medium Game of the Year
/pic7398904.jpg)
Sky Team
Best for: Couples, two-player co-op fans, date night
2players20 minMedium
2023 · Best 2-Player Game
Sky Team
Best for: Couples, two-player co-op fans, date night
2players20 minMedium
2023 · Best Cooperative Game
Hegemony
Best for: Political science fans, negotiation lovers, dedicated groups
2–4players180 minHeavy
2023 · Most Innovative Game
/pic6731829.jpg)
Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition
Best for: Trick-taking fans, puzzle lovers, unique mechanism seekers
2–5players30 minLight
2022 · Light Game of the Year
Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition
Best for: Trick-taking fans, puzzle lovers, unique mechanism seekers
2–5players30 minLight
2022 · Most Innovative Game
/pic6940449.png)
Heat: Pedal to the Metal
Best for: Racing fans, families, mixed-experience groups
1–6players60 minMedium
2022 · Medium Game of the Year
/pic6883492.png)
Turing Machine
Best for: Logic puzzle fans, deduction lovers, math enthusiasts
1–4players20 minMedium
2022 · Best Solo Game
/pic6929347.jpg)
Splendor Duel
Best for: Couples, two-player fans, Splendor fans
2players30 minLight
2022 · Best 2-Player Game
Heat: Pedal to the Metal
Best for: Racing fans, families, mixed-experience groups
1–6players60 minMedium
2022 · Best Thematic Game
/pic5710736.jpg)
Carnegie
Best for: Heavy Euro enthusiasts, history fans, combo builders
1–4players120 minHeavy
2022 · Heavy Game of the Year
Ready Set Bet
Best for: Party groups, large gatherings, event gaming
2–9players45 minLight
2022 · Best Party Game
/pic5988903.jpg)
The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
Best for: Trick-taking fans, cooperative gamers, couples, travel
2–5players20 minMedium
2021 · Best Cooperative Game
/pic5100691.jpg)
Cascadia
Best for: Families, solo gamers, nature lovers, puzzle enthusiasts
1–4players45 minLight
2021 · Light Game of the Year
/pic6293412.jpg)
Ark Nova
Best for: Strategy hobbyists, zoo/nature fans, solo gamers
1–4players150 minHeavy
2021 · Heavy Game of the Year
The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
Best for: Trick-taking fans, cooperative gamers, couples, travel
2–5players20 minMedium
2021 · Medium Game of the Year
/pic5055631.jpg)
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Best for: Gloomhaven-curious players, cooperative fans, campaign seekers
1–4players120 minHeavy
2020 · Best Cooperative Game
/pic5666597.jpg)
Dune: Imperium
Best for: Dune fans, deck-building lovers, strategy gamers
1–4players120 minHeavy
2020 · Best Card Game
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Best for: Gloomhaven-curious players, cooperative fans, campaign seekers
1–4players120 minHeavy
2020 · Best Thematic Game
/pic5674958.jpg)
Lost Ruins of Arnak
Best for: Strategy gamers, adventure fans, deck-building lovers
+21–4players120 minMedium
2020 · Medium Game of the Year
/pic7632081.jpg)
MicroMacro: Crime City
Best for: Detective fans, casual groups, families with older kids
1–4players20 minLight
2020 · Light Game of the Year
MicroMacro: Crime City
Best for: Detective fans, casual groups, families with older kids
1–4players20 minLight
2020 · Most Innovative Game
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Best for: Gloomhaven-curious players, cooperative fans, campaign seekers
1–4players120 minHeavy
2020 · Heavy Game of the Year
/pic4458123.jpg)
Wingspan
Best for: Families, nature lovers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players70 minMedium
2019 · Most Innovative Game
/pic5687013.jpg)
The Crew: Quest for Planet Nine
Best for: Trick-taking fans, cooperative gamers, travel gaming
2–5players20 minMedium
2019 · Best Cooperative Game
Watergate
Best for: History buffs, two-player strategists
2players45 minMedium
2019 · Best 2-Player Game
Wingspan
Best for: Families, nature lovers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players70 minMedium
2019 · Best Strategy Game
Wingspan
Best for: Families, nature lovers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players70 minMedium
2019 · Best Artwork & Presentation
Wingspan
Best for: Families, nature lovers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players70 minMedium
2019 · Game of the Year
Wingspan
Best for: Families, nature lovers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players70 minMedium
2019 · Best Card Game
Wingspan
Best for: Families, nature lovers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players70 minMedium
2019 · Best Solo Game
Wingspan
Best for: Families, nature lovers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players70 minMedium
2019 · Best Family Game
/pic4552862.png)
Wavelength
Best for: Party groups, debate lovers, social gatherings
2–12players45 minLight
2019 · Best Party Game
/pic3979766.png)
The Mind
Best for: Experiential game fans, groups open to unusual games
2–4players20 minLight
2018 · Best Party Game
The Mind
Best for: Experiential game fans, groups open to unusual games
2–4players20 minLight
2018 · Best Card Game
/pic4254509.jpg)
Root
Best for: Strategy groups, asymmetric game fans, wargame-curious players
2–4players90 minHeavy
2018 · Best Artwork & Presentation
/pic3490053.jpg)
Brass: Birmingham
Best for: Heavy strategy enthusiasts, economic game fans, experienced groups
2–4players120 minHeavy
2018 · Best Strategy Game
/pic8780293.png)
The Quacks of Quedlinburg
Best for: Families, push-your-luck lovers, casual groups
2–4players45 minMedium
2018 · Best Family Game
The Mind
Best for: Experiential game fans, groups open to unusual games
2–4players20 minLight
2018 · Best Cooperative Game
Root
Best for: Strategy groups, asymmetric game fans, wargame-curious players
2–4players90 minHeavy
2018 · Most Innovative Game
Root
Best for: Strategy groups, asymmetric game fans, wargame-curious players
2–4players90 minHeavy
2018 · Best Thematic Game
Root
Best for: Strategy groups, asymmetric game fans, wargame-curious players
2–4players90 minHeavy
2018 · Game of the Year
/pic6973671.png)
Azul
Best for: Families, gateway gamers, mixed experience groups, couples
2–4players45 minLight
2017 · Best Family Game
/pic2437871.jpg)
Gloomhaven
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, RPG fans, campaign lovers, solo tacticians
1–4players120 minHeavy
2017 · Best Thematic Game
/pic3364832.jpg)
Photosynthesis
Best for: Nature lovers, visual appeal fans, families
2–4players60 minMedium
2017 · Best Artwork & Presentation
Gloomhaven
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, RPG fans, campaign lovers, solo tacticians
1–4players120 minHeavy
2017 · Most Innovative Game
Gloomhaven
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, RPG fans, campaign lovers, solo tacticians
1–4players120 minHeavy
2017 · Best Solo Game
Gloomhaven
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, RPG fans, campaign lovers, solo tacticians
1–4players120 minHeavy
2017 · Game of the Year
Gloomhaven
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, RPG fans, campaign lovers, solo tacticians
1–4players120 minHeavy
2017 · Best Strategy Game
Gloomhaven
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, RPG fans, campaign lovers, solo tacticians
1–4players120 minHeavy
2017 · Best Cooperative Game
/pic3163924.jpg)
Scythe
Best for: Strategy gamers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players115 minHeavy
2016 · Best Strategy Game
Scythe
Best for: Strategy gamers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players115 minHeavy
2016 · Game of the Year
/pic7069368.jpg)
Captain Sonar
Best for: Large groups, team-building, party gaming
2–8players60 minMedium
2016 · Most Innovative
Scythe
Best for: Strategy gamers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players115 minHeavy
2016 · Best Solo Game
Scythe
Best for: Strategy gamers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players115 minHeavy
2016 · Best Artwork & Presentation
Scythe
Best for: Strategy gamers, engine-building fans, solo gamers
1–5players115 minHeavy
2016 · Best Thematic Game
/pic4325841.jpg)
Star Wars: Rebellion
Best for: Star Wars fans, epic game lovers, two-player
2–4players240 minHeavy
2016 · Best 2-Player Game
/pic8907965.jpg)
Codenames
Best for: Parties, large groups, family gatherings, team building
2–8players15 minLight
2015 · Best Party Game
/pic2576399.jpg)
7 Wonders Duel
Best for: Couples, two-player strategists, civilization fans
2players30 minMedium
2015 · Best Card Game
7 Wonders Duel
Best for: Couples, two-player strategists, civilization fans
2players30 minMedium
2015 · Best 2-Player Game
/pic2452831.png)
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, cooperative fans, narrative lovers
2–4players60 minMedium
2015 · Game of the Year
Codenames
Best for: Parties, large groups, family gatherings, team building
2–8players15 minLight
2015 · Best Family Game
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, cooperative fans, narrative lovers
2–4players60 minMedium
2015 · Best Strategy Game
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, cooperative fans, narrative lovers
2–4players60 minMedium
2015 · Most Innovative Game
/pic8625343.jpg)
Mysterium
Best for: Creative groups, Dixit fans, cooperative gamers, families
2–7players45 minLight
2015 · Best Artwork & Presentation
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, cooperative fans, narrative lovers
2–4players60 minMedium
2015 · Best Thematic Game
/pic2055255.jpg)
Five Tribes
Best for: Puzzle lovers, analytical thinkers, strategy gamers
2–4players80 minMedium
2014 · Best Strategy Game
/pic3016500.jpg)
Dead of Winter
Best for: Thematic game fans, social deduction lovers, horror enthusiasts
2–5players120 minMedium
2014 · Best Thematic Game
Dead of Winter
Best for: Thematic game fans, social deduction lovers, horror enthusiasts
2–5players120 minMedium
2014 · Most Innovative Game
/pic8234167.png)
Splendor
Best for: Gateway gamers, families, casual groups, couples
2–4players30 minLight
2014 · Best Family Game
Splendor
Best for: Gateway gamers, families, casual groups, couples
2–4players30 minLight
2014 · Game of the Year
/pic9273518.jpg)
Patchwork
Best for: Couples, two-player fans, puzzle lovers
2players30 minLight
2014 · Best Abstract Game
/pic1401448.jpg)
Love Letter
Best for: Travel, filler games, casual groups, beginners
2–4players20 minLight
2013 · Best Party Game
Love Letter
Best for: Travel, filler games, casual groups, beginners
2–4players20 minLight
2013 · Best Family Game
/pic5375624.jpg)
Terra Mystica
Best for: Heavy strategy devotees, Euro game purists
2–5players150 minHeavy
2013 · Game of the Year
Love Letter
Best for: Travel, filler games, casual groups, beginners
2–4players20 minLight
2013 · Most Innovative Game
Love Letter
Best for: Travel, filler games, casual groups, beginners
2–4players20 minLight
2013 · Best Card Game
/pic3043734.jpg)
King of Tokyo
Best for: Families, kids 8+, casual groups, monster fans
2–6players30 minLight
2012 · Best Family Game
/pic1974056.jpg)
Eclipse: New Dawn for the Galaxy
Best for: 4X fans, space civilization lovers, epic-game players
2–6players180 minHeavy
2012 · Game of the Year
King of Tokyo
Best for: Families, kids 8+, casual groups, monster fans
2–6players30 minLight
2012 · Best Party Game
King of Tokyo
Best for: Families, kids 8+, casual groups, monster fans
2–6players30 minLight
2012 · Best Children's Game
/pic7149798.jpg)
7 Wonders
Best for: Mixed groups, gateway strategy, large gatherings
2–7players30 minMedium
2011 · Best Family Game
Also nominated
Recognized by Golden Geek but not a winner. Nominations aren't counted in award totals.
/pic7009391.jpg)
Blood on the Clocktower
Best for: Large groups, social deduction devotees, event gaming
5–20players90 minMedium
Nominated 2022 · Best Party Game (runner-up)
/pic5100947.jpg)
Jaipur
Best for: Couples, two-player fans, travel gaming
2players30 minLight
Nominated 2010 · Best 2-Player (nominee)
Jaipur
Best for: Couples, two-player fans, travel gaming
2players30 minLight
Nominated 2010 · Best Card Game (nominee)
Visit the official Golden Geek site →
