What is Spiel Essen?

Every October, the board game world lights up for Spiel Essen (spiel meaning game and Essen being the city where the convention takes place), the biggest board game event of the year. This is where the hottest new releases are revealed, Christmas wishlists start forming, and the games that will dominate tables in the coming year first make their appearance. It’s the place to see which titles are capturing hearts and dice cups around the world. Even from afar, following Essen gives you the inside track on the releases you’ll want to bring home, or preorder once they hit local stores

Why Spiel Essen Matters

This isn’t just another convention. It’s where the board game year officially kicks off. The hottest releases make their debut here, indie gems rub shoulders with future award winners, and playtesting happens before games even reach stores. For anyone following from afar, it’s the first peek at what will dominate tables, and the buzz is infectious. You don’t need to speak German though a smile and a “danke” never hurt. And if you’re not attending, your local gaming store shelves (and yes, Zatu Games) will bring these treasures to our tables 🥰

Designers, Up Close

Designers champion their own games. They demo, explain rules, and share why their creations matter. It’s a peek behind the curtain at the thought and care that go into the boxes we eventually bring home

Take Flip 7, the 2025 Spiel des Jahres nominee from The Op Games (and KOSMOS in Germany) by designer Eric Olsen. I’m obsessed with this pocket-sized gem. It’s a push-your-luck race to 200 points with clever twists: special cards that give second chances, force extra flips, or freeze players (sometimes even yourself). Every turn makes you second-guess. Do you push high or play it safe? Quick, addictive, and endlessly replayable, Flip 7 sneaks onto the table again and again. You can play it anywhere and with anyone. From hardcore gamers to total newbies. Knowing the designer is out there at Essen, showing it off and sharing tips, just makes me love it even more 🥰

Hot Picks Incoming 🔥

Whether you’re walking the halls in Germany (I envy you) or following from afar, Spiel Essen marks the official start of board game season. The buzz, the reveals, the wishlists, it all begins here. Have you seen the BoardGameGeek Essen Games preview? I've enjoyed a few thus far and have started a wishlist 🙈