Skip to main content

LATEST
IN ADVANCE

NEWS



HERE YOU CAN FIND NEWS ON SPIEL ESSEN AS WELL AS TOPICS AND INFORMATION OF PARTNERS AND SPONSORS.

06 October 2026

Podcast S2 F14 – SPIEL Merch, Mystery box & gaming in the ice age

                What do games and survival in the Ice Age have in common? In the new episode of the SPIEL Essen podcast, we talk with Patrick Jung from the Ruhr Museum in Essen about “Game On! – Games in the Ice Age” and our collaboration for this special topic. We also take a look at the new SPIEL merchandise and talk about our mystery boxes we offer at the show. What’s inside? That, of course, remains a secret. And as always, there’s plenty of news and updates about SPIEL! The episode is onli…
Weiter lesen
05 October 2026

Ticket sales update: Friday 90% sold out

                Tickets for another day of SPIEL are now almost completely sold out: For the Friday, October 23, 90% of the available tickets for SPIEL Essen 2026 have been sold. This means the second day is nearing sold-out status; tickets for Saturday are already completely gone. Thursday is also nearly sold out, with 75% of tickets already sold, and Sunday is at over 50% – and the trend is rising. As has been the case in recent years, SPIEL 2026 is getting closer to a complete sell-out of vi…
Weiter lesen
02 October 2026

Where to find Lookout Games at Spiel 2026

                Lookout Games has been a fixture at the fair for many years. This year, the publisher behind classics such as Agricola and popular new releases such as Forest Shuffle is represented twice. And they’ve got some lovely games on offer at both stands. Here’s where you’ll find the publisher and its games:  Hall 3, Booth 3V300: Forest Shuffle – Smoky Mountains (EN), more new releases of 2026, shop  The demo tables at the Lookout stand in Hall 3 will be well-stocked with English-langu…
Weiter lesen
02 October 2026

UPDATE! Tickets for Saturday sold out

                Saturday at SPIEL Essen 2026 is sold out! This means there are no more tickets available for the fair on that day. There are no on-site ticket booths, and there are no remaining tickets for sale. Tickets for the other days are also selling out fast. If you want to visit the fair on Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, you should get your tickets well in advance. Please purchase tickets only from our official shop and don’t fall for fake sellers. Click here to visit the ticket shop…
Weiter lesen
30 September 2026

Ticket update for the SPIEL App: A quick refresh, please!

                Have you already conveniently stored your ticket for SPIEL in the official SPIEL app and are eagerly counting down the days? Then we have a quick but important piece of info for you. Due to a small system glitch, tickets stored in the app up to this point did not display the booked day of attendance. We have fixed the issue, but we need a quick favor from you. Please delete the tickets you currently have stored in the app and then scan them right back in. After doing this, your…
Weiter lesen
29 September 2026

Podcast Season 2 Episode 13 – The hot phase

                SPIEL is fast approaching, and preparations are in full swing here. But what exactly do our colleagues still have to do so close to the show? In the latest episode of our podcast, we checked in with a few of them and give you a little peek behind the scenes. Carol also talks about a very special event: the “Werewolves of Düsterwald” night, live with Rocket Beans TV. And, of course, we’ve got a few updates and news items for you as well. The episode is online on Spotify…
Weiter lesen
24 September 2026

Update on Ticket Status: Saturday now at 90% sold tickets

                Another milestone in ticket sales has been broken—90% of available tickets for Saturday of SPIEL 2026 have now been sold, making it the first day to reach this threshold. Overall, the demand for tickets for SPIEL Essen 2026 is truly immense. Alongside the 90% sold tickets for Saturday, Thursday and Friday have each reached 75% sold, and Sunday stands at 50% sold. If you are still planning your visit to the fair and don't want to miss your absolute preferred day, you should hurry…
Weiter lesen
23 September 2026

Trust no one: Experience the "The Werewolves of Millers Hollow" night live with Rocket Beans TV

                To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the absolute cult game, a true highlight awaits you at the kick-off of SPIEL: On Thursday evening, October 22, 2026, the Grugahalle will transform into a huge, suspense-filled village full of suspects, lies, and sudden decisions! Presented by Asmodee, the well-known gaming and entertainment professionals from Rocket Beans TV will stage a spectacular live game of The Werewolves of Millers Hollow (Die Werwölfe von Düsterwald) on stage—and we at…
Weiter lesen
15 September 2026

Podcast Season 2 Episode 12 – Overview of the program on stage

                SPIEL.talks have become a tradition at the fair. And thanks to the large stage in Hall 4 and the live stream, everyone can follow the exciting topics. In the latest episode of our podcast, we’ll give you an overview of what’s in store for you on stage this year. The range of topics is vast and diverse – from classic board game development to discussions on AI and even a cosplay catwalk. And, of course, we’ll have a few updates and news items as well. The latest episode is online…
Weiter lesen
14 September 2026

Be up-to-date even faster: Subscribe to our new WhatsApp channel!

                You don't want to miss any news about SPIEL, but aren't on social media or don't want a newsletter? Then we have just the thing for you: Starting now, we are also available for you on WhatsApp – with our new channel SPIEL Essen! This brings our news directly to your smartphone, fast, simple, and direct. With our new channel, you won't miss another announcement. Whether it's important news, exciting updates, or useful info straight from the fair – here you get everything fast, st…
Weiter lesen
10 September 2026

Ticket sales are picking up – 75% sold for Saturday

                With just over five weeks to go until SPIEL 2026, tickets are becoming increasingly popular. As of today, 75% of tickets for Saturday have been sold, that is the first day it happend with. That means, however, that a quarter of tickets for that day are still available, and tickets for the other days have not yet reached that mark. We’ll, of course, keep all SPIEL fans up to date. Back to news
Weiter lesen
10 September 2026

MATCH MY BEAT: The new music party game from Jumbo!

                With MATCH MY BEAT, the creators of HITSTER present a new music party game where iconic songs meet ironic and unexpected situations. The idea is simple: For every song, find the situation card that match best. Whether it’s a romantic moment, an awkward encounter or an unforgettable party – with the right song, everything gets more fun. Humor and a good musical instinct are key: Players choose one of four playlists, scan the QR code, put the playlist on shuffle and receive seven…
Weiter lesen
03 September 2026

SPIEL Essen App updated to 2026

                The SPIEL Essen app has received its update for 2026. This means you can now browse the novelty lists that our exhibitors have been filling. The schedule for the SPIEL.talks on the stage in Hall 4, exhibitor vouchers, interactive hall maps, and all your favorite features are now up to date as well. Of course, more new content will continue to be added, as exhibitors still have plenty in store for SPIEL this year. We also have big plans for the app and, thanks to your feedback an…
Weiter lesen
01 September 2026

Podcast season 2 episode 11 – SPIEL from creators point of view

                In addition to the many visitors and exhibitors, SPIEL Essen also attracts content creators and media outlets that cover the event. They bring the fair and its new releases to those who couldn’t be there – or who aren’t even familiar with the event yet – both during and after it takes place. They report on publishers, conduct interviews, and much more. Matt and Wayne from the British YouTube channel Board Stupid (in English) told us exactly what they do and why SPIEL is so impor…
Weiter lesen
18 August 2026

New Podcast Episode about the SPIEL Livestream

                For several years now, we’ve been bringing the convention right to your homes, thanks to the livestream with Daniel and Simon. The two of them are out and about in the halls for you the whole time and are always available in the chat. But how long have they been doing this, and how did it all start? What do they have planned for this year? We talk to them about the convention, why their miniatures don’t win any trophies, and how many steps they supposedly take at SPIEL. The epis…
Weiter lesen
10 August 2026

Hall plans and exhibitor list 2026 online

                You can browse the interactive hall plans and the exhibitor list now, it is found in the top menu THE SPIEL. Here you can directly go to the hall plans 2026. Here you can directly go to the exhibitor list 2026. The new releases will be published together with the new app on September 3. Back to news
Weiter lesen
07 August 2026

Tickets for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 50% sold

                🎟️ Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are 50% sold out! Demand is high—but don’t worry: Half of the tickets are still available for both days. If you’d like to attend on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, you can still get your tickets with plenty of time to spare. And, of course, tickets are still available for the other two days as well. 👉 See you at SPIEL 2026! Back to news
Weiter lesen
05 August 2026

New Podcast episode online - all about the TCG Awards

                We have a new episode of our SPIEL Essen podcast online, which again takes you behind the scenes of our preparations. What are we working on, when do the hall plan hit the web and much more. Also we took time to sit down and talk with Chris and Ali with whom we started the new TCG awards. For English, please use YouTube and turn on subtitles. The episode is available online on YouTube and Spotify Back to news
Weiter lesen
21 July 2026

New podcast episode online! S2E8

                On July 22, the ticket shop for SPIEL Essen opens—the perfect time to get fully prepared to buy your tickets! In this new podcast episode, Carol, Robert, and Toto talk in detail about the ticket shop: What types of tickets are available? What add-ons can you book? And what helpful tips should you know before you secure your tickets? Whether you’re attending for the first time or have been visiting SPIEL for years—in this episode, you’ll find everything you need to know about tic…
Weiter lesen
20 July 2026

SPIEL is Essen: Discover the new partner program "Essen spielt!"

                This year, in cooperation with Messe Essen and the city, SPIEL Essen is expanding the gaming experience beyond the exhibition halls with "Essen spielt!" – the new partner program that closely links culture, business, gastronomy, and tourism with our trade fair. Look forward to exclusive benefits, great promotions, and shared, refreshing evenings at numerous locations. Benefits and Discounts with your SPIEL Ticket The city of Essen has much more to experience than just SPIEL – e…
Weiter lesen
17 July 2026

Business Upgrade for SPIEL: The New B2B Matchmaking Tool

                SPIEL Essen isn’t just the biggest celebration for board game fans—it’s also one of the most important hubs for the games industry, where the global community comes together. To help our business visitors and exhibitors make even better use of their time at the show and connect with exactly the right contacts to advance their business, we’ve introduced a new feature: Our new, exclusive B2B matchmaking tool! Here you can find the login site: B2B Matchmaking Our goal is to bring b…
Weiter lesen
13 July 2026

The games of the year 2026 have been announced!

                Every year, it is a magical moment when the gaming community learns which titles will take home the coveted "Spiel des Jahres" awards. On Sunday, the "Spiel des Jahres" jury announced this year's winners across all three categories. We share in the joy of the winners and offer our heartfelt congratulations on this special achievement! The winners at a glance: Spiel des Jahres 2026 (Game of the Year): "Dito!" by Martin Ang, published by Game Factory Kennerspiel des Jahres 2026 (…
Weiter lesen
26 June 2026

Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team LIVE! Laser Tag – Become Part of the Legend

                For the first time ever, a very special event will take place outside the exhibition halls at this year’s SPIEL Essen: Together with Games Workshop, we’re organizing a laser tag experience set in the world of Warhammer 40k. After all, the tabletop isn’t the only place to experience the world of Warhammer 40k. Immerse yourself in a world of pulsating lights, intense sounds, and thrilling action. In our large and elaborately staged arena in the Europa Hall (CC West), you’ll experi…
Weiter lesen
23 April 2026

“Full House” and all halls occupied – Exhibition space sold out and waiting list opened

                The demand for exhibition space at SPIEL is incredibly high again: Even before the actual registration deadline on April 30, we can already announce that all stand spaces for this year’s event are completely booked, and we are now placing inquiries on a waiting list. This year, for the first time, we open Hall 8 as additional exhibition space to accommodate the enormous growth at SPIEL. The fact that this additional space has now also been completely booked so quickly is overwhe…
Weiter lesen
22 April 2026

Inspiration for games in education: The Serious Play Conference

                Games have the power to transform learning –a topic that has been close to our hearts at SPIEL Essen for years. Because we are firmly convinced that games can change the way we learn, we are supporting the Serious Play Conference this year as an official partner event of SPIEL Essen. What is the Serious Play Conference? The Serious Play Conference, taking place on June 18th and 19th at the KUZ Kulturzentrum in Mainz, is a gathering for everyone who uses games professionally in e…
Weiter lesen
13 April 2026

Peter Mohrbacher is the new ambassador for SPIEL Essen 2026

                SPIEL Essen has found its new ambassador: We are thrilled to introduce Peter Mohrbacher as the official face of the 2026 fair. The American artist embodies an element that, alongside gameplay itself, has become indispensable for modern board games: illustration and visual design. Illustration as the heart of the game In today's gaming world, visual design is far more than just an accessory. Illustrations are often the first thing we perceive about a game. They lead us into the g…
Weiter lesen
30 March 2026

Golden Demon Returns – SPIEL Essen to Host the Legendary Painting Competition Once Again in 2026

                Grab your brushes and get your paints ready, because we have fantastic news for all the miniature artists out there: We are thrilled to announce that the European edition of the prestigious Golden Demon will once again take place as part of SPIEL Essen this year! This turns our fair into the central meeting point for the world’s best miniature painters, who will present their artwork in Essen to a top-class jury, an enthusiastic audience, and the entire community. A Highlight of…
Weiter lesen
24 March 2026

Your Topics, Your Stage: Speakers Wanted for SPIEL.talks 2026!

                SPIEL Essen is not only the place to discover the world's latest games but also the heart of exchange regarding our favorite hobby. For the popular SPIEL.talks, taking place from October 22 to 25, we are once again looking for inspiring minds, passionate experts, and creative forward-thinkers who want to share their knowledge and perspectives with our international audience. Seeking Diverse Topics: From Theory to Practice We invite all interested to apply as speakers and send us…
Weiter lesen
02 March 2026

First Global Industry Awards for Trading Card Games to Launch at SPIEL Essen 2026 - News

                To celebrate and honour the entire TCG landscape together with community and experts Trading Card Games are more than products. They are culture, creativity, competition, community, and craftsmanship. Yet despite its scale, innovation, and cultural impact, there has never been a dedicated platform that formally recognizes this. There is now! The global Trading Card Game industry will receive its first dedicated international recognition to honour dedication and excellence in the…
Weiter lesen
27 February 2026

Gold rush in Cannes: The winners of the As d'Or 2026 have been announced!

                Yesterday evening, Thursday, February 26, 2026, the entire board game world looked eagerly to France. On the Côte d'Azur, the As d'Or 2026 was awarded as part of the Festival International des Jeux in Cannes – one of the most prestigious awards in our industry! What is the As d'Or? The “Golden Ace” is the French game award par excellence. A high-caliber jury of nine experts selects the best new releases on the French market in four categories. So, of course, the award is a real…
Weiter lesen
18 October 2025

SPIEL 2025 is completely sold out

                SPIEL is sold out on all days! The last ticket for the fair was sold on Sunday afternoon. This means that all days are now completely sold out – there are no more tickets available for the fair. After the first three days were already sold out before the fair started, demand continued to grow over the course of Sunday until finally every visitor place was taken. Back to news
Weiter lesen
18 October 2025

The new game from Ruhrpott: SYNCANITE FOUNDATION

                For SYNCANITE GAMES (Hall 3 N510), Essen SPIEL is a home game: For the first time, the young publisher from Dortmund is releasing its debut title SYNCANITE FOUNDATION – the ultimate strategy and conspiracy board game, which was funded on Kickstarter in Q1 2025 with over 1117% and has since doubled that amount since LatePledge on Gamefound! The title is set in a “crystal punk” fantasy setting at the beginning of the 20th century, in which players take on the roles of oligarchs. I…
Weiter lesen
17 October 2025

Raw2Rare - The outfitter for your collectibles.

                Raw2Rare is your platform for trading card games – because you’re looking for more than just storage. You want to show off your collection, make it your own, and do it your way – individual, in your style, with maximum expression. From single cards to bulk, from one frame to your full wall of fame – everything is possible, combinable, and built for you. Whether it’s design, storytelling, or display – you decide how to bring your collection to life. Curate it. Combine it…
Weiter lesen
16 October 2025

Road to Essen 2025: Bringing Vietnamese Culture to the Global Tabletop Stage

                Organized by Everjoy Publishing and Everjoy Global,  Road to Essen 2025 - a national board game design competition celebrating how culture and creativity unite through game design-  marks a milestone for Vietnam’s emerging board game industry. The competition is backed by a serious investment in quality, serving as a launchpad for designers to connect with the worldwide board game community at SPIEL Essen 2025—the world’s largest board game fair, held in Germany in Octob…
Weiter lesen
16 October 2025

Jumbo rocks at SPIEL

                🎲 Let’s play, rock & celebrate together! 🎸 This year, you’ll find us in Hall 6, Booth F400 – and we’re bringing loads of exciting new games, fun experiences, and surprises for you! At our game tables, you can try out our latest releases, dive into thrilling duels, and even challenge champions. One of this year’s highlights: our Hitster ROCK Selfie Stage 🎤🤘 – where you can rock out, strike a pose, and feel like a real rockstar! And that’s not all – we’ve got even more ama…
Weiter lesen
15 October 2025

Saturday at SPIEL 2025 sold out

                Saturday at SPIEL is sold out! There are still tickets available for the other days, but they are filling up fast: Friday is already over 90% sold out, Thursday over 80%, and Sunday a good 60%. Please remember: There are no box offices and no more tickets available online once a day is sold out – so Saturday is completely SOLD OUT. Thank you for your incredible support – we can't wait to welcome you to SPIEL! Back to news
Weiter lesen
14 October 2025

DENKRIESEN goes XXL

                DENKRIESEN goes XXL at SPIEL Essen 2025! At booth 6B401 we present our latest highlights. In the spotlight: the fast-paced Mücken Drücken by Reiner Knizia and the fantasy adventure Velmohra. You can also discover Reiss aus, Kuddel Buddel, Top or Not and many other games. Our booth is even bigger this year, and you can look forward to special guests: Reiner Knizia, Ralf zur Linde, Klaus-Jürgen Wrede, Jonas Hufer, Thomas Odenhoven, and Hamlet. Keep an eye out for the…
Weiter lesen
25 September 2025

Calupum – Shadowed by the wolf

                A new morning dawns over the pasture. The sheep graze peacefully. But then, shadows appear at the edge of the pasture. Wolves are lurking! In Calupum, you become a shepherd and experience a tactical family game with a bite. Your goal is simple yet challenging: protect your sheep, collect points, and prove after twelve rounds that you have positioned your sheep best. But be careful: as soon as a wolf spots one of your sheep, it loses a health point. It's not as easy as it sounds…
Weiter lesen
19 September 2025

New: It's High Tide!

                Sandworms ahoy! Life at the beach is wonderful, just drifting along with the waves of the sea. But there’s no time to relax today because the big Sandworm Race is about to begin!    The crowd cheers as the sandworm teams speed along the racetrack to reach the reef as quickly as they can. But beware, if you don’t take cover in your hole in time, the tide will wash you back to the beginning. The winner is the first player to use clever tactics and a bit of luck to get all their s…
Weiter lesen
11 September 2025

Railroad construction during SPIEL 2025

                Extensive renovation work on the main line between Essen and Dortmund will continue in the fall: Until Friday, October 31, and unfortunately also during SPIEL, there will be restrictions on train services. Please check the current connections before your arrival so that you can reach us without any stress. All information from Deutsche Bahn can be found here (unfortunately only in German): News of Deutsche Bahn for far distance and regional traffic. Information for re…
Weiter lesen
02 September 2025

Cosplay & Characterplay Event at SPIEL 2025

                On Sunday, October 26, 2025, SPIEL will host a special highlight for all cosplayers, LARPer, and whoever wants to show their charactor in costume: from 11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m., you'll have the opportunity to present your costume on the main stage. Not a Competition – but a Stage for You This event isn't about competition; it's about the joy of cosplay and characterplay. There will be no prizes awarded. Instead, you'll get the chance to show off your costume to a large audience…
Weiter lesen
01 September 2025

Deutscher Spiele Preis 2025 Top 10 of the Community

                The community has spoken! Board game enthusiasts have cast their votes for their favorite games of the year for the German Board Game Awards (Deutscher Spiele Preis, DSP) 2025. The entire German-speaking gaming community was invited to participate. Now, the top 10 in the Family and Adult Game category and the top 3 in the Children's Game category have been announced. The top three places are being announced today in alphabetical order only. The winner of the DSP and children's g…
Weiter lesen
28 August 2025

The new SPIEL app is online

                The time has come: The new SPIEL app is online! You can now compile your favorites for SPIEL 2025 and start planning your visit to SPIEL At the same time, you can also find our exhibitors' list of new products on the website starting today – perfect for browsing through upcoming titles. We have integrated some functions that you were important to you: You can now select three different categories of favorites to organize your interests easier. You can now filter the games by l…
Weiter lesen
08 August 2025

The new SPIEL stage

                At SPIEL Essen 2025, a very special highlight awaits you in Hall 4: our new stage area. We're giving the entire diversity of the gaming world an exclusive place right in the middle of the action. The centerpiece is the modern stage, where exciting talks, captivating events, fun rounds, and outstanding prizes will be celebrated every day. And you can simply be there—no appointment, no special ticket, just come to Hall 4 and take a seat! Graphic rendering of the stage The new sta…
Weiter lesen
22 July 2025

Your board game adventure starts now: SPIEL Essen 2025 Ticket sale has begun

                Update: SPIEL Essen ticket shop online again The SPIEL Essen ticket shop is available again. The problem has now been solved and you can get your tickets for the fair again.   Update: SPIEL Essen ticket shop offline for the time being - excessive rush causes technical problems on ticket server Due to technical problems, we had to take the SPIEL Essen 2025 ticket shop offline again for the time being. The error has been recognised: Unfortunately, the shop is no longer able to ass…
Weiter lesen
15 July 2025

Catan - Connect Event SPIEL Essen

                Be part of the CATAN - Connect world record attempt at SPIEL Essen 2025 Get ready for a highlight at SPIEL Essen 2025. This year, Kosmos and we are organising a very special event for all Catan fans and anyone who wants to become one: CATAN - Connect in the Grugahalle. Just imagine: Hundreds of CATAN fans playing a single gigantic game together, all at the same time. The aim is to set the world record for the largest joint CATAN game. This will be an unforgettable expe…
Weiter lesen
14 July 2025

The winners of the "Spiel des Jahres 2025" were announced in Berlin

                We were there live on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Berlin, as the prestigious "Spiel des Jahres" awards were presented, and we had a fantastic evening! The tension in the hall was palpable as the "Spiel des Jahres" jury announced the eagerly awaited winners in all three categories. It was an evening that once again celebrated the innovative power and enthusiasm for board games! The event was a great success and a real joy: Maren Hoffmann and Manuel Fritsch from the jury charmingly…
Weiter lesen
23 June 2025

SPIEL Essen 2025: Ticket sale starts mid/end of July with more options for your visit

                The anticipation is building! The ticket sale for SPIEL Essen 2025, the world's largest public fair for board games, which takes place from October 23 to 26 in Essen, will begin soon. Check our channels around mid/end of July, because that's when you can secure your tickets in the online shop and plan your visit early. Last year, we were overwhelmed by the immense demand: For the first time, the fair was sold out. This year, we've responded: Thanks to the use of an addi…
Weiter lesen
19 May 2025

Mháire Stritter is the new games ambassador

                We are thrilled to introduce Mháire Stritter as our new SPIEL ambassador for the year 2025! After last year, we were able to present Alea, the frontman of Saltatio Mortis, as the first face of our fair, and he was very well received in the community. We are continuing this concept with the enthusiastic gamer and moderator of Orkenspalter TV, who is particularly well-known in the role-playing, LARP, and cosplay scenes. This year, we also want to inspire new people for the world o…
Weiter lesen
16 May 2025

Our Partner-Events

                Board game events are the heart of our vibrant and growing scene. They are central meeting points where players, authors, illustrators, publishers, and retailers come together. New friendships are formed here, innovative ideas are born, and the shared passion for the analog gaming experience is celebrated. That's why SPIEL Essen collaborates with many events worldwide to connect the world of games on all levels, promote the international community, and generally advance gaming…
Weiter lesen