Essen – The Fairest of Them All

There is a bounty of Essen coverage that summarises the hottest games or has video coverage of game demos, but what is it actually like to be there? Excellent boardgamer person and honorary CBQ Acolyte Yvonne Chi took in the sights and sounds of Spiel for the very first time, and after we got over our envy of her being there, we asked her to regale us with a first-timer’s impression.

So, Essen Spiel has come and gone, and this year it was more special than ever. Not only was it by far the largest and most successful Spiel in the 34-year history of this event, in terms of attendance, exhibitor booths, origin of countries and number of games; but it is also my personal first Spiel and first gaming convention outside of South Africa. Needless to say it’s been thrilling, exhausting and filled with lessons that the OCD inside of me says “do it again just to get things right!”

Essen Spiel, packed with visitors

For those of you who don’t know about Essen Spiel (you have clearly been living under a rock. But it’s ok, we love you as our reader unconditionally), Spiel directly translates from German as Play. This International Play Day is not kidding, it is officially a Mega-Event and the world’s largest event for all kinds of gaming: card games, board games, dice games, the classics like Chess and Go, miniatures, puzzles, gaming accessories, t-shirts, even a few stands for alcohol and cake moulds (random and unexpected!). You name it, they’ve got it! The focus of the event however, is not to play test the games, but rather to sell, sell, sell! As a South African with relatively limited access to board game stocks, I was overwhelmed to find some half-priced top notch boardgames there, and if you buy from actual publishers you sometimes score freebies like promo cards. No wonder people go there with a giant shopping list and actual suitcases to wheel their stash. Remember to bring lots of cash with you, as most retailers don’t have credit card facility and stocks are limited.

Hundreds of games to choose from – many are German only, but if you ask, there’s usually an English copy too

All kinds of miniatures, just pure pleasure to look at.

All kinds of miniatures, just pure pleasure to look at.

This booth is dedicated to gaming accessories, sleeves and plastic boxes.

This booth is dedicated to gaming accessories, sleeves and plastic boxes.

Want to make your own games? Easy peasy! This booth sells blank components to roll your own.

Want to make your own games? Easy peasy! This booth sells blank components to roll your own.

Game mat you said? This is all they sell, including ones custom-made for particular games.

Game mat you said? This is all they sell, including ones custom-made for particular games.

However you want to dice this problem, my previous ring will make do. (a wooden rod displaying rings. These rings have multiple layers that can rotate different directions to make a combination of numbers)

If building a puzzle is not interesting enough, try one with 3D pieces. Build your own Harry Potter castle from the ground up.

Not much cosplay, but there are still some if you look for them.

Not much cosplay, but there are still some if you look for them.

Things can sell out quickly. Pre-trip research is important if you are there to buy games.

Things can sell out quickly. Pre-trip research is important if you are there to buy games.

Visitors with their box of hoard on wheel

Visitors with their box of hoard on wheel

Spiel takes place in the Essen Messe (convention centre) over 4 days every year in October. This year it welcomed a record high of 174000 visitors, 1021 exhibitors from around 50 countries, showcasing over 1200 games. Over the past 4 years it’s grown over 58%, which is rare for German trade fairs. This year it expanded from last year’s 5 exhibition halls into 7, and opened the doors earlier than the actual start time in order to cope with the crowds of visitors.

Entrance from Galeria into Halls 7 and 4, which are the smaller halls. The Galeria is a long passage that has children’s games, like this big jumping harness, and food and drinks.

Entrance from Galeria into Halls 7 and 4, which are the smaller halls. The Galeria is a long passage that has children’s games, like this big jumping harness, and food and drinks.

Travelling to the fair, I really felt the crowd at the underground stations, especially at the Hauptbahnhof (the main station). Crowds standing on the platform caused major problems for those who shared the same platform to travel to other destinations (those not going to Messe). And many a time people struggled to get onto the subway. Luckily, the waiting time was not too bad, as frequency and number of carriages are increased during Spiel. Also, once inside the hall, it’s not as crowded as it feels on the subway. The 7 exhibition halls really spread the crowd, even on the fullest days. However, expect long queues getting into popular booths, and getting a play testing spot. Having comrades is always a good idea, and having a pre-trip planning and shopping list is priceless. I have learnt the hard way, and was advised for next time, to take up “con exercise” (gaming convention exercises – they really exist and apparently really work!) at least one month before a mega event like this. Expect to do a lot of walking and heavy lifting, as your pile of games grows and your wallet shrinks.

Essen Hauptbahnhof underground, lots of people on the platform and more rushing in

Essen Hauptbahnhof underground, lots of people on the platform and more rushing in

It is not uncommon to see tired visitors recovering on the floor. Many people brought their home-made sandwiches and drinks

It is not uncommon to see tired visitors recovering on the floor. Many people brought their home-made sandwiches and drinks

Spiel is also a great way to tap into some international gaming networks. If you plug into Boardgamegeek (BGG) before the trip, you can pre-organise to meet up with global gamers at Essen. If you are the out-going type like me, you can introduce yourself at Spiel to a host of publishers and game designers, and make friends with other global travellers. Hotels around the city open up meeting room and restaurants in the evening to allow gamers to try out their newly acquired games. Word has it on the street that Motel One is the hot place to hang out with celebrity designers and play test the next big game. But there are also plenty of hotels and hostels that have the same service. Because Spiel is not geared for playing games, part of the experience is the after-hours social happenings. With all the new acquisitions, you will never be short of games to play.

Boardgamegeek booth. People mingling and interviews happening in the background

Boardgamegeek booth. People mingling and interviews happening in the background

Hotel meeting rooms filled with gamers and their newly acquired toys

Hotel meeting rooms filled with gamers and their newly acquired toys

4 days sounds like a long time, but it is a whirlwind of sensory overload. Before I knew it, I was back home going over the memory of what I saw, whom I met and how much debt I’m now in. Spiel is really big, one can easily get lost in the jungle of games. Just like for many others, it has been a pilgrimage for me. Be sure you have a clear purpose in mind: is it to buy lots of games or the latest releases; is it to join the social mingling and play as many games you can, or is it just to see the buzz? For me, it was the experience, and I can truly say that I have ticked off a big box on my list. I am also grateful to have a like-minded travel companion, who reminded me to savour the opening of a game instead of worrying only about transporting the games home. Of course, if there is ever a next time I can always “play it better”. Whatever your goal, I hope you visit Essen Spiel, as it will be everything you imagined, and more!

We’d like to extend a great big Scythe-board-sized thank you to Yvonne for her insights. Photos credited to Yvonne Chi, all rights reserved.

 

  • Adhil Riad Patel

    It was great to see you there Yvonne. I’m glad you had a great time, even if we didn’t get to play a game together…