All Spiel des Jahres🇩🇪 2026 winners & nominees compared 2026
The Spiel des Jahres jury announced the shortlist (nominations) and longlist (recommendations) for Spiel des Jahres 2026, Kennerspiel des Jahres 2026 and Kinderspiel des Jahres 2026 in May 2026. The award ceremony will take place over the summer, as usual.
In the list below you'll find every nominated and recommended game compared side by side — together with our predictions for who will walk away with the prize.
Our prediction for Spiel des Jahres 🇩🇪 2026
Three categories, three picks — no guarantees. Here is who we think will win on award day:
- Spiel des Jahres 2026 — our pick: Cozy Stickerville
Of the three nominees, Cozy Stickerville stands out with its accessible sticker mechanic and the charming "cozy" trend. Exactly the kind of fresh, broadly appealing family title the jury has favoured in recent years. Morty Sorty Magic Shop from Schmidt is the solid heavyweight alternative, but may feel a little too classic. - Kennerspiel des Jahres 2026 — our pick: Rebirth
Reiner Knizia already won Spiel des Jahres 2025 with Bomb Busters, and Rebirth has had consistently strong reviews — an elegant area-control game with a sustainability theme (rewilding Scotland and Ireland) that hits exactly the accessible-yet-meaty sweet spot the Kennerspiel jury looks for. Moon Colony Bloodbath from Dominion designer Donald X. Vaccarino is the hottest outsider; Boss Fighters QR is more spectacle than jury favourite. - Kinderspiel des Jahres 2026 — our pick: Boo Party
Florian Sirieix is represented with two games (Boo Party and Mookie Island) — a clear signal of design quality. Boo Party is published by Loki, a house with an excellent children's-game track record, and combines Halloween charm with clear, child-friendly mechanics. Verflixt Verzaubert is the most creative alternative.
All "Spiel des Jahres" years listed individually
The Spiel des Jahres award has been presented since 1979. For you, we've created separate lists for every year, every award type (Spiel des Jahres, Kennerspiel, Kinderspiel) and all nominees:
- all Spiel des Jahres years individually
- the best "Spiel des Jahres" award winners of all years together
- the best of all "Spiel des Jahres" nominations
- all "Kennerspiel des Jahres" winners
- all "Kinderspiel des Jahres" winners
Spiel des Jahres nominations and recommendations are also excellent
In our "Spiel des Jahres" 2026 list you'll find not only the likely winners, but every game from the recommendation list (longlist) and the nomination list (shortlist) for Spiel des Jahres 2026, Kennerspiel des Jahres 2026 and Kinderspiel des Jahres 2026.
Which game do you think will win in the various Spiel des Jahres 2026 categories? Write to us at tibi+brettspiele@cephea.de.
List of our favorites for "Spiel des Jahres 2026"
Here are all our favorites for the "Spiel des Jahres 2026" award compared side by side:
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Cozy Stickerville
All details & ratingCozy Stickerville is a gentle adventure and village-building game by Corey Konieczka for 1-6 players, recommended from age 8. Families explore a growing valley together, add buildings, animals, shops, farms, and personal touches with more than 800 stickers, and watch their own village take shape over several relaxed sessions. It is especially appealing for children who enjoy creative choices and parents who like shared storytelling without pressure.
1–6 30 min 8+ Immediately playable -
Take Time
All details & ratingTake Time is a cooperative card and puzzle game for 2 to 4 players ages 10 and up. Instead of competing, children, teens, and adults work together to solve mysterious clock-based challenges. With a playtime of about 30 minutes, it fits well into family game nights, short after-school sessions, or relaxed evenings for players who enjoy logic, teamwork, and clever deduction.
2–4 30 min 10+ Easy to learn -
Moon Colony Bloodbath
All details & ratingMoon Colony Bloodbath by Donald X. Vaccarino sends families and gaming groups to a moon colony that was supposed to be perfectly planned. Supplies are packed, robots are ready, and the first buildings are in place, but life beyond Earth quickly proves unstable. This strategic card game is best suited to teens aged 14 and up and adults who enjoy science fiction, dry humor, and smart resource management.
1–5 45–90 min 14+ Easy to learn -
Boss Fighters QR
All details & ratingBoss Fighters QR sends 2 to 4 players aged around 10 and up into cooperative fantasy duels that feel like compact adventures at the family table. Children get bold heroes, mysterious enemies, and visible deck progress, while parents can enjoy teamwork, planning, and shared deduction. A game usually takes about 40 to 60 minutes.
2–4 40–60 min 10+ Easy to learn+ 2 € above the best price39 € at Amazon* -
Tag Team
All details & ratingTag Team turns the energy of classic arcade fighting games into a smart two-player card game. Each player builds a team of two colorful fighters, then lets their combined deck unfold card by card in automatic rounds. The game is recommended for children, teens, and adults aged 10 and up, making it a lively choice for families who enjoy tactical head-to-head play.
2 15 min 10+ Easy to learn+ 2 € above the best price21 € at Amazon* -
Morty Sorty Magic Shop
All details & ratingIn Morty Sorty Magic Shop, young apprentices step into a whimsical store for witches, wizards, and curious potion makers. Players aged 8 and up sort magical ingredient jars onto their own shelves, trying to keep everything tidy while collecting valuable star points. The theme is inviting for children, while the clever choices give parents plenty to enjoy too.
2–4 30 min 8+ Immediately playable - + 3 € above the best price13 € at Amazon*
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Frosted Blooms
All details & ratingIn Frosted Blooms, children and adults create their own tulip garden in a gentle Dutch spring landscape. This family game for ages 8 and up combines calm planning with colorful tile placement. Round by round, a garden of flowers, paths, and special features takes shape, with every turn offering small decisions and fresh opportunities.
1–4 20–40 min 8+ Easy to learn+ 1 € above the best price30 € at Amazon*Video reviews 5 -
Sanctuary
All details & ratingSanctuary is Mathias Wigge's lighter, tile-laying take on Ark Nova, released by Feuerland Spiele for 1 to 5 players. You manage a modern, conservation-focused zoo, build it tile by puzzle-shaped tile, and balance animal welfare, attractive exhibits, and species-protection goals.
1–5 40–100 min 12+ Medium complexity -
Paleolino
All details & ratingPaleolino invites families into a friendly prehistoric world where Lino the mammoth rolls valuable resources down the mountain. Children aged 5 and up collect wood, stones, berries, and crystals to help build a small village together. Designed by Marco Teubner, this cooperative children’s game works well for 1 to 4 players and offers a short, focused playtime that fits family routines.
1–4 15 min 5+
Frequently asked questions
Which game ranks first on this list?
Hot Streak currently tops our list. The ranking is derived from player community ratings and is recalculated continuously.
How many players do the games on this list support?
Most games on this list support 2 to 4 players. The exact player count is listed with each game.
What age are these games suitable for?
Publisher age recommendations on this list start at 5 years. Each game carries its own age rating.
How long does a game take?
A typical game takes about 30 minutes. Each game's playing time is listed individually.
Didn't find the game you were looking for?
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