SPIEL.digital: The virtual games fair
The largest trade fair for board games is taking place digitally this year. From 22 to 25 October 2020, games can be tested virtually, live programmes can be visited and tournaments can be watched.
Normally, "SPIEL" takes place in Essen every year. However, the organiser had to cancel the physical trade fair due to the coronavirus. This news hit smaller games publishers hard, as they make a large proportion of their annual turnover at "SPIEL". But the shock was short-lived: "SPIEL" is going digital.
Having a trade fair go digital so quickly is a Herculean task. Especially at "SPIEL". It's not just about presenting new products and selling games. The most attractive part of the fair is trying out and testing the new board games. That's why the organisers have been programming a platform for months to offer exactly that. Visitors will be able to try out the latest board games online. For free!
What awaits you as a visitor
Over 400 exhibitors from a number of countries will be presenting their latest board, card and role-playing games in 17 different theme worlds at SPIEL.digital. You can try out and buy more than 1400 new games and world premieres at the virtual games table. This is possible thanks to the integration of the two online platforms "Board Game Arena" and "Tabletopia".
There will also be an extensive supporting programme with live events in various languages. From competitions and tournaments to Q&A sessions with well-known game designers, lectures and exhibitor panels, you'll find everything at SPIEL.digital.
When and where does it take place
SPIEL.digital will take place around the clock over four days from 22 to 25 October 2020. The opening ceremony is on Thursday at 1 pm on their German livestream channel on their website: www.spiel.digital.
Riding my motorbike makes me feel free, fishing brings out my inner hunter, using my camera gets me creative. I make my money messing around with toys all day.