Spiel des Jahres

Spiel des Jahres

Germany · founded 1979 · judged by A jury of German-language board game critics

Spiel des Jahres — "Game of the Year" in German — is widely considered the most important award in tabletop gaming. A jury of German-language game critics evaluates hundreds of new releases each year and selects a single winner, announced each July. The award specifically rewards games that are accessible to newcomers: clear rules, reasonable play time, and broad appeal across ages and experience levels. Winning can transform a game commercially, often multiplying sales many times over, and the red pawn logo on a box is recognized in game shops worldwide.

Winners in our catalog

Bomb Busters

Best for: Families, cooperative fans, deduction lovers, mixed ages

2–5players30 minLight

2025 · Spiel des Jahres

Sky Team

Best for: Couples, two-player co-op fans, date night

2players20 minMedium

2024 · Spiel des Jahres

Dorfromantik: The Board Game

Best for: Family, Cooperative, Relaxing

1–6players45 minLight

2023 · Spiel des Jahres

Cascadia

Best for: Families, solo gamers, nature lovers, puzzle enthusiasts

1–4players45 minLight

2022 · Spiel des Jahres

MicroMacro: Crime City

Best for: Detective fans, casual groups, families with older kids

1–4players20 minLight

2021 · Spiel des Jahres

Pictures

Best for: Non-gamers, families, creative people, multilingual groups

3–5players30 minLight

2020 · Spiel des Jahres

Just One

Best for: Party groups, families, holiday gatherings, non-gamers

3–7players20 minLight

2019 · Spiel des Jahres

Azul

Best for: Families, gateway gamers, mixed experience groups, couples

2–4players45 minLight

2018 · Spiel des Jahres

Kingdomino

Best for: Kids, Family, Quick

2–4players20 minLight

2017 · Spiel des Jahres

Codenames

Best for: Parties, large groups, family gatherings, team building

2–8players15 minLight

2016 · Spiel des Jahres

Colt Express

Best for: Families, party groups, casual game nights

2–6players40 minLight

2015 · Spiel des Jahres

Camel Up

Best for: Large families, gateway gaming, party groups

2–8players30 minLight

2014 · Spiel des Jahres

Hanabi

Best for: Cooperative fans, puzzle lovers, travel gaming

2–5players25 minLight

2013 · Spiel des Jahres

Qwirkle

Best for: Cross-generational play, families, non-gamers, abstract fans

2–4players45 minLight

2011 · Spiel des Jahres

Dixit

Best for: Creative groups, families, non-gamers, art lovers

3–8players30 minLight

2010 · Spiel des Jahres

Ticket to Ride

Best for: Gateway gamers, families, travel fans, non-gamers

2–5players60 minLight

2004 · Spiel des Jahres

Carcassonne

Best for: Gateway gamers, families, couples, non-gamers

2–5players35 minLight

2001 · Spiel des Jahres

Catan

Best for: Gateway gamers, families, social groups, new gamers

3–4players90 minMedium

1995 · Spiel des Jahres

Also nominated

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

Flip 7

Best for: Filler games, icebreakers, large groups, non-gamers

3–8players20 minLight

Nominated 2025 · Spiel des Jahres

Captain Flip

Best for: Young families, beginners, gateway gaming

2–5players20 minLight

Nominated 2024 · Spiel des Jahres

In the Footsteps of Darwin

Best for: Families, science enthusiasts, gateway gamers

2–5players30 minLight

Nominated 2024 · Spiel des Jahres

My City

Best for: Families, legacy game fans, casual campaigners

2–4players30 minLight

Nominated 2020 · Spiel des Jahres

The Mind

Best for: Experiential game fans, groups open to unusual games

2–4players20 minLight

Nominated 2018 · Spiel des Jahres

Splendor

Best for: Gateway gamers, families, casual groups, couples

2–4players30 minLight

Nominated 2014 · Spiel des Jahres

Qwixx

Best for: Travel, filler games, families, non-gamers

2–5players15 minLight

Nominated 2013 · Spiel des Jahres

Forbidden Island

Best for: Families, cooperative beginners, kids 8+

2–4players30 minLight

Nominated 2011 · Spiel des Jahres

Jaipur

Best for: Couples, two-player fans, travel gaming

2players30 minLight

Nominated 2010 · Recommended

Visit the official Spiel des Jahres site →

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