So, this is kind of a big deal...

The Spiel des Jahres is a German award given to outstanding board and card games that excel in the following criteria:

1. game concept (originality, playability, game value)
2. rule structure (composition, clearness, comprehensibility)
3. layout (box, board, rules),
4. design (functionality, workmanship)

This award is divided into three categories: The Kennerspiel des Jahres (Connoisseur-Enthusiast Game of the Year), The Kinderspiel (Children's Game of the Year), and of course The Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year).

The nominations for the 2015 awards were announced on May 18, 2015 and are as follows:

Nominees for The Spiel des Jahres 2015

Colt Express

Machi Koro

The Game

Nominees for The Kennerspiel des Jahres 2015

Broom Service

Elysium

Orleans

Nominees for The Kinderspiel des Jahres 2015

Push a Monster

Schatz-Rabatz

Spinderella

This year is an interesting year for me. Usually I will have played a few of the nominees prior to the announcement. However, this year I have not only missed out on playing all these games, but some I haven't even heard of. In a way it is very exciting though. I will get to seek out these games and crack them open knowing that this game could be the next "Game of the Year!" Very exciting indeed!

What do you think of the nominees for 2015?