D – After a successful four days, the Essen Game Fair Spiel ’21 came to a close on October 17, 2021. The according to own accounts world’s largest trade show for parlour games was able to greet 93,600 visitors after a time-out due to the Corona pandemic. The visitors came to examine, test and buy the over 1,000 novelties presented by 620 exhibitors from 41 countries. According to the organisers, the joy at being able to stroll through the exhibition halls again and get to know new games, buy first editions or rarities and find bargains conjured up plenty of smiles on the guests’ faces. Dominique Metzler, Managing Director of the organisers, the Friedhelm Merz publishing company: “I am delighted at how enthusiastic the exhibitors and visitors were about this show. It was a special year for us the organisers, but also for all of the participants. Cooperative games are booming and conducting the Spiel was the result of a huge concerted effort by the organisers, exhibitors and visitors. We feel that the success of this show confirms us in our capacity as organisers. It was exactly the right decision to organise an analogue trade show again this year and give the gaming fans around the world the opportunity to take part in this most important get-together of the gaming world. The visitors stuck to the rules of the game in an exemplary manner at this show.”
To visit the show it was necessary to present a digital COVID certificate, a Corona test centre was erected at the exhibition grounds especially for the purpose. Furthermore, it was compulsory to wear face masks in all areas. Measures of the implemented hygiene concept included among others wider aisles and disinfectant dispensers.
The next Essen Game Fair, Spiel ’22, is scheduled to take place at the Essen Exhibition Centre from October 6-9, 2022.
Photo source: Friedhelm Merz Verlag
