Board games have a magical way of bringing people together, sparking joy, and igniting creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a casual player, there’s something enchanting about gathering around a table with friends and family. But how do you choose the best award winning board games? Awards in the board game industry serve as a beacon, guiding us to the most innovative and engaging experiences. These accolades, like the Spiel des Jahres, International Gamers Award, and Golden Geek Awards, highlight games that excel in design, replayability, and popularity.
Discovering the Best Award Winning Board Games
1. Wingspan
Wingspan is a delightful engine-building game where players attract birds to their wildlife preserves. With stunning artwork and engaging mechanics, it has captured the hearts of many. It won the prestigious Kennerspiel des Jahres in 2019, thanks to its innovative gameplay and educational value. The game’s beauty lies in its balance of strategy and luck, making it accessible yet challenging. We remember the thrill of drawing a rare bird card, feeling like true ornithologists. Wingspan is perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy a peaceful yet competitive experience.
2. Azul
In Azul, players take on the role of artisans decorating the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora. This tile-laying game is as beautiful as it is strategic as part of the best award winning board games, with vibrant tiles and simple rules. It won the Spiel des Jahres in 2018, praised for its elegance and depth. The tactile satisfaction of placing tiles and the strategic decisions involved make every game unique. We’ve spent countless evenings trying to outsmart each other, only to be mesmerized by the colorful patterns we create. Azul is a must-have for anyone who appreciates art and strategy.
3. Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 takes cooperative gameplay to a new level. Players work together to save the world from deadly diseases, with each game session affecting the next. It won the Golden Geek Board Game of the Year in 2015, celebrated for its storytelling and emotional impact. The evolving narrative and permanent changes make every decision crucial. We’ve experienced the highs and lows of saving humanity, feeling the weight of our choices. This game is perfect for those who love immersive stories and teamwork.
4. Terraforming Mars
In Terraforming Mars within the realm of the best award winning board games, players strive to make their spacefaring colony turn Mars into a livable planet. This strategic game has to do with sharing a stock of resources and planning for the future. Both the depth and integration with its themes earned it the Deutscher Spiele Preis in 2017. I think nothing beats having your terraforming efforts bear fruit. We have been able to analyze everything to find the best strategies and surprisingly new surprises occur. Terraforming Mars is appropriate for the strategic lovers of the games.
5. Codenames
Codenames are a word association game that will improve your ability to convey information to another person. Interactions include players working in teams with one trying to guess the correct words given one-word cues. It received the Spiel des Jahres in 2016 for its simplicity and has a high reusability factor. That slight fear of not saying the assassin word adds tension with each round making it fascinating to play. It has provoked so many gasps, chuckles, and ‘I see’s,’ that it has become a regular feature at all our events. Codenames are suitable for parties and other family gatherings, as well as game nights.
6. Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is an ensemble-based tactical Moor game that has strong storytelling and turn-based combat systems in the number of the best award winning board games. Characters are representing players assuming the role of the adventurers in some dark world. The game got the prestigious Golden Geek Board Game of the Year in 2017, popular for its complex strategic functionality. Theming, the individual track of characters, and branching systems provide a different experience in each session. We have devoted that much time to its universe, planning tactics and toasting accomplishments. I personally chose Gloomhaven because this game is perfect for those who prefer a series of adventures and cooperative games.
7. 7 Wonders
In 7 Wonders, players lead ancient civilizations to greatness through strategic card drafting. It won the Kennerspiel des Jahres in 2011, praised for its innovative mechanics and replayability. The game’s beauty lies in its simplicity and depth, allowing for multiple strategies. We’ve enjoyed the challenge of balancing military, science, and culture, each game offering new paths to victory. 7 Wonders is ideal for those who enjoy quick, strategic games with endless possibilities.
8. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a classic game of railway building and route planning in the group of the best award winning board games. Players collect cards to claim railway routes across a map, aiming to complete secret destination tickets. It won the Spiel des Jahres in 2004, celebrated for its accessibility and strategic depth. The thrill of completing a long route and the tension of blocking opponents make every game exciting. We’ve spent countless hours planning our routes, only to be thwarted by a well-timed move. Ticket to Ride is perfect for families and casual gamers.
Ticket to Ride on Googleadservices
9. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a tile-placement game where players build a medieval landscape, claiming cities, roads, and fields. It won the Spiel des Jahres in 2001, praised for its simplicity and strategic depth. The game’s charm lies in its evolving board and the tactical decisions involved. We’ve enjoyed the satisfaction of completing a city or road, only to be outmaneuvered by a clever opponent. Carcassonne is ideal for those who enjoy strategic planning and tile-laying games.
Carcassonne on Googleadservices
10. The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine is a cooperative trick-taking game intended to take place in space out of the best award winning board games. Friends cooperate in achieving tasks that are assigned as missions and every mission has different problems. I believe that it deserves Kennerspiel des Jahres which was awarded in 2020 due to the interesting mechanics and cooperative multiplayer. The trick is that the Game is very simple yet complex and creative in approach different from the very traditional trick-taking games. It has been fun to work on the strategy of how and when we’ll move and every new move is an interesting experience. For all the fans of cooperative games, The Crew will be of great interest, as here tactics are also an important component.
11. Scythe
Scythe is a strategy game taking place in the loaded alternate history of Europe in the 1920s into one significant turn. The game is turn-based and it features a strategy where players have control over factions in battles to control resources and land. It received the Golden Geek Board Game of the Year in 2016 with ADepth and great Thematic Implementation. The beauty of the game is that it combines turn-based strategic thinking, resource management, and actual fighting. That is why we have always appreciated the opportunity to continue experimenting in the battle between growth and political skills in every new game. The game of Scythe is best suited to the player that loves intricate games, which possess deeper, more profound themes.
12. Splendor
Splendor: Splendor is a classic gem collecting trading card development type of game among the best award winning board games. The game’s theme is Renaissance and players have to become merchants who have to develop the greatest jewelry store. Golden Geek Board Game of the Year in 2014 has considered it simple for strategizing much to the acclaim of its followers. This is so because the game’s mechanics can be described as successful very efficient and fast to boot. It has been fun to create our gem engines, with every game coming with different lanes to winning. Splendor is perfect for those who like fast, constantly challenging games that do not have a predetermined ending.
Understanding Board Game Awards
Board game awards play a crucial role in highlighting the best games in the industry. They recognize innovation, design, and replayability, guiding players to quality experiences. Notable awards like the Spiel des Jahres, International Gamers Award, and Golden Geek Awards celebrate games that excel in these areas, offering players a curated selection of the best the industry has to offer.
Benefits of Playing Award-Winning Games
Award-winning games offer quality experiences, strategic depth, and replayability. They provide players with engaging mechanics, beautiful designs, and memorable moments. These games are often recognized for their innovation and popularity, making them a great choice for any game night.
How to Choose the Right Game for You
When selecting a game, consider player preferences, group size, and complexity. Think about the types of games you enjoy and the experience you want to have. Whether you prefer strategic challenges or lighthearted fun, there’s an award-winning game for everyone.
What makes a board game eligible for awards?
Board games are typically judged on criteria such as innovation, design, replayability, and popularity. Awards recognize games that excel in these areas, offering players a curated selection of the best the industry has to offer.
Can award-winning games be played solo?
Yes, many award-winning games offer solo modes or variants, allowing players to enjoy the experience alone. Games like Gloomhaven and Terraforming Mars have solo options, providing a challenging and immersive experience.
Are there award-winning games suitable for children?
Absolutely! Many award-winning games are designed with younger players in mind, offering simple rules and engaging mechanics. Games like Codenames and Ticket to Ride are great choices for family game nights, providing fun for all ages.
