Spiel des Jahres 2025: The top board games have been crowned
On July 13, 2025, the jury of the world-renowned Spiel des Jahres award announced this year’s winners in three major categories: family game, expert game, and children’s game. Created in 1978 by a group of German-speaking game critics, Spiel des Jahres is now considered the most prestigious award in the board game industry. The annual prize helps consumers and retailers navigate the rapidly growing market by highlighting games that combine innovation, design, accessibility, and lasting appeal. This report is brought to you by G.Business , citing the official website spiel-des-jahres.de.
Spiel des Jahres 2025: Bomb Busters (Pegasus Spiele)
Designed by Hisashi Hayashi and published by Pegasus Spiele, Bomb Busters is a cooperative board game in which players work as a bomb disposal team.
Each mission increases in complexity, introducing new components and rules, while teamwork, communication, and quick thinking are essential for success.
The jury praised the game with the following statement:
“In Bomb Busters, we grow with the challenges. Step by step, we learn the ABCs of bomb defusing. The comic-book art style adds a welcome lightness to a threatening theme and brings players together as a team.”
Additional nominees in this category included Flip 7 (Kosmos) and Krakel Orakel (frechverlag/TOPP).
Critic Stephan O. commented:
“Pure tension. Bomb Busters is quick to learn and highly addictive, with a strong replay factor and real cooperative thrill.”
Kennerspiel des Jahres 2025: Endeavor – Die Tiefsee (Frosted Games)
This expert-level strategy game by Carl de Visser and Jarratt Gray invites players to dive deep into the ocean, expanding underwater research stations, discovering new species, and managing resources.
Published by Frosted Games, the title was noted for its high-quality components and strategic depth.
The jury stated:
“Endeavor – Die Tiefsee demonstrates how modern strategy games can be immersive, thematic, and richly designed. A brilliant blend of gameplay dynamics and aesthetics.”
Other nominees included Faraway (Kosmos) and Neuland (Game Factory).
Kinderspiel des Jahres 2025: Topp die Torte (Schmidt Spiele)
Created by Wolfgang Warsch and published by Schmidt Spiele, Topp die Torte captured the hearts of the jury with its stacking-and-guessing mechanic.
Children build a sparkling cake by stacking sugary layers—but must decide how far they can go before it topples. The game includes a clever scoring system and surprisingly strategic choices, wrapped in bright, tactile design.
The jury remarked:
“A visually enchanting game that combines excitement and estimation. The clever mechanics and sugar cube aesthetics make it a delightful experience.”
Other nominees were Cascadia Junior (Kosmos) and Die Mäusebande (Game Factory).
Why this award matters
Each year, the Spiel des Jahres jury tests hundreds of new releases—400 adult titles and around 80 children's games in 2025 alone.
Winners enjoy significant boosts in sales, global recognition, and often become staples of game nights worldwide.
Stay connected for news that works — timely, factual, and free from opinion — and insights that matter now: Trump Signs Sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill” into Law – Historic Tax Cuts and Spending Shifts Unleashed
Foto: spiel-des-jahres.de