Get ready to hear about the unforgettable experience which was the Essen Spiel in 2024.
Whether you're a seasoned gamer, a curious newcomer, or an aspiring game designer, Essen Spiel is the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about board games.
Let’s dive into what makes this board game convention a must-visit for every gaming enthusiast.
Where is the Essen Spiel board game convention?
Essen Spiel is held in Essen, Germany, at the Messe Essen, which is a large exhibition centre located in the city.
The venue is easily accessible by public transportation, including trains and buses, making it convenient for both local and international visitors to attend.
When is Essen Spiel 2024?
Essen Spiel 2024 dates took place in October this year and happens annually, drawing board game enthusiasts from all over the world to explore the latest releases, attend demos, and participate in events.
How long does Essen Spiel last?
Essen Spiel typically lasts for four days, usually from Thursday to Sunday in October.
How many people attend Spiel Essen?
Essen Spiel attracts over 200,000 attendees from around the world, with 923 exhibitors showcasing the latest in tabletop gaming.
What happens at the Essen Spiel board game event
This unmissable event for gaming enthusiasts is where the industry’s biggest players and indie creators alike unveil their newest titles.
Spiel Essen 2024 board game releases
This year, the convention featured a staggering 1,562 new game releases, underscoring its importance as the epicentre of innovation in the world of board games.
Asmodee at the Essen Spiel board game convention
At Asmodee, we are one of the largest names in the gaming industry. We dedicated nine months of meticulous planning to ensure our showing was a success.
It took a team of 47 individuals six days to assemble our impressive displays. We also operated across 11 booths, each packed with exciting games and demo opportunities.
These booths were divided between 16 different studios, each representing some of the most creative forces in modern tabletop gaming, and in total, we showcased over 100 games.
Asmodee's new board game releases and demonstrations at Essen 2024 Spiel
At Essen Spiel, Asmodee delivered a line-up of highly anticipated game demonstrations, sparking excitement among the crowd. Some of the standout titles included:
Lego Monkey Palace
Combining the appeal of the iconic LEGO brand with strategic gameplay, Lego Monkey Palace offers a dynamic experience filled with challenges, puzzles, and construction elements.
Players use LEGO bricks to build and defend their monkey kingdoms, with vibrant visuals and engaging mechanics that make it a hit for both kids and adults alike.
Seven Wonders Duel for Middle Earth
A new spin on the beloved 7 Wonders Duel, this adaptation transports players to Tolkien’s world, where iconic characters, locations, and resources from The Lord of the Rings are woven into the gameplay.
Strategy fans will relish how the game preserves the core mechanics of 7 Wonders Duel while adding the unique flavour of Middle Earth, complete with battling for control over famous realms like Minas Tirith and Helm’s Deep.
Superstore 3000
Set in a futuristic, bustling megastore, Superstore 3000 tasks players with managing resources, competing for the best customers, and out manoeuvring rivals in a chaotic retail landscape.
This fast-paced economic game is filled with quirky characters and satirical takes on consumerism, offering endless fun as players scramble to stock shelves and secure sales.
These titles were just a few highlights of the countless games that visitors could explore first hand. Attendees had the chance to sit down and play demos, guided by Asmodee’s expert staff, making it an interactive experience where fans could immerse themselves in the gameplay and mechanics of the latest releases.
Opportunities for designers and gamers at Essen Spiel
Beyond just the game demos, Asmodee also used Essen Spiel as a platform for up-and-coming game designers to shine. They hosted special sessions where aspiring creators could pitch their prototypes directly to Asmodee’s team of experts.
This provided invaluable exposure for new designers hoping to break into the industry, as they could receive feedback or even secure a publishing deal with some of our other publishers.
Additionally, Asmodee welcomed individuals looking to pursue a career in gaming, encouraging them to bring along their CVs. With opportunities in game design, development, marketing, and more, the convention served as a gateway for those looking to be a part of the vibrant world of tabletop gaming.
The scale of Essen Spiel and its importance to tabletop gaming
For many, the sheer scale of Essen Spiel can be overwhelming, and first-time visitors might not know where to begin.
Navigating Essen Spiel
Careful planning is key to making the most of the event. With 18 expansive halls packed with booths, new releases, and rare finds, having a strategy in place will help attendees navigate the convention smoothly.
Essen Spiel tickets
Buying Essen Spiel tickets online is highly recommended, as the lines at the door can be long, and purchasing in advance can save valuable time - these tickets are usually released at the start of July,sokeep your eyes peeled for 2025 dates.
Many visitors also download the Essen Spiel app, which offers a map of the halls and helps track which exhibitors and games to visit.
Paying for games at Essen Spiel
While many major vendors accept credit cards, some smaller exhibitors only take cash. Given the number of independent game designers and retailers present, it's crucial to bring enough money for game purchases, food, and souvenirs.
Playing games at Spiel Essen
One of the biggest benefits of the board game convention is the ability to try games before they’re available for purchase.
Tables are set up for visitors to sit and test the newest titles, often with guidance from the game’s creators.
Popular games may have waiting lines for demos, so scheduling enough time to enjoy these sessions is advised.
New board game releases at Essen Spiel
Many of the games at Essen Spiel are not yet available in stores, and visitors have the rare opportunity to purchase them before they hit the general market.
Be sure to carry a sturdy bag, as you’re likely to leave with more games than you came with! Some attendees even bring extra suitcases just for this purpose.
Essen Spiel’s unique atmosphere
The atmosphere at Essen Spiel is electric, with passionate gamers, designers, and creators filling the halls. Each year, there’s a buzz of excitement as long-awaited games are finally revealed to the public.
The event is also a social hub where tabletop fans can meet like-minded people, play games together, and bond over their shared hobby. Many publishers host tournaments, giveaways, and special events, adding to the fun and community spirit.
See you at the next Essen Spiel board game convention
Essen Spiel continues to be the pinnacle of the board gaming world, where the industry’s latest and greatest come to light.
Asmodee’s role this year further solidified its place as a leader in the industry, offering not just a wide variety of games but a truly immersive experience for attendees.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, Essen Spiel offers something for everyone: a chance to explore, play, and even shape the future of board gaming.
Contact our friendly team for further information.