D – Essen was the world’s capital of analogue games again from October 4-8, 2023. According to the official figures, 193,000 visitors from 85 countries attended Spiel Essen, the world’s largest public trade fair for board, card and role games.
For the past 40 years, the autumn novelties on the games market have been presented at the event that was launched in 1983. This year the visitors were able to try out 1,700 novelties and inform themselves about the diverse world of games at the stands of the 935 exhibitors from 56 nations. Not only games publishing companies, but also printing shops, die-casting suppliers, specialised distributors and clubs were represented. Trade magazines and the makes of YouTube channels also showed their presence. The event was enhanced by panels and lectures. Furthermore the German Game Prize was presented on the eve of the opening of the show.
Previously organised by the publishing company Merz Verlag, it was the first edition of the Spiel after being taken over by the Nürnberger Spielwarenmesse eG. The team of the new Managing Director, Carol Rapp, celebrated its debut with a new logo, new mascot and a new hall concept. Spanning 62,500 m² in total, the Spiel 2023 covered the largest amount of exhibition space to-date. The exhibitors were divided up according to themes for the first time this year. Family games, expert games as well as role, collecting cards and miniature games were exhibited in the respective halls. The promotion campaign for the new mascot, the cute cat called Meeps, was one of the highlights. Visitors were allowed to colour in miniatures of the playful cat and take them home. 1,200 children and adults were delighted with their individually designed Meeps.
// Andreas J. Haller
Photo source: Spiel Essen
