Spiel des Jahres - the award that was never really about awards (Topic Discussion)

Spiel des Jahres - the award that was never really about awards (Topic Discussion)

Author: Tabletop Games Blog June 9, 2026 Duration: 10:49

For many board gamers, Spiel des Jahres is simply the little red pawn on a game box. Spotting it on a shelf often suggests that a game is worth paying attention to. That's not only true in the German-speaking board game world, but also in many other countries, including the UK. Over the years, winners such as The Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, and Ticket to Ride have helped establish the award as one of the most influential honours in tabletop gaming. Yet, there is a lot more to this story. According to its own history and mission statements, the annual prize was never intended to be the end goal. Instead, it was created as a tool to encourage people to play games, to promote games as a cultural asset, and to help the wider public discover the value of gathering around a table. In the first in a series of articles, I want to look at this further.

Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/06/09/spiel-des-jahres-the-award-that-was-never-really-about-awards-topic-discussion/

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Music: "Stylish Hip Hop", "Chill Hip Hop", "Ambient Lounge", "Weekdays" and "Way" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com

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Dive into the world of modern board gaming with the Tabletop Games Blog-board game reviews and discussions with a personal touch. This isn't a formal critique from afar; it's a conversation at the table. Each episode unpacks a specific game, whether it's a brain-burning strategy title, a clever indie gem, or a chaotic party favourite that gets everyone laughing. The discussion goes beyond simple rules explanations to consider how a game feels to play, the artistry of its components and table presence, and the unique experiences it creates around the table. Since starting in 2018, the podcast has built a library covering everything from dexterity challenges and card games to expansive hobby board games, always with an accessible, personal perspective. The focus is on genuine insight over a rigid schedule, so from 2025 onwards, episodes arrive when they're fully ready, ensuring every review and thought piece is thoughtful and complete. It’s crafted for players of all types, from those just discovering modern games to seasoned enthusiasts looking for their next favourite. You'll find honest reflections on gameplay and design, making this podcast a reliable companion for deciding what to bring to your next game night.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 50

Tabletop Games Blog - board game reviews and discussions with a personal touch
Podcast Episodes
Bus & Stop (Saturday Review) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
The morning rush is already gathering. Passengers wait patiently at the stop, each with somewhere to be, while your little bus rolls into position. You have room for ten, perhaps eleven if you are feeling optimistic, alt…
Obsession (Digital Eyes) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:17
The morning begins with the sound of servants moving furniture. The dining room needs preparing, invitations need sending, and someone has decided that the garden requires attention before our guests arrive. Money is fin…
Let's Make a Bus Route: The Dice Game (Saturday Review) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:32
Bus headquarters was busy. We were still trying to figure out the best route to pick up passengers and deliver them to their destinations. The job was made harder because our competitors were vying for the same customers…
Magic Tricks - what makes trick-taking games great (Topic Discussion) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:08
Trick-taking games have been around for centuries, and they continue to inspire new designs. Everyone has their own idea of what makes for a great trick-taking game, but mine was shaped by growing up in Germany playing S…
Korpi (Saturday Review) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:45
The forest seems to close behind you with every step. Pine needles soften your footsteps, branches catch at your clothes, and the trail you followed an hour ago has somehow disappeared. You have been searching for the la…
The New Old - classic games vs the cult of the new (Topic Discussion) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:26
Like a lot of people, the board game hotness excites me because it potentially offers new mechanisms or clever twists on something familiar. Sometimes a new game draws me in because it has my favourite setting. When I fi…
Meow Tiles (Saturday Review) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:52
The first pair of hands reached the table before the pattern card had settled. Nine cardboard cats were flipped, swapped and turned over in a frantic blur, followed by an excited slap that brought everything to a sudden…