Kennerspiel des Jahres

Kennerspiel des Jahres

Germany · founded 2011 · judged by The same jury that awards Spiel des Jahres

Introduced in 2011, the Kennerspiel des Jahres recognizes games that are too complex for the main Spiel des Jahres award but still accessible enough for players who are not dedicated hobbyists. It is judged by the same jury on the same annual cycle. The category was created because the main award increasingly could not accommodate the growing market for medium-weight strategy games.

Winners in our catalog

Endeavor: Deep Sea

Best for: Strategy gamers, ocean/nature enthusiasts, Kennerspiel fans

1–4players90 minMedium

2025 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Daybreak

Best for: Climate-aware players, cooperative fans, Pandemic lovers

1–4players90 minMedium

2024 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Challengers!

Best for: Large groups, casual gamers, tournament fans

1–8players45 minLight

2023 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Living Forest

Best for: Families, push-your-luck fans, nature gamers

1–4players50 minMedium

2022 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

The Crew: Quest for Planet Nine

Best for: Trick-taking fans, cooperative gamers, travel gaming

2–5players20 minMedium

2020 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Wingspan

Best for: Families, nature lovers, engine-building fans, solo gamers

1–5players70 minMedium

2019 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

The Quacks of Quedlinburg

Best for: Families, push-your-luck lovers, casual groups

2–4players45 minMedium

2018 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

7 Wonders

Best for: Mixed groups, gateway strategy, large gatherings

2–7players30 minMedium

2011 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Also nominated

Recognized by Kennerspiel des Jahres but not a winner. Nominations aren't counted in award totals.

Faraway

Best for: Card game fans, puzzle lovers, travel gaming

2–6players25 minLight

Nominated 2025 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Planet Unknown

Best for: Puzzle fans, polyomino lovers, simultaneous-play fans

1–6players60 minMedium

Nominated 2023 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Dune: Imperium

Best for: Dune fans, deck-building lovers, strategy gamers

1–4players120 minHeavy

Nominated 2022 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Lost Ruins of Arnak

Best for: Strategy gamers, adventure fans, deck-building lovers

+2

1–4players120 minMedium

Nominated 2021 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Raiders of the North Sea

Best for: Worker-placement fans, Viking enthusiasts

2–4players80 minMedium

Nominated 2017 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Terraforming Mars

Best for: Science enthusiasts, engine-building fans, strategy hobbyists

1–5players120 minHeavy

Nominated 2017 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Pandemic Legacy: Season 1

Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, cooperative fans, narrative lovers

2–4players60 minMedium

Nominated 2016 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Concordia

Best for: Euro game fans, strategy enthusiasts, history buffs

2–5players100 minMedium

Nominated 2014 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

Targi

Best for: Dedicated two-player strategists, Euro game fans, couples

2players60 minMedium

Nominated 2012 · Kennerspiel des Jahres

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Explore other awards

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