Two of the Most Coveted Awards in Tabletop Games

July 17, 2023

Space Cow, Libellud, Z-MAN Games and Asmodee are thrilled to announce that Mysterium Kids: Captain Echo’s Treasure has received the Kinderspiel des Jahres 2023 awarding the best kids’ game and that Challengers! has received the Kennerspiel des Jahres 2023 awarding the advanced games category.

Mysterium Kids Wins the Kinderspiel des Jahres 2023!

Mysterium Kids: Captain Echo’s Treasure is a cooperative game designed specifically for children, helping to develop concentration and imagination. During the game, players take turns taking on the role of the ghost, or as treasure seekers looking to find which illustrated card corresponds to the location of the treasure, all while guided only by the sound of a tambourine! 

“I never thought I would be nominated, even less receiving receive an award.”  said Yves Hirshfield, Mysterium Kids designer “I've been working in the industry since I was 20, but I never thought I'd officially be a game designer! I never allowed myself to imagine that I might receive an award of any kind, so this is a big surprise. I would have never imagined it when Antonin and I invented the game by tapping on cardboard box lids!” 

Challengers! Wins the Kennerspiel des Jahres 2023!

During a game of Challengers!, up to four duels are played simultaneously, with players facing a different opponent each round. The game offers a choice of over 70 different characters, each with unique abilities. From aliens and vacuum cleaners to deep-sea creatures, the game has a bit of everything. Players assemble a versatile team, surprise their opponents with epic combos, while trying to get the most trophies and win the most fans. After being awarded the As d’Or earlier this year, winning the Kennerspiel is a true achievement for Challengers! and Z-Man Games. 

“It is a real honor to receive what is considered the ultimate award in the board gaming industry.” said Johannes Krenner, one of the Challengers! designers. “The passion that surrounded our game from day one has been great to see, and we are grateful to all players who’ve enjoyed playing Challengers!” 

“I’m grateful to be surrounded by such talented and passionate teams of boardgame professionals who brought back home the Kinderspiel and Kennerspiel des Jahres. Asmodee is a catalyst for creativity, our teams work with the best talents and know how to maximize the artistic and commercial success of every game we develop. I’m sure the teams are already hard at work developing our next successes.” said Stéphane Carville, CEO Asmodee.

The Sonderpreis Granted to the Designers of Unlock! and Unlock! Kids 

It was also during the Spiel des Jahres ceremony that Unlock! and Unlock! Kids received the Sonderpreis 2023, Special Jury prize, acknowledging the games’ innovation and impact on the board gaming industry.  

Unlock! designed by Cyril Demaegd and published by Space Cowboys and Unlock! Kids, designed by Marie Fort, Wilfried Fort and Space Cow and published by Space Cow are widely successful titles, featuring a series of card-based escape games. Each game offers a unique storyline, intricate puzzles, and immersive environments, all while challenging players’ problem-solving skills and teamwork. Its blend of traditional card game mechanics with a modern escape room concept has paved the way for a new genre of board games. 

“To receive this award 17 years after Caylus has been a great surprise. I accept it with such joy and pride because it is a great recognition for all the work done by the team who’s been hard at work for the past 6 years to make sure Unlock! remains a great and innovative experience for gamers every time. Thanks to the Jury, it’s a great source of motivation to keep on working on this game line!”  said Cyril Demaegd after the ceremony.   

“With 2 games under our belt and a third on the way, this award gives us even more confidence to keep exploring and finding new ways to entertain younger audiences. You can expect even zanier scenarios and gameplay in the coming Unlock! Kids” said Benoit Forget from Space Cow. 

We thank our players from all around the world. Receiving these awards strengthens the determination that Asmodee and its studio have to continue to push boundaries, and to relive these moments as soon as possible. Asmodee and its studios extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Spiel des Jahres jury for recognizing the passion and dedication our teams have put into developing these games.  

For further information, please contact Mason Williams on asmodee@mason-williams.com