The 2019 Spiel des Jahres nominations were officially revealed on May 20, setting the stage for two months of excitement, predictions, and spirited debates among game enthusiasts worldwide. The Spiel des Jahres, often referred to as the most prestigious award in the board gaming industry, recognizes games that stand out for their accessibility, creativity, and ability to bring people together around the table. After the initial announcement, fans, critics, and players spent weeks making their predictions, revisiting nominees, and trying to guess which title the German jury would ultimately choose.

This year’s competition was no different, with a diverse lineup of games showcasing various styles and gameplay mechanics. As the weeks went by, speculation intensified, with each nominee’s strengths and weaknesses being scrutinized by the gaming community. By the time the award ceremony arrived, anticipation was at its peak. When the results were finally revealed, it was Just One, designed by Ludovic Roudy and Bruno Sautter and published by Repos Production, that claimed the coveted Spiel des Jahres trophy. Alongside it, Wingspan by Elizabeth Hargrave, published by Stonemaier Games and Feuerland Spiele in Germany, took home the Kennerspiel des Jahres — the award given to games aimed at more experienced players.

Why Just One Stood Out

Just One is a cooperative party game that thrives on quick thinking, clever communication, and the joy of shared success. It is designed to be played quickly, keeping energy levels high and ensuring that everyone at the table remains engaged. The concept is straightforward but highly effective: all players except one are shown a secret word. Each of these players writes down a single clue word that will help the guesser identify the secret word. However, there’s a twist — if two or more players choose the same clue, that word is eliminated and cannot be shown to the guesser. This mechanic adds an extra layer of challenge and unpredictability, forcing players to think outside the box while still being helpful.

The game spans thirteen rounds, with the ultimate goal being to guess every word correctly for a perfect score. The rules are simple enough to teach in a matter of minutes, and the components are minimal, making it easy to bring along for gatherings, parties, or casual play. The beauty of Just One lies in its balance between creativity and limitation. Players must constantly find unique clues that are not too obscure yet distinct enough to avoid duplication. This interplay creates moments of tension, laughter, and surprise, ensuring that no two games ever feel the same.

The Journey to Winning the Award

From its release in 2018, Just One quickly gained traction among both casual players and board game enthusiasts. Its approachable ruleset made it an instant favorite for families and social groups, while its clever twist on the traditional guessing game earned it praise from critics. By the time the 2019 Spiel des Jahres nominations were announced, the game had already built a strong following.

During the award ceremony, co-designer Bruno Sautter accepted the prize alongside juror Bernhard Löhlein. The moment marked a milestone not just for the creators but also for the growing recognition of party games within the industry. Historically, many award-winning titles leaned toward strategy and complexity, but Just One demonstrated that a game with simple rules could still deliver depth, challenge, and immense fun.

Wingspan’s Soaring Success

While Just One captured the Spiel des Jahres, Wingspan achieved equal glory by winning the Kennerspiel des Jahres, the category designed to honor games that appeal to hobbyists and experienced players. Wingspan is a card-driven, engine-building game where players take on the roles of bird enthusiasts — researchers, ornithologists, collectors, and bird watchers — working to attract the most diverse and valuable bird species to their network of wildlife preserves.

Each bird card in Wingspan offers unique abilities and scoring opportunities, and when combined in specific habitats, they create chains of effects that drive a player’s strategy forward. The game revolves around three core actions: gaining food using custom dice, laying eggs on bird cards, and drawing from a vast deck of unique bird cards. The thematic integration of bird facts and illustrations elevates the experience, giving it an educational dimension alongside its strategic depth.

Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and brought to life with stunning artwork and high-quality components, Wingspan quickly became a standout in the board gaming community. Its popularity surged soon after release, with print runs selling out rapidly and players praising both its beauty and gameplay complexity. At the award ceremony, Hargrave stood alongside Frank Heeren from Feuerland Spiele to celebrate the game’s achievement.

Why These Wins Matter

The simultaneous success of Just One and Wingspan in their respective categories highlights the versatility and evolving nature of modern board games. Just One represents the power of simplicity — proving that a well-designed, accessible game can captivate a broad audience and create memorable experiences in a short playtime. On the other hand, Wingspan showcases the depth and artistry possible in game design, appealing to dedicated hobbyists who enjoy mastering layered mechanics and long-term strategies.

These awards also reflect a growing appreciation for thematic diversity. While many past winners focused on abstract mechanics or traditional Euro-style designs, this year’s winners embrace unique settings and creative approaches. Just One brings laughter and quick thinking to the forefront, while Wingspan immerses players in the natural world of bird conservation and habitat building.

The Impact on the Gaming Industry

Winning a Spiel des Jahres or Kennerspiel des Jahres can transform a game’s trajectory. For Just One, this recognition will likely expand its reach far beyond dedicated gaming circles, attracting casual buyers, educators, and party hosts looking for an inclusive and engaging group activity. Retailers often see a surge in sales for award winners, and publishers benefit from increased visibility in both domestic and international markets.

Wingspan’s win in the Kennerspiel category cements its status as a modern classic among strategy games. The award serves as a seal of quality that reassures potential buyers, including those new to heavier games, that the title is worth exploring. It also sets a high standard for future engine-building games, as designers take note of the balance between accessibility and depth that Wingspan achieved.

Looking Ahead

As the celebrations wind down, the legacy of the 2019 awards is already taking shape. Just One is poised to join the ranks of timeless party games that continue to delight players for years, while Wingspan is expected to inspire expansions, spin-offs, and a wave of similarly themed games. Both titles have demonstrated that creativity, thematic richness, and player engagement are key to resonating with audiences, regardless of complexity level.

The 2019 Spiel des Jahres and Kennerspiel des Jahres results also underscore the diversity of modern board gaming. Whether it’s the fast-paced clue-sharing of Just One or the strategic bird-collecting of Wingspan, the industry continues to offer experiences for every type of player. This inclusivity ensures that gaming remains a dynamic and ever-expanding hobby, capable of bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds.

In the end, the wins for Just One and Wingspan are not just accolades for their creators but a celebration of what board games can achieve. They remind us that games are more than just entertainment; they are tools for connection, learning, and shared joy. As new titles emerge and future awards are contested, the 2019 champions will serve as shining examples of excellence in design, execution, and player experience.

Understanding the Enduring Charm of Just One

The success of Just One at the 2019 Spiel des Jahres ceremony did not happen by chance. The game’s charm lies in its universal accessibility, clever design, and replayability. Party games often face the challenge of balancing simplicity with engagement, and Just One manages to excel in both areas. Its cooperative nature encourages teamwork and creativity, making it a perfect fit for families, friends, and even casual gatherings where not everyone may be a regular gamer.

One of the key reasons players return to Just One again and again is the thrill of finding the perfect clue that will help the guesser without matching anyone else’s suggestion. The elimination rule for duplicate clues adds tension to every round, pushing players to think in unconventional ways. This mechanic transforms what could have been a straightforward guessing game into something far more dynamic and rewarding. The game creates an environment where victory is shared, and failures become a source of laughter and memorable moments.

The limited number of thirteen rounds per game means that sessions remain concise, avoiding fatigue and ensuring that the excitement remains consistent. It is equally enjoyable whether played once or multiple times in a row, and it requires no lengthy setup. Its portable format and quick rules explanation make it a versatile choice for a wide range of settings, from classrooms to social events.

The Role of Social Interaction in Just One’s Popularity

Social interaction is at the core of Just One’s design philosophy. Unlike competitive games where players focus on outmaneuvering opponents, this cooperative game fosters connection and shared achievement. The absence of direct competition means that even those unfamiliar with board games can participate without fear of being outmatched. Everyone’s contribution matters, and the sense of inclusion is one of the reasons the game resonates so strongly.

Moreover, the game rewards not just quick thinking but also an understanding of your fellow players’ thought processes. Knowing how someone might interpret a word or which cultural references they might lean toward can be the difference between success and failure. This level of player connection builds rapport and strengthens bonds over time. For many, these shared experiences become as important as the gameplay itself.

Wingspan and the Rise of Thematic Strategy Games

While Just One’s appeal lies in its simplicity, Wingspan stands out as a more intricate experience, offering a blend of strategy, thematic depth, and aesthetic beauty. The game taps into a unique and underrepresented theme in board gaming: bird conservation and habitat management. In Wingspan, players take on the role of bird enthusiasts who must attract a variety of bird species to their preserves.

The gameplay mechanics revolve around engine building, where players create interconnected systems that become more efficient with each turn. Every bird card represents a real species, complete with illustrations, habitat preferences, and special abilities. These details are not only functional within the game’s mechanics but also educational, exposing players to fascinating bird facts as they play. This combination of learning and strategic planning has contributed to the game’s widespread appeal.

How Wingspan Balances Depth and Accessibility

One of Wingspan’s greatest achievements is making a medium-weight strategy game approachable to a wider audience. While it contains multiple layers of decision-making, the game’s core turn structure remains straightforward: gain food, lay eggs, or draw bird cards. Each of these actions can be enhanced by the birds already in play, creating a satisfying feedback loop that encourages long-term planning.

The tactile components, such as custom dice, pastel-colored eggs, and well-crafted bird cards, elevate the experience beyond pure mechanics. These details draw players into the world of the game, making each session feel immersive. The high production quality also plays a role in attracting players who might be new to strategy games, as the visual appeal softens the intimidation factor often associated with complex titles.

The Influence of Awards on Game Longevity

Both Just One and Wingspan demonstrate how winning prestigious awards like the Spiel des Jahres and Kennerspiel des Jahres can significantly extend a game’s lifespan. Such recognition not only boosts immediate sales but also cements a title’s place in gaming history. Award-winning games are often reprinted multiple times, translated into various languages, and distributed worldwide.

For Just One, this award ensures that it will continue to reach new audiences, particularly among casual players seeking a light yet engaging group activity. For Wingspan, the Kennerspiel award reinforces its position as a go-to recommendation for players ready to explore beyond entry-level games. The recognition also encourages expansions and adaptations, helping to maintain interest in the title for years to come.

The Broader Impact on the Board Gaming Landscape

The simultaneous success of these two games illustrates the evolving diversity of the board gaming industry. Not long ago, lighter party games and heavier strategy games were seen as appealing to entirely separate audiences. However, the widespread acclaim for both Just One and Wingspan suggests that modern players are open to exploring different styles of play.

Publishers and designers can learn from this by recognizing the value of innovation across genres. Just One shows that a simple concept with a clever twist can captivate players of all experience levels, while Wingspan proves that thematic richness combined with elegant mechanics can attract both seasoned gamers and newcomers. This shift in player openness is encouraging greater experimentation and creativity in game design.

The Role of Theme in Player Engagement

Theme plays a significant role in how players connect with a game, and both of these award winners handle it in distinctive ways. Just One uses a minimal thematic framework, allowing the focus to remain on player interaction and creativity. The lack of a heavy theme works in its favor, as it enables players from different cultures and backgrounds to engage without requiring prior knowledge of specific settings or subject matter.

Wingspan, on the other hand, leans heavily into its theme, with every aspect of the game tied to the world of birds and their habitats. The illustrations, terminology, and mechanics all reinforce the thematic experience, creating a cohesive and immersive environment. This thematic commitment helps players become emotionally invested, turning each session into more than just a strategic exercise.

Community and Replay Value

Replayability is essential for a game’s long-term success, and both Just One and Wingspan excel in this area. In Just One, the constantly changing player group and the vast possibilities for clue-giving ensure that no two games are identical. The unpredictability of which clues will be eliminated adds a layer of suspense to every round.

Wingspan’s replay value comes from its large deck of unique bird cards, multiple strategies for victory, and the variable goals presented in each game. The presence of expansions adds even more variety, introducing new birds and mechanics that keep the experience fresh. Both games benefit from communities of players who share tips, strategies, and experiences, further extending their relevance.

Educational Value and Broader Applications

While entertainment is the primary goal, both games offer educational benefits. Just One encourages language skills, quick thinking, and creative association, making it a useful tool in classrooms and team-building settings. Its cooperative nature promotes communication and mutual support.

Wingspan introduces players to a wealth of information about bird species, their behaviors, and habitats. The inclusion of factual data on each card creates an opportunity for informal learning while playing. This educational dimension has made the game popular not just with hobbyists but also with educators and nature enthusiasts.

Looking Toward the Future

As the industry continues to grow, the influence of these two 2019 award winners will likely be felt for years to come. Designers may be inspired to create more cooperative experiences that blend simplicity with engagement, as seen in Just One. Others may explore underrepresented themes and strive for the level of thematic integration achieved by Wingspan.

The long-term impact on players is equally significant. Those who discover the hobby through Just One might eventually seek deeper experiences like Wingspan, while seasoned players drawn in by Wingspan’s strategy might enjoy the lighthearted break offered by Just One. This cross-pollination of audiences helps sustain the growth of the board gaming hobby as a whole.

Part 3 – The Legacy and Influence of Just One and Wingspan

The Lasting Legacy of the 2019 Spiel des Jahres Winners

The 2019 Spiel des Jahres ceremony marked a turning point in the board gaming world, as two distinctly different titles captured the hearts of players and critics alike. Just One and Wingspan did more than simply win awards; they set benchmarks for creativity, accessibility, and player engagement. The years since their victories have only reinforced their importance, with both games continuing to enjoy popularity and strong sales in multiple countries. Their legacy lies not only in their gameplay but also in how they have influenced player expectations and design trends.

Just One has proven that simplicity does not equate to shallowness. Its straightforward ruleset masks the depth of thought and creativity required to excel at the game. This accessibility has allowed it to find a place in households, classrooms, corporate team-building sessions, and even therapy settings where communication skills are practiced. The cooperative structure ensures that no single player dominates the experience, and the ever-changing dynamics of clue selection keep the game fresh for repeated play.

Wingspan, on the other hand, has carved out a space for thematic strategy games that balance complexity with approachability. Its success has shown that a game with a niche theme — in this case, bird conservation — can resonate with a mainstream audience if the execution is thoughtful and engaging. The integration of scientific accuracy, beautiful presentation, and layered mechanics has elevated it from being just a hobbyist title to a cultural touchstone within the gaming community.

How Just One Redefined Party Games

Before Just One’s release, many party games relied heavily on loud, energetic gameplay or chaotic mechanics that could alienate quieter participants. This title redefined the genre by focusing on cooperative engagement rather than competition. The design encourages players to work toward a shared goal, minimizing the pressure to perform individually while still creating moments of tension and laughter.

The key mechanic — removing duplicate clues — is what elevates Just One above other guessing games. It forces players to predict not only what the guesser will understand but also what other clue-givers might write. This creates a mental challenge that rewards creativity, quick thinking, and a deep understanding of fellow players’ thought patterns. The balance between offering helpful hints and avoiding obvious overlaps keeps each round unpredictable and exciting.

Because the game does not rely on trivia knowledge or physical challenges, it is inclusive for players of different ages, languages, and abilities. This universality has expanded its reach far beyond traditional gaming circles, making it a go-to choice for mixed groups where experience levels vary widely.

How Wingspan Influenced Strategy Game Design

Wingspan’s win in the Kennerspiel category sent a clear message to designers and publishers: players are eager for thematic strategy games that feel immersive and personal. The game’s success sparked a wave of nature-themed titles and engine-building designs that sought to replicate its balance of depth and accessibility. Many subsequent games have adopted its approach of tying every mechanical element directly to the theme, creating an experience where gameplay and storytelling are inseparable.

The use of real-world bird species, complete with facts and habitats, not only enriches the theme but also provides an educational element that appeals to a wide demographic. The game’s artwork and high-quality components have set new expectations for production value in mid-weight strategy games. This emphasis on aesthetic presentation has encouraged publishers to invest more in the physical beauty of their products, knowing that visual appeal can draw in players who might otherwise overlook a title.

The Role of Expansions in Sustaining Popularity

Both Just One and Wingspan have benefited from expansions and additional content that extend their replay value. For Just One, the variety comes primarily from the endless combinations of clues and words, but new word sets can keep the experience fresh for long-time players. These additions maintain interest without altering the core mechanics that make the game so effective.

Wingspan has embraced expansions more directly, introducing new bird species from different regions of the world. Each expansion adds subtle mechanical twists that keep strategies evolving while maintaining the original game’s flow. These releases not only refresh gameplay for existing fans but also attract new players intrigued by the expanding thematic scope. This ongoing support has been crucial in keeping the game relevant in a crowded market.

The Global Reach of the Winners

One of the most remarkable aspects of both games is their ability to transcend cultural and language barriers. Just One’s minimal reliance on language in its mechanics makes it adaptable to different regions with minimal localization. The cooperative structure and universal appeal of word association ensure that it resonates across cultures.

Wingspan’s thematic focus on birds gives it a similar global appeal, as birdwatching and conservation are shared interests in many parts of the world. The use of regional expansions has allowed the game to connect even more deeply with players by including species native to their areas. This localization strategy strengthens player investment and broadens the game’s international fanbase.

The Awards’ Role in Market Expansion

Winning a Spiel des Jahres or Kennerspiel des Jahres award can have an immediate and lasting impact on a game’s visibility. Retailers often highlight these winners prominently, and players who may not closely follow the board gaming scene are more likely to purchase a title with such a distinction. For Just One, the award cemented its position as a must-have party game for casual gatherings. For Wingspan, it reinforced its reputation as an accessible yet richly layered strategy game, making it a safe choice for those venturing into more complex board gaming.

The awards also create a lasting legacy that influences secondary markets. Collectors seek out award-winning titles, and secondhand prices can remain strong long after a game’s initial release. The prestige of the award becomes a marketing tool for both the publisher and retailers worldwide.

Community Engagement and Player Stories

A significant part of the enduring success of these games comes from the communities that have formed around them. Players share memorable experiences, clever clue strategies for Just One, and intricate bird combinations for Wingspan. Online discussions, meetups, and tournaments contribute to a sense of shared identity among fans, turning these games from products into social phenomena.

Stories of family gatherings, classroom activities, and community events centered around these games demonstrate their versatility and emotional resonance. For many players, the games are tied to cherished memories, making them more than just entertainment. This emotional connection helps ensure that they remain part of regular game rotations for years.

Educational and Professional Applications

The educational benefits of both games have expanded their appeal beyond traditional recreational use. Teachers use Just One to enhance vocabulary, language comprehension, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Its format encourages students to think creatively and communicate effectively under time constraints, skills valuable both inside and outside the classroom.

Wingspan’s integration of factual content has made it a favorite in educational settings focused on biology, ecology, and environmental science. The game’s ability to blend learning with strategic play offers a model for how educational games can be both informative and engaging. Professional trainers have also adopted elements of Wingspan’s design to illustrate concepts like resource management, planning, and adaptability.

The Future of Cooperative and Thematic Strategy Games

The impact of Just One and Wingspan on game design will likely be felt for years to come. Cooperative games are increasingly seen as viable contenders for mainstream success, especially when they offer simple rules and high replayability. Just One’s formula has inspired other designers to explore cooperative mechanics in genres that traditionally rely on competition.

Similarly, Wingspan has reinforced the value of strong thematic integration and high production quality in strategy games. Its success suggests that players are not only willing but eager to engage with themes outside the traditional fantasy or historical settings. This opens the door for more diversity in subject matter, enriching the board gaming landscape with fresh ideas and perspectives.

Enduring Popularity and Cultural Significance

Ultimately, the legacy of the 2019 winners lies in their ability to bring people together. Just One bridges the gap between casual and dedicated players, creating shared moments of joy and laughter. Wingspan invites players into a world of discovery and strategy, rewarding both careful planning and thematic immersion.

Their continued popularity years after release speaks to the universality of their appeal. They represent two ends of the gaming spectrum — lighthearted cooperation and thoughtful strategy — yet both succeed in fostering meaningful social interactions. As they continue to be played, discussed, and celebrated, Just One and Wingspan stand as enduring examples of what great game design can achieve.

Conclusion 

The 2019 Spiel des Jahres and Kennerspiel des Jahres winners, Just One and Wingspan, stand as defining examples of how diverse approaches to game design can achieve equal measures of success. On one side, Just One proved that a game does not need complex mechanics or elaborate components to captivate players. Its cooperative structure, quick setup, and creative wordplay allow it to thrive in any social setting, creating laughter, connection, and shared accomplishment. On the other side, Wingspan demonstrated that a richly thematic, visually stunning, and strategically layered experience can resonate far beyond the dedicated hobbyist community. Its commitment to thematic integration and accessible gameplay redefined what a strategy game could be for a broad audience.

The dual victories of these games reflect the evolving tastes of modern players and the expanding scope of the board gaming hobby. Just One appeals to those seeking inclusivity, simplicity, and social engagement, while Wingspan satisfies the desire for thematic immersion and thoughtful planning. Together, they show that excellence in game design is not confined to a single style, weight, or target audience.

Their influence reaches beyond their immediate success. They have inspired new game designs, encouraged thematic diversity, and raised expectations for both production quality and player experience. Educators, community leaders, and casual players alike have found unique ways to incorporate these titles into their activities, underscoring their cultural and practical value.

Years from now, Just One and Wingspan will likely still be discussed not just as award winners, but as milestones in modern board gaming history. They are reminders that at the heart of every great game is the ability to bring people together, spark curiosity, and create memorable moments — whether through a single well-chosen word or a carefully built network of wildlife preserves. Their legacy is secure, and their impact will continue to shape the industry for years to come.

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