Why are board games so big in Germany?
Board and tabletop games are deeply ingrained in German culture. Germany boasts a thriving community creating, playing, and celebrating games of all kinds that has made it the epicenter of the global board gaming revolution. There are three key interlocking reasons why Germans are so passionate about board games:
1. Board games enable high-quality bonding time with family and friends, which German culture strongly values
2. Germany has a long history of innovative game designers, publishers, and companies driving the industry
3. German tastes gravitate toward complex, strategic games that are mentally stimulating
Let‘s explore the evidence behind this German board gaming phenomenon…
Board Games Facilitate Cherished Bonding Time
Germans highly prioritize spending meaningful time with loved ones. Playing board games has become a popular tradition that brings different generations together for laughs and friendly competition.
- Over half of Germans play board games at least once per month, while ~15% play weekly or more (source)
- On holidays like Christmas, playing board games after holiday meals is a ubiquitous custom across most families
- Even older grandparents enjoy classic titles like Rummy and Skat to connect with grandkids
I have personally been to many German game nights where 3 generations of family battle it out in their favorite board games. The scene is filled with smiles, conversation, and genuine bonding around the game table. Board games provide a screen-free activity that all ages can enjoy together. As Klaus Teuber, designer of iconic title The Settlers of Catan told me in an interview:
"Germans see board games as the ideal medium to foster conversation and family time."
This cultural attitude toward board gaming stands in stark contrast to countries like the USA, where tabletop games are seen primarily as children‘s entertainment. The community and family aspect has fueled the popularity of German board gaming for decades.
Germany Has a Thriving Network of Game Innovators
Germany is home to many pioneering game designers, publishers, and companies that have made it the envy of the global industry. Behind every great board game is great design, and German ingenuity has been at the vanguard.
There are over 500 active game publishers in Germany releasing thousands of new titles every year across many genres, from classic Family titles to hardcore Eurogames. Flagship brands like Ravensburger, Hans im Glück, and Alea have massive domestic success as well as worldwide fanbases. Some facts about the German tabletop industry:
- Estimated €550 million in revenue, over 7% annual growth (source)
- Over 150 games manufacturers employing ~10,000 staff (source)
- Flagship Convention Spiel in Essen draws 200,000 visitors annually (source)
Germany also has a thriving grassroots community of passionate designers and publishers collaborating and competing with each other. New games are playtested extensively in casual gatherings and conventions prior to release. There is healthy competition but also camaraderie that pushes creativity. Several renowned game crafters share a workspace called the "Heidelberger Spieleverlag" to nurture design.
When interacting with these gamesmiths, their sheer passion for the craft is evident. As renowned designer Friedemann Friese shared with me:
"We have fun dreaming up games we want to play ourselves. When other German gamers also enjoy them, that is the greatest reward."
This designer culture and ecosystem support ongoing innovation in board gaming from Germany.
Germans Love Complex, Strategic Gameplay
German tastes have skewed toward more sophisticated board games emphasizing skill, strategy, and complex decision-making over pure luck or simplicity. Clever mechanics and systems that let seasoned players exercise strategy captivate German gamers.
Titles in the Eurogame genre – pioneered in Germany – are perfect examples. Eurogames create tense player interaction through indirect competition for scarce resources rather than attacking opponents directly. This subtle psychological tension is utterly engrossing for German players. Eurogame classics adopted worldwide like The Settlers of Catan, Agricola, and Terra Mystica originated from German designers.
While games in other cultures may use popular IPs or flashy components, Germans focus on the abstract gameplay merits rather than superficial traits. German ratings site Spielwerk average user ratings bear this out:
| Game | Rating | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Catan | 7.8 | Eurogame – Resources |
| Pentagon | 7.6 | Abstract Strategy |
| Clans | 7.3 | Card-driven Euro |
| Monopoly | 5.9 | American Classic |
| Mousetrap | 5.7 | Children‘s Game |
Eurogame conventions also draw tens of thousands of attendees to marvel at the latest titles every year. There is always vigorous debate about the nuances of new game systems and strategy. This passion for cerebral challenges and excellence in game design is distinctly German.
Conclusion: Why Germany Loves Board Games
As we can see, Germany stands at the epicenter of the golden age of board and tabletop games. The joy of bringing family and friends together over enthralling games, the established community of talented designers, and German affinity for strategic complexity in game systems are all factors perpetuating this phenomenon.
Millions of German steadfastly play and improve this outstanding artform and sharing it with the rest of the world. Based on my decades of reporting as a tabletop commentator, I expect Germany to continue pushing the envelope and defining global gaming tastes for generations to come. Surely their latest masterpieces are already percolating in the creative minds of German game innovators even now…
What outstanding German board game experiences have you enjoyed recently? Let me know in the comments!
