The Spiel des Jahres has been rewarding the best family game of the year since 1979. Its winners are easy to learn, play in under an hour and work for players aged 8 to 80.
These are our picks from its winners and shortlists, plus a few winners of other prizes: games that turn an evening at home into a game night.
Designed by Alan R. Moon
2–530–60′8+Great for every family
Collect train cards and claim railway routes across a map of America. Probably the best-known gateway game, and a Spiel des Jahres winner.
2004 Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) winner
Designed by Michael Kiesling
2–430–45′8+Great for a family that likes puzzles
Draft colourful tiles and lay them into a wall. Beautiful, quick and tense; it won the Spiel des Jahres.
2018 Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) winner
Designed by Randy Flynn
1–430–45′10+Great for a nature-loving family
Build a habitat of tiles and bring wildlife into it, scoring for patterns. Calm, quick and good solo too; it won the Spiel des Jahres.
2022 Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) winner
Designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede
2–635′7+Great for a game that lasts for years
Draw a tile, add it to the growing map and place a follower to score. The modern classic.
2001 Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) winner
Designed by Bruno Cathala
2–415′8+Great for families with young kids
Draft domino tiles to build a small kingdom in fifteen minutes. A Spiel des Jahres winner that young children can play too.
2017 Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) winner
Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave
1–740–70′10+Great for a family ready for a deeper game
Attract birds to your wildlife preserve, building an engine of food, eggs and cards. Stunning art; it won the Kennerspiel des Jahres.
2019 Kennerspiel des Jahres (Connoisseurs' Game of the Year) winner
Designed by Wolfgang Warsch
2–445′10+Great for families who like a little risk
Brew potions by drawing ingredients from a bag and stop before the pot explodes. A push-your-luck game full of laughter.
2018 Kennerspiel des Jahres (Connoisseurs' Game of the Year) winner
Designed by Johannes Sich
1–415–45′12+Great for a family of detectives
Solve crimes together on a giant map of a city. A Spiel des Jahres winner like no other game.
2021 Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) winner
Great for racing fans
A car racing game where cards control your speed and your engine heat. Exciting for kids and adults alike.
2023 Deutscher Spiele Preis, 3rd place
Designed by Matt Leacock
2–430′10+Great for a family that likes teamwork
Save four treasures from a sinking island together. A first cooperative game for the whole family.
2010 Mensa Select
Ticket to Ride, Azul, Carcassonne and Cascadia are all Spiel des Jahres winners loved by families worldwide.
The German Game of the Year, the best-known board game prize in the world. A jury of critics has chosen the best family game every year since 1979.
Kingdomino and Azul both have simple rules and short games, so every generation can play on equal terms.
