Though it is firmly in the rearview now, the Spiel des Jahres 2019 saw plenty of great games recognised that are still in circulation today. These games, having been recognised by Germany’s top board game critics, showcase the industry’s best representations of family-friendly game design.
The ceremony is about more than just announcing the Spiel des Jahres 2019 winners, however, as it also highlights the achievements of the nominees in each category. Beyond the Spiel des Jahres, victors were also crowned for the Kinderspiel des Jahres (Children’s Game of the Year) and the Kennerspiel des Jahres (Connoisserur’s Game of the Year).
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Spiel des Jahres 2019
Buy the Just One Board Game
Winner
Just One
The deserved winner of the 2019 Spiel des Jahres, Just One is a cooperative party game where players must help each other guess mystery words using one-word clues. Identical clues are discarded, making it important that you are always being unique while searching for the best clue to help your teammates. With a complete game being played across 13 cards, the goal is to work together to score as close to 13 as possible, which each wrong answer costing 2 points.
Average Playtime: 20-60 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 3-7
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.04/5
Nominees
L.L.A.M.A.
A competitive card game where players try to dump cards from their hands as quickly as possible, Llama was recognised as one of the Spiel des Jahres nominees 2019. Each round begins with players having six cards, consisting of llama cards and numbered cards ranging from 1-6. Players compete to be the first to play their entire hand, though they are only able to play cards that match the current card or are one number higher. If you still have cards in your hand once the round ends, you are given points. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins.
Average Playtime: 20 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 2-6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.05/5
Buy the L.L.A.M.A. Card Game
Buy the Werewords Board Game
Werewords
The other of the Spiel des Jahres nominees 2019 provided, Werewords labels itself as 20 questions with a twist. As players try to guess a secret word by asking “yes” or “no” questions, they must also identify who among them is the werewolf. This werewolf not only knows what the secret word is, but they are also trying to impede your efforts. Victory comes from either correctly guessing the word or by outing the werewolf.
Average Playtime: 10 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 4-10
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.16/5
Kinderspiel des Jahres 2019
This award recognises the year’s best board games that are targeted towards children.
Winner
Valley of the Vikings
In Valley of the Vikings, the annual barrel bowling contest is taking place, which tasks players with using a ball to knock down the right barrels to position their Viking. Careful though, because if you go too far and are the first to fall into the water, you’ll be going home with nothing but wet clothes and soggy boots. The winner of best children’s game at the Spiel des Jahres 2019 awards, Valley of the Vikings encourages courage, skill, and risk-taking to claim victory.
Average Playtime: 15-20 minutes
Recommended Age: 6+
Number of Players: 2-4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.33/5
Nominees
Fabulantica
After a spell gone wrong has caused havoc and spread the residents of Fabulantica across the land, it is up to the player to find and aid them. Using travel cards to move around the map and mission cards to help the residents, players compete to be the first to complete three of their designated missions. Pairing accessibility with strategy, Fabulantica is a lot of fun for both children and their parents.
Average Playtime: 25 minutes
Recommended Age: 6+
Number of Players: 2-5
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.75/5
Go Gecko Go!
An inventive roll and move game where players must pile smaller animals on top of larger ones, Go Gecko Go! players must also be aware of the next upcoming bridge that needs to be cleared. Each team consists of a crocodile, turtle, frog, and a gecko, with strategy required when it comes to stacking them as bridges along the river threaten to knock your animal pile over. The first player to get all their animals to the finish line wins.
Average Playtime: 20 minutes
Recommended Age: 6+
Number of Players: 2-4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.20/5
Kennerspiel des Jahres 2019
This award recognises the year’s best games aimed at more experienced gamers through complex gameplay.
Winner
Wingspan
Recognised with the Kennerspiel des Jahres at the 2019 Spiel des Jahres, Wingspan sees players operating a network of wildlife preserves. As a bird enthusiast, you are trying to discover and attract the best birds to your preserve, with each bird extending a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats. These effects include gaining food tokens, laying eggs, and receiving more bird cards to play for vital bonuses.
Average Playtime: 40-70 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Number of Players: 1-5
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.47/5
Nominees
Carpe Diem
As rich patricians in Ancient Rome, players are vying to build lucrative city districts to score as many prestige points as possible. With plenty of viable strategies to employ, score cards are also available to help you maximise the scoring potential of your district. Whether you are searching for something to play at your next gathering with friends or are wanting to introduce the kids to something with more complex gameplay, Carpe Diem is the perfect choice.
Average Playtime: 45-75 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Number of Players: 2-4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.50/5
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
Have you watched endless Law & Order reruns and believe you have what it takes to solve a crime? Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game gives you the opportunity as you use every resource at your disposal to try and solve five distinct cases. With support for up to 5 players, Detective is perfect for friends and family who love solving mysteries together. With engaging card-based, puzzle-solving gameplay, the only question left to answer is when you’re going to start playing.
Average Playtime: 120-180 minutes
Recommended Age: 16+
Number of Players: 1-5
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.74/5
Enjoy the Best Games of the Spiel des Jahres 2019 Awards Today!
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