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
Score! - in-game vs end-game scoring (Topic Discussion) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:55
Imagine playing your very first indoor bowls game, but there is no jack. Everyone simply rolls a bowl towards an imaginary target. Somehow, your experienced opponent seems remarkably confident, while you try to copy what…
Borealis: Arctic Expeditions (Saturday Review) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:56
Snow muffled every footstep until the only sounds were distant birds and the steady crunch beneath our boots. The silence stretched in every direction: left to right, ahead and behind, as well as all the way up into the…
Back in Time - the draw of history in board games (Topic Discussion) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:37
I never enjoyed history at school. I understood why it mattered as a subject, but learning names, dates and events off by rote simply didn't work for me, no matter how hard I tried. Events were never taught in their chro…
Risk It For A Biscuit (Saturday Review) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:26
A small hand reaches into the tin, fingers excitedly hovering over the treats inside. The choice should be simple: take a biscuit, any biscuit. But no: two biscuits are better than one, and three better than two. Yet, if…
Take Cat (Saturday Review) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:27
You put down a bowl of soft food, and moments later, you hear the jingle of her collar. Here she comes! First, she pauses at the conservatory door and watches you for a while. You eagerly point at the wonderfully fresh f…
Vantage (Saturday Review) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:55
The escape pod rattles violently as it tears through the atmosphere, before the noise suddenly fades away. A rough landing throws you against the restraints, leaving only silence until the hatch finally creaks open and f…
Grab Bag: Jungle (Saturday Review) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:07
The early morning mist hangs beneath a canopy of dark green waxy leaves, while distant calls echo through the jungle from animals who have lost their way. You're following their footprints until you eventually glimpse a…