Every year, the Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) awards shine a spotlight on the best that modern board gaming has to offer—games that are accessible, innovative, and bring people together around the table. For anyone who’s ever wondered what’s good right now?, this is one of the most trusted lists in the hobby.
Started in 1978 by a group of German game critics, Spiel des Jahres has since become the most prestigious board game award in the world. It’s the kind of recognition that puts a title on the map—catapulting small publishers into the spotlight and helping more people discover games worth playing. In recent years, winners like Cascadia, Dorfromantik, and MicroMacro: Crime City have become household staples in game night rotations across the globe.
And here’s the best part: you can play two of this year’s nominees at All Aboard Expo 2025! That’s right—Flip 7 and Cascadia Junior will both be available in the Expo’s Library and demo areas for you to try out for yourself.
Let’s take a quick look at this year’s contenders.
Game of the Year Nominees (Spiel des Jahres)
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Bomb Busters by Hisashi Hayashi (Pegasus Games / Cocktail Games)
A brainy, cooperative bomb-defusing game for 2 to 5 players aged 10+. Think tense puzzles, ticking timers, and shouting “Cut the red wire!”—but smarter. -
Flip 7 by Eric Olsen (Kosmos / The Op Games)
Casino vibes at the kitchen table. Playable by 3 to 18 players aged 8 and up, this fast-paced number game brings the energy of Vegas into a light, strategic package. -
Krakel Orakel by 7 Bazis (Frechverlag)
A party game of drawing just enough (but not too much!) for 2 to 8 players. Think Pictionary, but with a twist.
Recommended Games
Agent Avenue, Castle Combo, Cities, Foxy, Perfect Words, and Sherlock’s Sleuths round out this year’s fantastic list of lighter family and party games to watch.
Children’s Game of the Year (Kinderspiel des Jahres)
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Cascadia Junior by Fertessa Allyse and Randy Flynn (Kosmos / AEG / Flatout Games)
A kids’ version of the award-winning Cascadia, with the same gorgeous art and satisfying tile-laying, but simplified for younger players (ages 6+). -
The Mice Gang by Christophe Lauras (Game Factory)
Cooperative memory-based gameplay where players help sneaky mice pull off a mission together. -
Top the Cake by Wolfgang Warsch (Schmidt)
Layer your cake, balance your toppings, and out-bake your opponents in this colorful, tactile race to dessert dominance.
Recommended Games
HiLo – Your Kingdom, Captain Cuckoo, and Syllaba are on the list for fun, thoughtful kids’ play.
Connoisseur Game of the Year (Kennerspiel des Jahres)
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Endeavor: Deep Sea by Carl de Visser and Jarrat Gray (Grand Gamers Guild / Burnt Island Games)
A rich, atmospheric underwater exploration game with research, discovery, and long-term strategy. -
Faraway by Johannes Goupy and Corentin Lebrat (Kosmos / Catch Up Games)
A clever twist on card sequencing—where you play cards in the wrong order on purpose, only to resolve them backwards. -
Neuland (Looot) by Charles Chevalier and Laurent Escoffier (Game Factory)
Vikings, loot, and tight tactical movement. A small-box game with big decisions.
Recommended Games
The Gang, Kauri, Medical Mysteries: New York Emergency Room, and Zenith made the connoisseur recommendation list—each one bringing something new and exciting to the table.
Try Them for Yourself at All Aboard Expo 2025!
You don’t need to fly to Germany or wait for the final winner announcement. You can play nominated and recommended games right here in Quezon City.
At All Aboard Expo 2025, not only will Flip 7 and Cascadia Junior be available for play, but our curated Expo Library will be filled with award winners, rising stars, and under-the-radar gems that deserve your attention.
🗓 May 29 to June 1, 2025
📍 M.I.C.E. Center, Quezon City
Come play, discover, and celebrate the best in board gaming—right here in the Philippines.
