The jury has chosen the co-operative bomb defusing game ‘Bomb Busters‘ by Hisashi Hayashi, published by Pegasus Spiele and Cocktail Games, as Spiel des Jahres 2025.
In the jury’s statement it says: ‘In ‘Bomb Busters‘ we grow with the tasks. Step by step, we learn the ABCs of bomb disposal. Using logic and a pinch of interaction, we deduce the correct pairs of numbers. The special comic art style provides the serious topic with the necessary lightness. This brings us together as a team and we can later try our hand at a variety of missions that toss previous thought patterns overboard.‘
It came out on top against the other nominated games ‘Flip 7’ by Eric Olsen, published by Kosmos / The Op Games, and ‘Krakel Orakel’ by 7 Bazis, published by Topp.
Kinderspiel des Jahres: ‘Topp die Torte’
The expert jury named the multi-layered baking game ‘Topp die Torte’ by Wolfgang Warsch, published by Schmidt, as Kinderspiel des Jahres 2025.
“The literally multi-layered challenge in ‘Topp die Torte’ enchants players at first glance with its glittering sugar gems. The task is refreshingly exciting and cleverly paired with a scoring mechanism that’s not only thematically fitting but also adds a tactical dimension. Visually delightful, with the perfect dash of luck and a truly sweet theme. What a cake-filled treat!’ says the jury Kinderspiel des Jahres.
Also nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres were: ‘Cascadia Junior’ by Fertessa Allyse and Randy Flynn, published by Kosmos / AEG / Flatout Games and ‘Die Mäusebande’ by Christophe Lauras, published by Game Factory / Débâcle Jeux.
Kennerspiel des Jahres: „Endeavor: Die Tiefsee“ (Deep Sea)
In addition, the jury today selected the Kennerspiel des Jahres 2024, an award aimed at more experienced players, for the atmospheric underwater adventure with lots of variance and depth ‘Endeavor: Die Tiefsee’ (Deep Sea) by Carl de Visser and Jarratt Gray, published by Frosted Games / Board Game Circus / Burnt Island Games / Grand Gamers Guild.
Also nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres were ‘Faraway’ by Johannes Goupy and Corentin Lebrat, published by Game Factory / Gigamic, and ‘Neuland’ by Charles Chevallier and Laurent Escoffier, published by Game Factory / Gigamic.