Our Top 5 Most Anticipated Games for SPIEL ‘25

SPIEL ‘25 is just around the corner! Like every year, we couldn’t resist sharing our Top 5 Most Anticipated Games of the show. These are the games we’re absolutely dying to check out in Essen — the ones that made us say, “Okay, this one’s going straight to the wishlist.”

Watch the videos: We actually made two versions — one in English and one in German — so you can pick whichever language suits you best!

Two Designers, Two Totally Different Tastes

If you’ve followed us for a while, you probably know that Julian and Echo have very different preferences when it comes to board games.

Echo’s Style

Echo loves light-hearted, low-luck Euro games. She prefers games that are mid to heavy in depth but never look too “Euro.” It’s got to be quirky, beautiful, and full of personality.

Julian’s Style

Julian is all about civilization building, economy systems, and deep strategy. Bonus points if the game tackles serious or historical themes.

Together, our combined list covers everything — from elegant Euro gems to big, thematic strategy games. No matter what kind of player you are, you’ll find something worth checking out!

Discover Hidden Gems

Our top 5 isn’t just about the big titles — we’re also spotlighting some under-the-radar games that deserve more attention. Hopefully, by watching our list, you’ll discover a few hidden gems to add to your own SPIEL ‘25 plans!

🎬 Watch the videos here:

👉 Top 5 SPIEL ‘25 – English Version

👉 Top 5 SPIEL ‘25 – German Version

The Great Debate: Chess — Abstract or Thematic?

And before you go, we need your help settling one of our biggest ongoing debates:

Is chess an abstract strategy game or a thematic game?

Julian and I have been arguing about this for way too long — so drop your thoughts in the comments and help us decide once and for all!

Join Us at SPIEL ‘25

Lastly, we will be thrilled if you could visit us while you are at SPIEL ‘25. We’ll be at Booth 3M510. Come say hi and share your thoughts on our favorite games! We can’t wait to meet you there!

Why SPIEL Matters

SPIEL is more than just a convention; it's a celebration of creativity and community. It brings together families and strategic board game enthusiasts from all over the world. Here, you can meet designers, play new games, and discover what makes this hobby so special.

The Excitement of New Releases

Every year, SPIEL showcases a plethora of new releases. This is where you can find innovative mechanics and fresh themes. The excitement in the air is palpable as everyone anticipates the latest trends in board gaming.

Connecting with Fellow Gamers

One of the best parts of SPIEL is connecting with fellow gamers. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore strategist, there’s a place for you. Share your experiences, learn from others, and maybe even make some lifelong friends.

The Future of Board Gaming

As we look ahead, the future of board gaming seems bright. With more families embracing games as a form of entertainment, the industry is evolving. New ideas and diverse themes are emerging, making it an exciting time to be involved.

Our Commitment to the Community

At Pektis Studio, we’re dedicated to fostering a strong community around our unique and engaging titles. We believe that board games can bring people together, spark joy, and create lasting memories.

So, mark your calendars for SPIEL ‘25! We can’t wait to share our passion for games with you. See you at Booth 3M510!