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The trade fair Internationale Spieltage SPIEL in Essen is the largest board game fair in Europe and one of the largest in the world (according to some sources - the largest). It's quite a treat not only for board game freaks, but also for escape room enthusiast. Every fan of board games has been waiting longingly for this day.
This board game fair, also known as Internationale Spieltage SPIEL, takes place from October 06-09 in Essen, Germany. Exhibitors from all over the world descend on Messe Essen to show everyone interested not only in their current products on offer but also in prototypes of new games. Very often during the fair, there are launches of new titles or English- and German-language versions of existing games.
Well, quite a lot. In some ways, the board game market is similar to the escape room industry - despite certain boundaries, it is constantly trying to push and cross them. As a result, we can enjoy many products that allow us to interact with puzzles in new forms. Examples of products are:
One of the biggest events associated with the Essen fair is the many launches of new titles. Some even say that if a publisher doesn't do a premiere during SPIEL, it might as well not do one at all. There must be something in that because the turnout on the first day of the fair is always impressive.
What launches of puzzle and escape room-related board games and other products are taking place during this edition? We will list a few (not all!) of them:
You can find the full list of premieres from the SPIEL '22 PREMIERES category on the BoardGameGeek website.
In 2018 we were given the opportunity to attend the Essen fair for the first time - at that time our game "Escape Tales: The Awakening" from the story-driven escape game category premiered. We have to admit that the atmosphere prevailing at the event is amazing - especially for really die-hard board game fans. What does it look like? Yes, there are exhibitor booths, games to buy and tables where you can play. But that's not all. A crowd of gamers runs between the booths with suitcases and cajon backpacks (which are forbidden this year because they can cause injuries due to their size), many take part in mini-contests organized by exhibitors, and fair attendees meet at tables just to talk with each other. The atmosphere is friendly and homely, which contributes to its uniqueness.
We wish all fans of board games and escape rooms to make a trip to Essen for Internationale Spieltage SPIEL at least once in their lives and feel the excitement for themselves!
Some say it's too early to celebrate autumn - but we disagree. The Mystery Package contest is back for its fifth year in a magical, autumnal setting. Prizes worth 800-1300 PLN await you. What does the magical treasure chest hold?
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Gai Bosco is an enthusiast and gamification expert, who has designed more than 250 commercial escape rooms. He has also created experiences for organizations, education, museums, etc. And has created escape rooms for TV shows and large special events.