The largest international public fair for board games can boast an impressive 40th showing in Essen, with visitors from across the globe coming together to network, exhibit, and, of course, play games.
Spiel is organized by Friedhelm Merz Verlag, a subsidiary of Spielwarenmesse eG, and concluded its event earlier this week from Oct. 4-8. The show was the biggest yet, with a large area for 935 exhibitors and 193,000 visitors to discuss games. This year’s fair featured wider aisles to help manage any crowds and a new hall organization that sorted games into family games; connoisseur and expert games; and role-playing, trading card, and miniature games.
Exhibitors saw an impressive number of attendees ready to try out their games. Ravensburger debuted an exclusive card released for Spiel from its new trading card game Disney Lorcana. Spiel reports that the line for the game was so long it had to be directed through a gate into the adjacent hall.
We had hoped that more people would come to Spiel than last year, but we didn't expect this number. It was wonderful to feel so much joy in the halls, at the game tables, in the aisles, and among the exhibitors.
In addition to the hall of games, Spiel hosted a number of events and awards. Tournaments, game demos, and panels discussing the industry’s future provided guests with a full itinerary of events to attend. Friday, the Educators’ Day, featured 1,000 educators with topics on education, research, and teaching with board games. Merz Verlag also offered attendees the opportunity to paint a free miniature of Spiel’s cat mascot Meeps in the Galeria.
The Deutscher Spiele Preis award winners were revealed on Wednesday before the fair. First place went to Planet Unknown, second place to Dorfromantik, third to Heat, and Best Children’s Game went to Mysterium Kids.
The success of this year’s Spiel event has organizers already working hard at the next one. Spiel 2024 will take place in Essen, Germany from Oct. 3-6.
