Get ready to celebrate the best of board gaming with the Board Game Arena Awards!

Following the success of the first Board Game Arena Awards in 2024, they're back! We invite you to vote for the games released in 2024 that brightened up your evenings.

Why these awards?

We all love to compete on the virtual board, but we also love to come together to discover hidden gems, share strategies, and celebrate our shared passion. The Awards are a chance to highlight the games that marked the year 2024, while giving you the opportunity to choose your favorites!

How does it work?

We have identified the games released on BGA in 2024 that have been most popular with players and divided them into several categories to cater to different tastes:

• Best Casual Game: For those quick, fun laughs and friendly competition.
• Best Regular Game: For games that offer strategic depth and satisfying complexity.
• Best Expert Game: For true puzzles, where only the sharpest minds will reign supreme.
• Best 2-player Game: For intense head-to-head battles.
• Best Animal Theme: For fans of the animal world.

How to vote?

• Visit the dedicated page: https://boardgamearena.com/awards.
• Check out the list of nominated games in each category.
• Select your favorite game in each category and click on it.

Note that you can change your vote at any time or click the "reset" button at the bottom of the page to start over.

We're trying new stuff and balancing of votes:

The main difference between this year and last year is that there are only 4 games in each category.

To vote in a category, you must have played all 4 nominated games at least once before the voting ends. So it's not too late to play them!

You can choose to vote in all categories or only in the ones that interest you.

It's your turn to play! Participate in the election of the best board games of 2024 and make your voice heard!

If you don't know some of the nominated titles, don't hesitate to discover them! The Board Game Arena Awards are the perfect opportunity to discover new games that could become your favorites.

VOTING ENDS ON JANUARY 27, 2025 AT 1 PM (UTC+1)

May the best games win!

P.S.: Follow us on social media with the hashtag #BGAawards to stay up to date on the latest news.

Welcome to Superstore 3000, the retro-futuristic mall building game where you must build the tallest and most incredible mall to satisfy as many customers as possible.

In Superstore 3000, each player builds their own mall by placing shop tiles and being the first to meet the criteria to collect the unique attraction tiles that will make your building even more exceptional.

In the year 2964, become a visionary mall engineer with the thrilling board game, Superstore 3000. Set against the backdrop of interstellar commerce, players race to construct the most customer-friendly and aesthetically pleasing shopping haven. Each round is a dive into strategic decision-making, from choosing the optimal Mall Elements from the innovative Dispenser 3000 to strategically positioning attractions to draw in more visitors.

This game is not only about building but also about foreseeing customer needs and cleverly managing your resources. The Dispenser 3000 enhances the tactical depth, requiring you to think ahead as you invest in valuable tiles. With over 96 Mall Elements to choose from and dynamic setup changes, no two games are alike, ensuring that each playthrough remains exciting and full of new challenges.

Superstore 3000 is beautifully crafted with detailed components that include food courts, fashion stores, and hobby shops, each tile vividly illustrated to reflect its unique identity. Aim to satisfy your customers, outsmart your competitors, and watch your futuristic mall come to life!

This game offers not just a play experience but an engaging narrative that blends commerce, architecture, and a hint of cosmic adventure.

Learn how to play it right now through it's tutorial, and join the race to build the ultimate space mall and be the envy of the galaxy!

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=superstore

We would love to thank Rodrigo Rego, the game designer, and the Space Cowboys team for their authorization to bring this game to our platform, and the huge work done by Mizutismask for developing it: It runs well on most devices!

Let us know what you think about this awesome title: hundred tables are already waiting for you.

That's it for your Wednesday Release Time.
See you next week, and until then, take care and play fair!

After the massive success of Playpunk's first game (Captain Flip), let's discover Zenith by Gregory Grard and Mathieu Roussel, illustrated by Naïade.

This is a 2 player game, where the goal is to gain control over 5 planets in the solar system using a tug-of-war mechanism.

To win, you need either 3 tokens of the same planet, 4 different planets, or 5 tokens in total.

On your turn, you have 3 possible actions by playing a card. You can either use it for its effects and to advance on the tug-of-war track of the planet matching the card’s color, use it to collect resources, or progress on the technology tree.

It is incredibly efficient, and although complex this time, it remains very accessible in terms of rules, promising a solid progression curve with the game's 90 different cards!

Click the link below to dive into the game page and start a table in no-time:

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=zenith

Let's thank the PlayPunk team and the game designer duo, Grégory Grard & Mathieu Roussel, for their authorization to bring the game on our platform!

Also, we need to mention the work done by Moof to develop this game for Board Game Arena, and to send some kudos for his achievement.

That's all for this Monday, which is off to a great start,

We'll see you on Wednesday for the next release, but until then, take care and play fair!

As a Jarl, you travel the northern seas to achieve immortal glory. Under the sails of your own ship, which is built like a karve (Karvi), you will lead a crew, trade with foreign cultures and plunder other lands.

Strengthen the skills of your crew by upgrading your ship and hiring stronger warriors. Whether you wish to establish new trade routes to secure rare goods or battle distant settlements to plunder their riches, your path to glory is yours to choose. But make sure to remember to stock up on beer and bread, so you have enough supplies to outmaneuver the competing clans.

The gameplay is based on Glen More's famous "rondel" system. Players move around a track, with priority always given to the one in the last position. Additionally, there is the subtle twist of having to wait for your companions once you have completed a full lap. A mechanic that is easy to understand, fosters genuine table interaction, and enhances the timing and risk-taking aspects of decision-making.

Successful planning will make you renowned throughout the lands, and secure your place in Norse legend as a fearless Jarl.

It's time for you to dive in the first advanced game release of the year, and you might have a blast if you click the link below:

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=karvi

Let's thank the whole team from Hans Im Glück and the game designer Torgeir Tjong for their authorization to bring this novelty on Board Game Arena, and at the same time, celebrate the work done by Archduke who made an excellent work porting this title to the platform.

And now it's time for you to take the sea...
Don't forget to take care and... play fair!

See you next week for another amazing release...

Congratulations to all participants and winners from the previous season!

But wait, what exactly is "the Arena?"

The Arena is the competitive mode on BGA. If you master a game and want to play it competitively, this is THE mode to use, so you can challenge the best players and get the most experience points.

The Arena is organized in seasons of 3 months each. Achievements are awarded to the best players at the end of each season.

To play in the Arena: select "Play" and then choose "Arena" instead of "Simple game."

Read more about Arena mode

Arena format and Gurus

In the previous seasons, it was you (more exactly the gurus) who chose the game formats for the Arena: player number, options used, ...

We are very happy to see that this way of doing things contributed to making the Arena more popular: thank you to all gurus for their smart suggestions and their votes!

Rules updates

No Arena rules are changing this season. It does not mean we are 100% satisfied with how the Arena is running, but you seem to appreciate the current rules so we want to keep them as they are for now.

Season 20 is NOW Launched.

The new Arena is now open for its new season.

Some Explanation About: Relegations

At the end of each season, after winners have been awarded, you are relegated.

Some custom relegation rules may have been applied to games for some reason (ex: we decided to update the number of leagues), but in general here is what happens:

• For games with 6 or 5 different leagues, all players are decreased by 3 leagues.
• For games with 4 different leagues, all players are decreased by 2 leagues.
• For games with 2 or 3 different leagues, all players are decreased by 1 league.
• For all games and all leagues, your number of Arena points is reset to 1, and your AES ("Arena Elo") is reset to 1500.

It's up to you to find the way to the elite!

May the odds be ever in your favor!

You'll find soon below the updated options for each game for this new arena season

Board Game Arena is excited to announce the addition of eight beloved tabletop and card games developed by the talented UFM. These timeless classics are now available on BGA for you to play and enjoy! Here is an overview of each game and a direct link to their pages:

1. Spite & Malice

Known as "Cat and Mouse," this classic card game is all about playing your cards in the right sequence while blocking your opponent’s progress. Outsmart your rivals to empty your stockpile first.
Play Spite & Malice Now: https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=spiteandmalice

2. Canasta

A thrilling team-based card game where players form melds and aim to score big by creating Canastas. Strategy and cooperation are key to victory in this timeless classic.
Play Canasta Now: https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=canasta

3. Open Face

A twist on traditional poker, Open Face requires strategic card placement and risk management to create the best poker hands across three rows. Test your wits in this high-stakes challenge.
Play Open Face Now: https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=openfacechinesepoker

4. Euchre

A trick-taking card game with roots in the 19th century, Euchre is all about teamwork and strategy. Can you and your partner out-maneuver your opponents?
Play Euchre Now: https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=euchre

5. Farkle

A dice game of luck and strategy, Farkle challenges players to push their luck as they roll for high scores. Risk it all or play it safe- the choice is yours.
Play Farkle Now: https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=farkle

6. Ludo

A family favorite, Ludo combines strategy and luck as players race their tokens around the board. Block, strategize, and roll your way to victory.
Play Ludo Now: https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=ludo

7. Go Stop

A traditional Korean card game, Go Stop requires skill and quick thinking as players match cards to score points and declare victory. A unique and engaging challenge awaits.
Play Go Stop Now: https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=gostop

8. Kings in the Corner

A solitaire-style card game that pits players against each other in a race to get rid of their cards by building piles in a clockwise pattern. Simple yet deeply strategic.
Play King in the Corner Now: https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=kingsinthecorner

UFM’s collection showcases the enduring appeal of these classic games. Whether you are looking to relive fond memories or discover new favorites, these games offer something for everyone. Log in to your BGA account today and start learning these games through their tutorials, or just join a table!

That's it for your Monday release. What's coming next? The top and newest content you can find and play online.
Until Wednesday, for your WRT, take care and play fair!

Ask for favors, attack friends, see the future- whatever it takes to avoid exploding!

There is no way you have not heard about the Exploding Kittens phenomenon which stormed the board game world 10 years ago. But if you do not know about it...

Exploding Kittens is a kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette. Players take turns drawing cards until someone draws an exploding kitten and loses the game. The deck is made up of cards that let you avoid exploding by peeking at cards before you draw, forcing your opponent to draw multiple cards, or shuffling the deck.

The game gets more and more intense with each card you draw because fewer cards left in the deck means a greater chance of drawing the kitten and exploding in a fiery ball of feline hyperbole.

It's easy, fast, fun, plays in a few minutes, and there's also a tutorial available for you to learn how to play it. Click below to know more and start a game immediately:

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=explodingkittens

Let's thanks Elan Lee, Shane Small and Matthew Inman for their authorization, as well as Jordijansen for the adaptation to the platform!

That's a very good way to start an amazing year, with a light-hearted snacking game to enjoy.
That's it for today.
We have prepared a lot of games to be released this year, and we are happy to see that more and more people are joining the platform.
We wish you all the best to come, and be ready to enjoy more games and improvements on Board Game Arena.

See you next week for some surprises.
Until then, take care and play fair!

Cheesemakers compete to run the most prosperous creamery in France.

You are a French cheesemaker in the early 20th century making, aging, and selling your artisanal cheeses. Become the most prestigious cheesemaker in all of France by running a highly successful creamery and crafting exceptional cheese.

Fromage is a simultaneous worker-placement game where players place Workers to make cheese and gather resources from the quadrant of the board facing them. Once all players have placed their Workers, the board rotates, aging any cheese that was made, and presenting each player with a new quadrant to place Workers into. Score Prestige Points by selling cheese to the four locations, and by efficiently managing and upgrading your creamery.

Happy to go frenchy? You can learn how to baguette and chesse in bliss by going directly to the tutorial, or by visiting the game page through the link below:

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=fromage

Note that you can also play it on solo mode to train your capabili-cheese before getting into the competition with other players.

And it's up to the game designers Matthew O'Malley & Ben Rosset authorization that you can enjoy this title on BGA, as well as the awesome team behind Road To Infamy Games (R2i).
That's also another work of art done by jordijansen who developped it for Board Game Arena, and it plays as good as it looks!

Let's toast this for today, see you later for more servings, but until then, take care and play fair!

In Small World, players compete for dominance in a world that is far too small to house all its inhabitants peacefully.

Designed by Philippe Keyaerts as a whimsical, fantasy successor to his acclaimed game Vinci, Small World is teeming with colorful characters like dwarves, wizards, amazons, giants, orcs, and humans. Each race battles for control by occupying territories and conquering neighbors, striving to push rival civilizations off the map.

Players choose from 14 unique fantasy races and pair them with 20 distinct special powers to create dynamic combinations. The goal is to expand your empire rapidly- but knowing when to let your overextended civilization decline and switch to a fresh one is just as crucial for success.

Each turn, you use your active race's tiles to occupy adjacent territories, defeating weaker opponents where necessary. When a race becomes too stretched to continue thriving, you can put it "into decline" by flipping its tiles to their black-and-white side, making room for a new, active race.

At the end of every turn, you earn coins for each territory your races control. You may have one active race and one declining race on the board simultaneously, with occupation totals influenced by race-specific abilities and the regions they occupy. After the final round, the player with the most coins emerges victorious.

Small World offers a fast-paced, strategic experience where timing and tactical decisions are key to conquering this overcrowded fantasy land.

The game is an absolute classic for more than 15 years now, and it was more than time for it to be available for all on our platform.

Play it now by clicking the link below:

https://bga.li/BCYi

We would love to thank the strong efforts done by Moof to port this amazing game to Board Game Arena, and for all of the work done there.
Let's also celebrate Days Of Wonders for allowing us to bring this title for all to play, on most devices, all over the (small) world.

That's it for today.

Have a wonderful holiday season. Today is our gift to you for your loyalty and support.
As always, see you soon for another wonderful release, and until then...
Take care and play fair!

During the medieval goings-on around Orléans, you must assemble a following of farmers, merchants, knights, monks, etc. to gain supremacy through trade, construction, and science in medieval France.

In Orléans, you will recruit followers and put them to work to make use of their abilities. Farmers and Boatmen supply you with money and goods; Knights expand your scope of action and secure your mercantile expeditions; Craftsmen build trading stations and tools to facilitate work; Scholars make progress in science; Traders open up new locations for you to use your followers; and last but not least, it cannot hurt to invest in monasteries because with Monks on your side you are much less likely to fall prey to fate.

You will always want to take more actions than possible, and there are many paths to victory. The challenge is to combine all elements as best as possible with regard to your strategy.

The game won a dozen different awards worldwide, and that is for a solid reason: it has became a reference for demanding serious gamers.

Luckily, you can not only play it now on Board Game Arena, but also learn it in no-time by using the tutorial by Scribal. Simply click the link below:

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=orleans

No games without publishers, and it is all thanks to DLP Games and the game designer Reiner Stockhausen that you can enjoy it online on our platform.
Such a big game requires a lot of effort, and we would love to thank the wonderful work done by jordijansen for coding and developing it for BGA. It plays well, but do not hesitate to report bugs if you ever encounter one... or two. But remember that a rule that doesn't seem right to you may be caused by a misreading or simply some bad habits: We try to make sure that the rules are always implemented according to the original printed rulebook. How many times did it happened to you? Let us know in the comments. ;)

That's it for today!

See you in a few days for more exciting news.
Until then, as always... Take care and play fair!