The Spiel des Jahres , or "Game of the Year," is an annual award recognizing the best board games of the year. Since its inception in 1978, this prestigious distinction has had a profound impact on the board game world. Players, designers, and publishers around the world eagerly await the announcement of the Spiel des Jahres each year. But the big question is: which games have been nominated for the Spiel des Jahres 2025?

What is the Spiel des Jahres?

The Spiel des Jahres is more than just an award. It recognizes excellence in the board game industry. The jury, composed of experts, carefully assesses the nominated games based on various criteria, such as gameplay mechanics, originality, playability, and accessibility. Winning the Spiel des Jahres is a mark of quality and can significantly boost a game's popularity.

Because this is a German prize, not all games have been released in the Netherlands. Most are available here (in Dutch or English), but occasionally a game is unavailable.