ESSEN The Game: SPIEL’13 (2014) Board Game

ESSEN The Game: SPIEL’13 is a board game released in 2014, designed by Cyrille Breuil and illustrated by Geek Attitude Games. The game is set in the world’s largest board game convention, SPIEL in Essen, Germany. Players take on the roles of exhibitors trying to attract visitors and sell their games to earn the most victory points.

Game Components of ESSEN The Game: SPIEL’13

Game board representing the Essen Spiel fairgrounds

Player tokens and boards

Booth tiles

Sponsorship cards

Visitor cards

Booth staff tokens

Other components related to game mechanics like networking and area control.

How To Setup ESSEN The Game: SPIEL’13

Setting up the game involves preparing the game board, which is a map of the Essen Spiel fairgrounds. Players choose their tokens and boards, and each player starts with a set amount of resources and sponsorship cards. The booth tiles are shuffled and placed according to the game’s instructions. Visitor cards are also shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the board. Each player selects a starting booth to place their token, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: To accumulate the most points by attracting visitors to your booths, securing sponsorship deals, and strategically networking.

Area Control: Players compete to control the most lucrative areas of the fairgrounds.

Economic Management: Manage resources to set up and maintain booths, attract visitors, and secure sponsorships.

Networking: Form alliances and partnerships to enhance your position.

Visitor Attraction: Attract visitors to your booths by offering the most appealing games and experiences.

Player Experience

Playing **ESSEN The Game: SPIEL’13** offers a unique blend of strategic planning and social interaction. Players must balance their economic resources with the need to attract visitors and secure sponsorships. The game requires a mix of short-term tactical decisions and long-term strategic planning, making it engaging for fans of economic and strategy games.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers complex gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.

Social Interaction: Encourages networking and alliances between players.

Thematic Immersion: Simulates the real-world experience of attending a game fair.

Replayability: High replay value due to variable setup and multiple paths to victory.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to its intricate mechanics.

Playtime: The 90-minute playtime can be long for some players.

Learning Curve: Requires a significant amount of time to learn and master the rules.

Personal Thoughts on ESSEN The Game: SPIEL’13

**ESSEN The Game: SPIEL’13** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic and strategy games. It is particularly suited for those who have an interest in the board gaming community and the Essen Spiel fair. The game’s complexity and playtime make it less suitable for casual players or those new to board games. However, for those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay and thematic immersion, this game offers a unique and engaging experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.