On July 13, 2025, it was that time again: the “Game of the Year” jury awarded the most coveted board game prizes in the German-speaking world in Berlin. Those who make it onto the winners’ podium can look forward to more than just fame – experience has shown that the award ensures high sales figures and international attention. This year, three games were once again chosen in the categories “Game of the Year”, “Connoisseur Game of the Year” and “Children’s Game of the Year”. Here we present the winners in detail.
Game of the year 2025: “Bomb Busters”
Author: Hisashi Hayashi
Publisher: Pegasus Spiele
Number of players: 2-5
Age: from 10 years
Duration: approx. 30-45 minutes
With “Bomb Busters“, a cooperative deduction game has made it to the top of the podium. Players take on the role of explosives experts who have to defuse a series of bombs – each with different combinations of colors, numbers and patterns.
The special feature: No one knows the complete information, only parts of it. The puzzles can only be solved through clever communication, logical combinations and cool nerves under time pressure. The game offers a clever introduction via tutorial missions that gradually introduce new rules and levels of difficulty – ideal for families and occasional players, but also exciting enough for frequent players.
The jury particularly praised the innovative mechanism, the elegant set of rules and the feeling of genuine cooperation. A game that should provide many unforgettable aha moments.
Connoisseur game of the year 2025: “Endeavor: The Deep Sea”
Authors: Carl de Visser & Jarratt Gray
Publisher: Frosted Games / Board Game Circus
Number of players: 1-4
Age: 12+
Duration: 60-90 minutes
In “Endeavor: The Deep Sea“, players set off as research teams on expeditions to unknown ocean regions. The aim is to explore the deep sea, make discoveries, record ecosystems and develop sustainable strategies for research and resource management.
The game is strategically demanding, but well structured. Particularly noteworthy is the modular system, which allows scenarios to be adapted and the level of difficulty to be varied. The solo mode also impresses with its depth.
The jury described the game as “a fascinating combination of knowledge transfer, strategic planning and atmospheric presentation”. The fact that ecological topics such as species protection and marine pollution are also addressed lends the game additional relevance.
Children’s game of the year 2025: “Topp die Torte!”
Author: Wolfgang Warsch
Publisher: Schmidt Spiele
Number of players: 2-4
Age: from 5 years
Duration: approx. 20 minutes
Stacking cakes is fun – especially when it involves skill, planning and a bit of luck! In “Topp die Torte!”, children try to collect as many attractive cake layers as possible and combine them cleverly. It’s not just about collecting, but also about the right timing: if you score too early, you give away potential – if you’re too late, you might come away empty-handed.
The jury praised the child-friendly design, the simple rules and the surprising tactical depth. Thanks to its short playing time and high replay value, the game is suitable for the family game table as well as for kindergarten.
We would like to congratulate all the winners and look forward to many exciting rounds with these outstanding titles!
