SPIEL Essen 2025: A Record Year
SPIEL Essen 2025 arrived in full force, loud, crowded, and glorious. Over four days, from October 23 to 26, the fair set a new high-water mark, drawing 220,000 visitors and nearly 1000 exhibitors from around the world, according to reports.
Messe Essen was packed, the halls were alive, and the event felt like a sold-out game night that never ended.
Two norse warriors holding a copy of ‘‘Norsemen’’ at SPIEL Essen 2025
Long queues formed for hot new releases, demo tables turned strangers into teammates after a single round, and booths showcased everything from polished classics to bold prototypes. Big publishers such as Asmodee and Ravensburger staged headline presentations, while dozens of smaller publishers and indie designers offered fresh ideas and hands-on demos. That mix is exactly what keeps SPIEL both commercially important and creatively exciting.
Highlights from the floor
Scale and reach: Organisers expanded the footprint again, and the event was sold out on all four days, clear evidence that the appetite for tabletop gaming remains strong.
New voices with staying power: While the major publishers launched major titles, the most memorable moments often came from smaller booths where designers explained novel mechanics and handed over prototype copies.
Community energy: Everywhere there were smiles, animated rule explanations, and conversations that crossed languages. That human connection is the heart of SPIEL and what no press release can fully describe.
@odst_soldier_99 (on Instagram) attended SPIEL Essen 2025
Playcracy on the ground
Many exhibitors entrusted Playcracy with review and preview copies and for hands-on testing. Our team played, evaluated, and filed notes so we can bring you honest, timely coverage of the most promising releases and prototypes soon.
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