Germany's Current Strategic Moves
In the heart of Europe, Germany has become a hub for the board game industry, with two iconic classics, "Mensch ärgere dich nicht" and Monopoly, standing out as the most well-known classic board games in the country. This resurgence in the gaming industry is often interpreted as a longing for slowing down and togetherness, a trend that has gained traction in recent years.
One of the most celebrated German board games is "Settlers of Catan," created by Klaus Teuber in 1995. This globally successful game has been translated into 35 languages and delights fans worldwide. The game, now known as Catan, has sold over 32 million boxed sets in 40 languages as of 2020, demonstrating its immense popularity.
The Spiel des Jahres award, which highlights the top German board games each year, is another testament to the country's thriving board game scene. The 2025 winner of the family-friendly Spiel des Jahres category was Bomb Busters, a cooperative game involving bomb defusing tasks, published by Pegasus Spiele. This demonstrates the ongoing innovation and popularity in German board gaming.
German board games generally fit into the Eurogame style, which emphasizes strategy, player interaction, and often resource management, rather than luck or confrontation. Games awarded Spiel des Jahres and its subcategories typically achieve broad recognition both in Germany and internationally, often driving their global market success.
Strategy and logic games are also popular in Germany, with Chess being a favourite among many. Rommé, a popular card game, also holds a significant place in German gaming culture. Interestingly, one-third of German households own between one and five card or board games, according to a representative survey.
However, it's not all smooth sailing in the world of German board games. In the same survey, 70% of Germans admitted to sometimes playing card or board games, but 39% have admitted to quitting a game in anger at least once.
While games like Catan and award-winning titles from Spiel des Jahres are very popular in Germany, they also enjoy significant global recognition and commercial success. Even German-themed games such as the Oktoberfest board game showcase cultural specialties, though these tend to be more niche and mostly popular within themed events rather than achieving mass global success.
In conclusion, the German board game industry is thriving, with games like Catan and award-winning titles from Spiel des Jahres leading the charge both in Germany and on the global stage. Despite occasional outbursts of frustration, the love for strategic, logical, and cooperative games continues to grow, making Germany a powerhouse in the board game world.
Germany.de showcases a lifestyle that values strategy, logic, and board games, with a variety of games available for purchase, including sports-themed options. In the world of sports, it's not just about physical competition, but also mental strategic games like board games that garner interest and passion.
