Every year, the Spiel des Jahres is awarded to the best recent game that features rewarding family-friendly game design while promoting excellence in the German market. Awarded by a jury of German-speaking board game critics from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the ceremony also recognises the year’s best children’s games.
The Spiel des Jahres 2023 saw several high-quality games recognised as the year’s best. Alongside the Spiel des Jahres 2023 winners, the victors of the Kinderspiel des Jahres (Children’s Game of the Year) and Kennerspiel des Jahres (Connoisseurs’ Game of the Year) were also announced. All these winners, plus the nominees, represent the best that the industry has to offer.
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Spiel des Jahres 2023
Buy the Dorfromantik Board Game
Winner
Dorfromantik
The winner of the 2023 Spiel des Jahres, Dorfromantik is a fantastic game that tasks up to six players with laying hexagonal tiles to create a beautiful landscape. As players fulfill the orders of the population, they must also attempt to lay as long a track and river as possible to score more points. These points can be used to unlock new tiles that are hidden in locked boxes, creating endless replayability in this modern classic.
Average Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 1-6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.67/5
Nominees
Fun Facts
A clever game where players learn more than they ever knew about their family and friends, Fun Facts earnt a place as one of the Spiel des Jahres nominees 2023. Fun Facts is a round-based game, where players must answer a question by writing their response and placing their card face down with their name on it. Players must then reorganise the cards based on how the answers will rank from low to high, using what they know about their fellow players as a guide.
Average Playtime: 30 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 4-8
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.05/5
Next Station London
Another high-quality game recognised as one of the Spiel des Jahres nominees 2023, Next Station London sees players taking charge of the redevelopment of London’s underground network. As players optimise connections, serve as many sights as possible, and harness the tunnels that run under the Thames, they must also be respectful of the specifications set by the city. The best project manager by the end of the game is crowned the winner.
Average Playtime: 25-30 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 1-4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.48/5
Kinderspiel des Jahres 2023
This award recognises the year’s best board games that are targeted towards children.
Winner
Mysterium Kids
Recognised at the Spiel des Jahres 2023 awards as the year’s best children’s board game, Mysterium Kids sees kids (and bigger kids) taking on the role of a group of treasure-seeking children. Players work with each other, as well as the Ghost of Captain Echo, to find his treasure as they spend the night in his abandoned manor. One player takes on the role of Captain Echo and makes unique noises using a tambourine to guide the other players.
Average Playtime: 21 minutes
Recommended Age: 6+
Number of Players: 2-6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.20/5
Nominees
Carla Caramel
The perfect game for those with a sweet tooth, Carla Caramel sees players helping the titular character operate her ice cream stand. With the line of eager kids growing and the sun a constant threat for melting ice cream, Carla’s new assistants take turns rolling dice to get through the line of famished customers. A cooperative game that encourages teamwork, all the players share victory if they manage to get every child an ice cream before the sun ruins their plans.
Average Playtime: 10-25 minutes
Recommended Age: 4+
Number of Players: 1-6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.00/5
Gigamons
The last of the Spiel des Jahres nominees 2023 in the children’s category, Gigamons is perfect for those fascinated by magic and mystical creatures. A new twist on the memory matching formula, players take turns flipping two cards from the face down deck over to try and reveal a matching pair. If successful, the unique power of the captured creature is activated, adding a new dynamic to the formula that makes Gigamons feel fresh and exciting.
Average Playtime: 15 minutes
Recommended Age: 5+
Number of Players: 2-4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.13/5
Kennerspiel des Jahres 2023
This award recognises the year’s best games aimed at more experienced gamers through complex gameplay.
Winner
Challengers!
The winner of the 2023 Spiel des Jahres award for complex game design, Challengers! is an interactive deck management game for up to 8 players. Taking the form of a tournament, players take turns facing each other one on one as they battle with their decks. With six different sets of cards available, there are countless strategies to employ as you attempt to get the edge on your opponent.
Average Playtime: 45 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 1-8
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.78/5
Nominees
Iki
Set in the historic city of Edo, which is now known as Tokyo, Iki tasks players with becoming the annual Edoite, one who personifies the ideal way of living among the people of Edo. This is achieved by hiring artisans and operating shops to raise resources and prestige. You must also visit these shops to boost your capabilities, but by visiting the storefronts of your opponents, you increase their experience as well.
Average Playtime: 60-90 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 2-4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 3.04/5
Buy the Planet Unknown Board Game
Planet Unknown
Taking resource management to the stars, Planet Unknown sees players competing to develop the best planet. Each round players place a single tile on their planet, which represents the infrastructure needed to support life. As these tiles are placed, they also trigger actions and events, such as meteor storms that impede development and prevent scoring. Tiles are handed at using a Lazy Susan-like mechanism, resulting in rounds that never play out the same.
Average Playtime: 60-80 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Number of Players: 1-6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.21/5
Add the Best of the Spiel des Jahres 2023 Awards to Your Collection Today!
At More Than Meeples, we make it easy to buy board games online. Whether you are searching for games off the Spiel des Jarhres list or something else entirely, our extensive collection is sure to have what you are looking for. We also stock a range of graphic novels and toys for your collecting pleasure. Visit our website to explore our available games or contact us if you are seeking something in particular.
