More than 160 people at BrettSpielZeit: children’s games and autumn new releases especially popular
More than 160 people played board and card games on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at Haus an der Marktkirche, Schlossplatz 4, from 10:00 to 20:00. Alongside children’s games, autumn new releases and the Spiel des Jahres 2025 were particularly popular.
While many people still enjoyed the sunny weather outdoors in the morning, the event filled up from the afternoon. By 14:30, all tables were occupied. Many families played together with their children. Alongside children’s games, autumn new releases such as “Am Goldenen Fluss”, “Tea Garden” or “Parks” as well as “Kauri”, which is on the recommendation list for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2025, were in high demand. “Bomb Busters”, the Spiel des Jahres 2025, was also popular.
In “Bomb Busters” by Hisashi Hayashi (Pegasus Spiele), everyone at the table works together, cooperatively, to defuse bombs. “In doing so, we use logic and a pinch of interaction to deduce the correct number pairs. The special comic look gives the threatening subject the necessary lightness. This brings us together as a team, and we can later try out a variety of missions that turn previous ways of thinking on their head,” writes the Spiel des Jahres jury in its verdict. In cooperative games, winning is not the focus; instead, it’s about the shared experience. Everyone works together towards a goal and has to engage with one another. This way, both children and adults learn to listen to each other, show consideration and share responsibility.
“We are especially pleased that so many adults played with children at the BrettSpielZeit. This creates special moments. Everyone sits at the same table, sharing joy, excitement and sometimes defeats. This builds closeness and trust. Children experience being taken seriously, and adults often discover completely new sides to their children,” says Tillman Reiffen, chair of Spiel und Kultur.
“Playing means freedom, because you can step into completely different roles and try things out. Sometimes you’re a heroine or hero, sometimes a researcher. This freedom opens up spaces for imagination and creativity. It allows you to get to know new perspectives and develop your own personality – all without pressure or instructions,” says Dr. Susanne Claußen, head of education and adult work at Evangelisches Dekanat Wiesbaden.
The BrettSpielZeit was organised by the Wiesbaden-based association Spiel und Kultur and the adult education department of Evangelisches Dekanat Wiesbaden. It took place as part of the Stadt-Land-Spielt initiative. This non-commercial initiative, which has existed since 2013, connects people across the boundaries of origin, generations, social status and physical or mental condition. This year, games were played on 20 and 21 September at more than 400 locations in Germany, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland, in game clubs, libraries, game libraries, game cafés, schools, board game cafés or other municipal facilities.
About the adult education of Evangelisches Dekanat Wiesbaden
Evangelische Erwachsenenbildung supports people in their personal development throughout their lives. Dr. Susanne Claußen is very pleased about the cooperation with Spiel und Kultur, because playing is a way to experience freedom and to engage in intense contact with other people. Playing contributes to personal development! More information is available at www.dekanat-wiesbaden.de/angebote/bildung.html.
About “Spiel und Kultur”
Spiel und Kultur is a board game club from Wiesbaden. It is committed to preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of “playing board games” as well as the cultural asset of gaming. With its events and activities, the association creates spaces for social participation and intercultural exchange. In addition to two free weekly games nights in the districts of Mitte and Biebrich, Spiel und Kultur also organises large events with over 700 participants. More information about the association and its activities is available at www.spielundkultur.de. Press photos can be found at www.spielundkultur.de/pressebilder.