Every year, the Spiel des Jahres awards celebrate the best of the best in board gaming, and 2025 is no different. For those new to the scene, Spiel des Jahres (literally “Game of the Year” in German) is one of the most prestigious awards in the board game industry. Past winners include beloved classics like Catan, Ticket to Ride, Dixit, and Cascadia, so this award has serious influence.
These days, the awards are split into three categories:
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Spiel des Jahres – for family-friendly games
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Kennerspiel des Jahres – for more advanced, enthusiast-level games
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Kinderspiel des Jahres – for kids' games
So who took home the top prize this year? Let's dive in:
Spiel des Jahres 2025
🏆 Winner: Bomb Busters
Designer: Hisashi Hayashi
Publisher: Pegasus Spiele / Cocktail Games
Illustration: Dominique Ferland
Ages 10+, 2–5 players
This clever cooperative game has players working together to defuse bombs under pressure, using both logic and teamwork. It’s based on Hayashi’s earlier design, Bomb Squad, but now reimagined with fresh missions and visuals. It’s simple, tense, and absolutely brilliant for game night.
Nominations:
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Flip 7 – Fast-paced, casino-style gameplay for 3–18 players
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Krakel Orakel – A quirky drawing and guessing game that’s part party, part puzzle
Kinda surprised that Flip 7 didn’t take the win, especially with how much buzz it’s getting on social media. But I guess that’s the reminder—Spiel des Jahres isn’t a popularity contest. These award-giving bodies are a great way to discover new games you might’ve missed. Speaking of which... Bomb Busters is coming soon to Gaming Library!
Kennerspiel des Jahres 2025 (Connoisseur Game of the Year)
🏆 Winner: Endeavor: Deep Sea
Designers: Carl de Visser & Jarratt Gray
Publisher: Frosted Games / Board Game Circus / Burnt Island Games
Illustration: Maruša Gorjup & Fahed Alrajil
Ages 12+, 1–4 players
Endeavor: Deep Sea is an eco-themed sequel to the original Endeavor, but this time you're managing ocean research expeditions. It's got engine-building, meaningful decisions, and some surprisingly powerful storytelling. The result? A smart, thematic game that's just crunchy enough for experienced players without being overwhelming.
Nominations:
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Faraway – A deceptively simple but strategic card game with a unique reverse scoring twist
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Neuland (Looot) – Tactical Viking loot scramble with clever movement and interaction
Kinderspiel des Jahres 2025 (Children's Game of the Year)
🏆 Winner: Topp die Torte!
Designer: Wolfgang Warsch
Publisher: Schmidt
Illustration: Michael Verdu
Ages 6+, 2–4 players
Wolfgang Warsch (of The Quacks of Quedlinburg fame) strikes again—this time with a colorful, layered cake-stacking game for kids! It’s playful, tactile, and just the right amount of silly. Definitely one to grab if you’re playing with younger gamers.
Nominations:
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Cascadia Junior – A simplified, kid-friendly version of the award-winning Cascadia
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Die Mäusebande (Le Clan des Souris) – A sweet cooperative memory game with adorable mice on a mission
Whether you're into casual family games or more complex strategy titles, there’s something magical about the Spiel des Jahres lineup. They bring people together, spark joy, and remind us why we love this hobby in the first place.
Congratulations to all the brilliant designers, artists, and publishers behind this year’s winners! 🥳
Which one are you most excited to try? Let me us, and maybe we can even play a round or two!
About Gaming Library
Gaming Library aims to be the go-to resource for board games, providing not only titles that can be enjoyed by families, but also to be enjoyed by friends both newcomers and veterans alike. By pulling from different resources from all over the world, we at Gaming Library curate an impressive collection of games for consumers to choose from, suitable for anybody from casual players to hardcore hobbyists. In doing so, we hope to provide the best means to foster activities that strengthen family ties and friendships, while teaching relevant skills and practical critical thinking that can be applied to your everyday life.
