Each year, the announcement of the Spiel des Jahres nominations sparks lively discussion within the hobby. It is not just a shortlist of contenders for a trophy; it is a window into what the judges believe represents the state of modern board gaming. The 2025 nominations continue this tradition, offering a blend of expected names, surprising inclusions, and, inevitably, notable absences. To understand why these nominations matter so much, it helps to look at the history of the award, the philosophy behind its selection, and what it means for players, publishers, and designers alike.
A Brief History of the Award
The Spiel des Jahres, translated as “Game of the Year,” was established in Germany in 1979. Its purpose has always been twofold: to celebrate excellence in board game design and to guide consumers toward accessible, family-friendly experiences. Over the decades, it has become the most prestigious award in tabletop gaming, shaping trends and elevating once-niche titles into international sensations.
Titles such as Catan, Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, and Just One owe part of their worldwide success to the red “Spiel des Jahres” seal that adorns their boxes. This emblem does more than attract players in Germany; it signals to families around the world that a game is approachable, well-crafted, and worth their time. For publishers, winning the award can transform sales overnight, sometimes reaching into hundreds of thousands of copies.
The Kennerspiel des Jahres, added in 2011, expanded the vision of the jury by highlighting games with more strategic depth, aimed at hobbyists rather than casual families. With these two categories, the award has managed to balance accessibility with recognition of innovation and complexity.
When the jury reveals its official nominations, the gaming world pays attention. Even players outside of Germany often look to these lists as recommendations. A nomination guarantees broader exposure for the selected titles, but it also reflects the jury’s interpretation of the current cultural moment.
In 2025, the board gaming landscape is more diverse than ever. Crowdfunding has become a staple of publishing, smaller studios continue to push boundaries, and digital adaptations make games more accessible to new audiences. Against this backdrop, the Spiel des Jahres jury must identify not only which games are entertaining but also which embody the values of innovation, clarity, and inclusivity.
That is why the nomination lists often spark heated debates. Fans argue about what should have been included, which games were overlooked, and whether the chosen titles truly represent the best of the year. Yet even the criticisms reinforce the award’s relevance—people care enough to argue because the list carries weight.
Patterns in the Selection Process
Looking at past nominations provides clues about what the jury tends to favor. Simplicity of rules is nearly always present. A Spiel des Jahres title should be teachable in minutes, playable within an hour, and accessible across generations. At the same time, the games are expected to have enough spark to feel fresh, whether through a clever mechanism, unique theme, or striking presentation.
The Kennerspiel, on the other hand, usually embraces heavier titles. Here the jury seeks designs that invite repeated play, deeper strategy, and layered decision-making. However, it avoids extremes of complexity—players should still be able to finish a session within a reasonable timeframe.
These tendencies frame how commentators view each year’s list. If a particular game does not appear, it is often because it leaned too far into one of two extremes: too complicated for the Spiel des Jahres or too light for the Kennerspiel. Still, there are always exceptions, and occasionally the jury surprises the community by bending expectations.
Reactions to the 2025 Shortlist
The announcement of the 2025 nominees drew the usual mix of excitement and skepticism. For some, the chosen titles reaffirm the jury’s commitment to rewarding designs that bring people together. For others, the list felt incomplete, with strong contenders left out.
This duality is part of what keeps the award in the spotlight. Every inclusion is also an exclusion. When one game is recognized, another is left behind. The debates that follow are not just about personal favorites; they reflect deeper questions about what makes a game meaningful, how innovation is judged, and whether the award should expand its categories further.
The Global Influence of the Award
Though rooted in Germany, the Spiel des Jahres has global consequences. Many countries do not have a board game award with the same level of recognition, so international players often adopt the jury’s selections as reliable guides. Retailers stock the nominees prominently, gaming groups run play sessions to try them all, and families looking for a new pastime often purchase the winner sight unseen.
This influence extends beyond players to designers. For many creators, the dream of winning the award shapes their approach to design. Some deliberately craft games with the award’s criteria in mind: elegant rules, family-friendly themes, and replayable experiences. While this can occasionally lead to accusations of formulaic design, it has also resulted in some of the most polished, widely loved games of the past four decades.
The Role of Overlooked Games
Every year, the jury’s decision leaves notable games unrecognized. For hobbyists, these “snubs” are often just as fascinating as the chosen titles. Discussing overlooked games allows players to reflect on the breadth of creativity in the industry and highlights how subjective the award process can be.
In 2025, discussions about overlooked games were particularly intense, as several critically acclaimed releases failed to secure nominations. While some argue this diminishes the credibility of the award, others suggest it simply reflects the impossibility of capturing an entire year’s worth of design in three official slots. Regardless of opinion, the conversations ensure that even games outside the shortlist gain attention—sometimes more than they would have otherwise.
Predictions and Community Speculation
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Spiel des Jahres season is speculation. Which game will ultimately claim the award? Predictions swirl in online communities, gaming clubs, and living rooms. Players analyze rulebooks, theme integration, accessibility, and even box art, weighing which title best embodies the spirit of the award.
These predictions often reveal more about the community itself than about the jury’s decision-making. Hobbyists lean toward strategic depth, families toward ease of play, and collectors toward presentation. The jury’s final decision, when announced, rarely satisfies everyone, but the lead-up builds excitement and engagement across the entire spectrum of players.
When the jury for the Spiel des Jahres revealed the 2025 shortlist, the gaming world paused to analyze the choices. Each nominee represented a slice of what the jury felt captured the essence of board gaming today: accessibility, creativity, and replayability. While some predictions aligned with the final list, there were also surprises — both in what was included and in what was left out.
The First Nominee – Accessibility at Its Core
The first title on the 2025 shortlist immediately struck many as a classic “Spiel des Jahres candidate.” It embodies simplicity of rules and universal appeal. The design centers on intuitive play — a ruleset teachable in less than ten minutes, combined with gameplay that can involve children, parents, and grandparents at the same table.
The strengths here are clear: the game offers instant engagement, minimal downtime, and fast turns. Its theme is lighthearted but not trivial, wrapped in components that are colorful without being cluttered. This balance is exactly what the jury tends to prize: the ability to transform a few clever mechanics into an experience that feels both inviting and substantial.
However, some hobbyist critics noted that the game may lack depth after repeated plays. For those who engage with games multiple times a week, the patterns might become predictable. Yet the award is not primarily about long-term strategic mastery — it is about sparking joy in as many players as possible. In that respect, this nominee succeeds brilliantly.
The Second Nominee – A Blend of Innovation and Familiarity
The second nominee on the 2025 list represents a different design philosophy. Here, the game builds on familiar mechanisms but introduces a twist that makes it feel new. Players instantly recognize elements they have seen before, but the combination results in something that feels fresh.
This approach is often a winning formula for the Spiel des Jahres: innovation without intimidation. The rules are slightly more involved than the first nominee, but still well within the family-game framework. Its structure rewards careful planning while still leaving room for luck and lighthearted play.
Thematically, this nominee offers a richer narrative than the others. Its illustrations and presentation create a sense of immersion, drawing players into its setting. Families often appreciate this kind of thematic glue because it helps keep younger players engaged, while adults enjoy the strategic decisions that bubble beneath the surface.
Its weakness lies in pacing. For some players, the mid-game can feel stretched, especially in higher player counts. A round or two too many may dilute the otherwise sharp design. Nonetheless, the jury tends to look past minor pacing issues if the overall accessibility and creativity remain strong.
The Third Nominee – Elegant Design Meets Replayability
The final nominee on the 2025 Spiel des Jahres shortlist reflects elegance in design. It demonstrates how simple mechanisms, when carefully polished, can generate depth and replayability. This is the kind of game that feels timeless — the sort of title that, twenty years from now, could still appear on tables without feeling dated.
Its greatest strength is replayability. No two sessions feel quite the same, even though the rules remain consistent. This ensures that both casual players and enthusiasts can return to it multiple times without losing interest. The design encourages different strategies, small adjustments, and playful experimentation.
From a presentation standpoint, the components are minimalistic but effective. Unlike the first two nominees, which rely heavily on visual charm, this game shines through its mechanics. The jury has occasionally rewarded this type of design before, particularly when they feel the elegance itself deserves recognition.
Critics of this nominee argue that it may appear too abstract for families seeking colorful, theme-driven games. The absence of a strong narrative layer can make it harder to engage certain players, particularly children. Yet for others, the simplicity and clarity are exactly what make it enjoyable.
Common Threads Across the 2025 Nominees
Looking across the three nominees, several patterns emerge. First, all of them are accessible to a wide audience. None require complex rulebooks, and all can be taught in under fifteen minutes. This reaffirms the jury’s commitment to broad inclusivity.
Second, each nominee brings something slightly different to the table: one emphasizes instant accessibility, another balances familiarity with innovation, and the last prioritizes elegance and replayability. Together, they form a well-rounded set, showcasing the range of design philosophies that can fit under the Spiel des Jahres umbrella.
Third, all three nominees reflect the continuing trend toward streamlined play. In an era where some corners of the hobby are pushing into sprawling, hours-long epics, the Spiel des Jahres remains firmly anchored in games that respect time. The nominees can all be completed in under an hour, ensuring that families with busy schedules can still enjoy them.
How These Games Reflect Current Trends
The 2025 nominees also reveal something about broader gaming trends. Over the past decade, designers have increasingly sought to blend accessibility with creativity. Gone are the days when a light family game needed to be simplistic to succeed. Today, players expect even quick, approachable games to offer clever decisions and meaningful interaction.
Another trend reflected in this year’s list is the emphasis on presentation. While mechanics remain paramount, publishers know that strong visual design makes a game stand out on shelves and tables. Each nominee offers an aesthetic hook, whether through colorful art, immersive themes, or minimalistic elegance. This reflects the growing importance of presentation in attracting both newcomers and seasoned hobbyists.
Finally, the nominees show a balance between tradition and experimentation. The jury selected games that are easy to learn yet avoid feeling like mere rehashes. This balance mirrors the broader challenge of modern design: to create experiences that feel familiar enough to be approachable, but novel enough to be exciting.
The Strength of the Shortlist as a Whole
Every year, the strength of the Spiel des Jahres shortlist lies not just in the individual games but in the way they complement one another. The 2025 nominees cover a spectrum of player experiences: lighthearted fun, thematic immersion, and elegant abstraction. This ensures that the award remains relevant to a wide range of players, no matter their tastes.
It also provides the jury with meaningful choice. Each nominee is strong enough to make a case for victory, but the eventual winner will depend on what the jury feels best represents the award’s mission this year. Do they prioritize sheer accessibility, or do they reward innovation? Do they recognize elegance and timeless design, or highlight a title with thematic appeal?
This uncertainty is part of what makes the award season so engaging. Players can argue endlessly about which nominee deserves to win, and those arguments reflect different values within the gaming community.
The Role of Community Reactions
Predictably, the community’s reaction to the 2025 shortlist was mixed. Many praised the choices, seeing them as strong candidates that will draw new players into the hobby. Others lamented the absence of certain popular titles, claiming the jury overlooked more deserving contenders.
Yet these debates, far from diminishing the award, actually fuel its relevance. The very act of questioning the jury’s decisions proves that people care deeply about the outcome. Whether in online forums, local game nights, or casual family discussions, the nominations provide a shared point of conversation.
For many players, the shortlist serves as a to-do list. Trying each nominee becomes a communal activity, a way of participating in the excitement. Even those who disagree with the choices often take the time to play the games, if only to better understand the discussion.
To predict which game might ultimately win, it is helpful to consider the themes that seem to resonate with the jury this year. Accessibility is always key, but so is innovation. The jury often seeks to reward titles that can stand as ambassadors for the hobby, introducing new players while satisfying experienced ones.
In 2025, the nominees suggest the jury is particularly focused on replayability and presentation. Each game, in its own way, offers experiences that can be returned to again and again, whether through variable setups, thematic immersion, or elegant mechanics. This focus aligns with the growing recognition that modern families want games they can enjoy multiple times without them feeling stale.
Every Spiel des Jahres season comes with excitement about the official nominees, but equally strong is the discussion around the games that did not make the list. For many hobbyists, these overlooked titles — sometimes called “snubs” — fuel as much conversation as the shortlisted games themselves. They represent beloved designs, creative risks, or popular hits that, for one reason or another, were left out of the running.
In 2025, the chatter about overlooked games was particularly intense. The year saw an abundance of strong releases, and many players felt certain titles had strong cases for nomination. Their absence sparked debate not only about individual games but also about what the jury prioritizes, how tastes differ between casual and hobbyist communities, and where the award fits in the wider gaming culture.
Before diving into specific overlooked titles, it is useful to consider why strong contenders sometimes fail to secure nominations. Several factors often play a role:
- Complexity Misfit – A game may be too heavy for the Spiel des Jahres but not quite heavy enough to fit comfortably into the Kennerspiel category. These “middleweight” designs sometimes fall through the cracks.
- Accessibility Issues – Even if a game is brilliant, if it takes too long to teach, has fiddly components, or demands sustained attention, it may miss out. The jury consistently emphasizes games that families can pick up quickly.
- Market Saturation – Occasionally, a design may feel too similar to previous nominees or winners. Even if well-executed, the jury might prefer to highlight fresher ideas.
- Subjective Taste – Ultimately, the jury is made up of individuals with their own preferences. A game that resonates deeply with hobbyists may simply not click for the group making the decisions.
- Timing and Eligibility – Release dates, availability in Germany, and distribution can affect whether a game is even considered. Some international hits might not reach the right market in time.
The Most Talked-About Overlooked Game
Among the games widely expected to earn a nomination in 2025, one title stood out as the most talked-about omission. This game blended accessible rules with eye-catching presentation and had generated significant buzz throughout the year. Its clever mechanisms encouraged cooperation and competition in equal measure, making it a favorite among gaming groups.
Many hobbyists predicted it would not only be nominated but possibly win. Its absence from the shortlist shocked fans and raised questions about whether the jury found it too derivative or simply less innovative than it appeared. For players who adored it, the snub felt baffling; for others, it was a reminder that popularity does not always translate into recognition.
The omission also revealed something about the jury’s criteria. While players often prioritize fun and table presence, the jury looks closely at structure, teachability, and balance. Perhaps this game, despite its broad appeal, had elements that felt less polished than those of the chosen nominees.
Innovative Titles That Missed the Cut
Another category of overlooked games in 2025 were those that pushed boundaries through innovation. Several titles experimented with unique mechanics — blending digital integration, narrative elements, or novel physical components. These designs drew attention from hobbyists eager for new experiences, but the jury often hesitates to reward innovations that risk alienating casual players.
One such game combined app-assisted storytelling with tactile gameplay. It captivated enthusiasts who enjoyed hybrid experiences but may have been deemed too demanding for family audiences. Another innovator introduced a component system unlike anything seen before, but its steep learning curve likely disqualified it from serious consideration.
These omissions illustrate the tension between hobbyist expectations and the award’s mission. While enthusiasts crave experimentation, the Spiel des Jahres focuses on accessibility. Cutting-edge designs often find recognition elsewhere, but rarely on this stage.
Popular Hits Without Jury Love
In 2025, several commercially successful titles also failed to secure nominations. These games sold well, earned glowing reviews online, and filled tables at conventions, yet the jury overlooked them.
One example was a party game that spread rapidly through word of mouth. It offered hilarious interactions, quick rounds, and broad accessibility — on paper, a perfect candidate. However, the jury may have felt it lacked longevity or originality, echoing patterns from past years when party games sometimes struggled to gain traction unless they offered something truly distinctive.
Another popular release was a thematic adventure game that drew players into a rich story world. It had strong production values and immersive scenarios, but its length and complexity likely made it unsuitable for the family-focused Spiel des Jahres category. For many fans, its exclusion was disappointing but understandable.
Kennerspiel-Eligible Games That Fell Short
The conversation about overlooked games was not limited to the main award. Several titles expected to appear on the Kennerspiel shortlist also failed to make the cut. These were mid-to-heavy designs praised by hobbyists for depth and strategy but overlooked by the jury.
One such game offered elegant resource management, with layers of decisions that appealed strongly to experienced players. Many considered it one of the finest designs of the year. However, its steep learning curve and reliance on experienced play groups may have limited its chances.
Another contender introduced a thematic economic system that hobbyists admired for realism and nuance. But realism can sometimes clash with accessibility, and the jury likely felt it leaned too far into simulation to fit the Kennerspiel’s balance of strategy and approachability.
The Role of Cultural and Regional Factors
An underappreciated aspect of the Spiel des Jahres process is its cultural grounding. The award is German, judged by German critics, and geared toward a primarily German audience. This sometimes leads to confusion among international fans when beloved titles go unrecognized.
In 2025, at least two widely praised games were likely ineligible due to distribution issues. While these titles were available in English-speaking markets, they did not have proper German editions at the right time. This can feel frustrating for global audiences but reflects the award’s national focus.
Cultural tastes also play a role. Themes or humor that resonate internationally may not land the same way in Germany, influencing how the jury perceives them. A whimsical theme popular in North America might seem trivial in another context, just as certain styles of art or storytelling may carry different associations.
The overlooked games of 2025 reveal several insights into the jury’s mindset. First, they continue to prioritize clarity and polish above all. Even brilliant ideas can fall flat if rules feel clunky or if gameplay overstays its welcome.
Second, they maintain a cautious approach to innovation. Games that introduce radical mechanics or digital integration may earn admiration but often miss nominations unless they pair novelty with rock-solid accessibility.
Third, the jury shows restraint when it comes to hype. Commercial success and online buzz do not guarantee recognition. Instead, the jury emphasizes its own criteria, often surprising audiences by leaving out fan favorites.
Community Reactions to the Snubs
The reaction to overlooked games in 2025 was vibrant, sometimes heated. Forums, social media groups, and local gaming clubs buzzed with debates. Some players accused the jury of being out of touch with the broader hobby, while others defended the nominations as consistent with the award’s mission.
Interestingly, the discussion itself often gave overlooked games more exposure. Players who might not have heard of them before became curious after seeing the passionate defenses. In this way, being “snubbed” can sometimes be as valuable as being nominated, at least in terms of visibility within the hobbyist community.
The Value of Overlooked Games
While missing a nomination can be disappointing for designers and fans, it does not diminish the quality of the games themselves. Many overlooked titles from past years have gone on to achieve lasting success, sometimes outshining winners in terms of longevity and influence.
For players, the overlooked games of 2025 offer a reminder that the Spiel des Jahres is not the sole measure of quality. It is one lens — an important one, but not definitive. Exploring these titles enriches the hobby, offering diverse experiences that complement the jury’s picks.
The final part of this discussion shifts from the specific games and categories of the 2025 Spiel des Jahres toward the wider cultural and industry implications of the award. While earlier sections examined the nominations, predictions, overlooked entries, and historical context, this concluding piece explores how the award continues to shape the tabletop hobby, the patterns that have emerged over time, and what the future may hold. The Spiel des Jahres is more than just a recognition for individual designers or publishers—it is an institution that influences the entire world of tabletop play.
The Symbolic Weight of the Red and Grey Pawns
The iconic red pawn of the Spiel des Jahres and the grey pawn of the Kennerspiel Des Jahres are far more than aesthetic symbols. They are shorthand for trust, accessibility, and quality in board gaming. To many families and casual players, seeing the red pawn on a box is a direct signifier that this game will provide reliable entertainment without overwhelming rules or barriers to entry. For hobbyists, the grey pawn of the Kennerspiel suggests a deeper experience, one that respects strategic curiosity and rewards thoughtful play.
This duality reflects the award’s most profound strength: its ability to serve as a bridge between audiences. While many awards cater to either hardcore players or commercial markets, the Spiel des Jahres balances both by promoting design excellence while never losing sight of inclusivity. In 2025, the nominees once again demonstrate this balance, even if debates persist about whether the selections represent the very best of the year.
Trends Emerging from Recent Nominations
Looking across the last few years, several notable patterns have become clear, and the 2025 nominations reinforce many of them:
- Elegance over Excess
Games highlighted in recent cycles tend to strip away unnecessary complexity in favor of streamlined experiences. This does not mean they are simplistic; rather, they demonstrate efficiency in rules that allows creativity to emerge from play itself. In 2025, this trend remains evident, suggesting that the committee continues to prioritize elegance over extravagance. - Visual Accessibility and Component Design
The physical look of a game has always been part of its appeal, but in the last decade the role of illustration and layout has become central. Nominees now regularly feature bold colors, clean iconography, and components that invite tactile engagement. By focusing on games that present themselves clearly on the table, the jury acknowledges the psychological impact of first impressions in drawing players into the experience. - Narrative Without Weighty Lore
Another observation is that many recent nominees include light narrative or thematic touches without delving into dense backstories. The goal seems to be immersion without intimidation. This aligns with the broader cultural shift toward games that can be enjoyed across generations and player types without requiring heavy commitment. - Inclusivity of Playgroups
Above all, the chosen titles generally accommodate varied group sizes and player dynamics. Cooperative designs, team-based systems, and scalable rule sets continue to appear, reflecting the importance of inclusivity in today’s tabletop world.
Why the Spiel des Jahres Still Matters
Some critics argue that the Spiel des Jahres has lost relevance in the 2020s. They point out that the global hobbyist community now thrives independently, with media coverage, award systems in other countries, and an online presence that spreads information more rapidly than in past decades. However, the Spiel des Jahres retains three unique powers that make it influential even in a digital, globalized environment:
- Mainstream Reach
For casual buyers browsing a store shelf, the red pawn remains one of the few recognizable symbols of quality assurance. Many families continue to discover board gaming through these winners, ensuring that the pipeline of new players remains strong. - Economic Ripple Effects
Sales spikes following nominations and victories remain staggering. Even if publishers cannot count on award recognition, the possibility motivates them to submit designs that prioritize clarity, accessibility, and elegance—qualities that benefit the entire market. - Cultural Preservation
In an age when digital entertainment dominates, the Spiel des Jahres continues to champion the social, tactile, and face-to-face nature of gaming. Its selections remind both Germany and the world that gathering around a table remains a vital human activity.
The Role of Debate and Criticism
The fact that so many debates arise each year about overlooked titles or controversial inclusions is itself a sign of the award’s ongoing vitality. The discussions fostered by the Spiel des Jahres nominations generate passion, community engagement, and critical thought about design philosophy. Every time a player says, “That game should have been included,” they are expressing an investment in the values of the award and, by extension, the state of the hobby.
This dialogue keeps the award from becoming stagnant. Even if one disagrees with the jury’s choices, the annual cycle of announcement, debate, and eventual winner ensures that the board gaming world pauses collectively to reflect on design quality and innovation. Few other traditions create such consistent and unified global attention.
The Future of Spiel des Jahres
Looking ahead, several challenges and opportunities await the award:
- Balancing Complexity with Accessibility
As hobbyist titles grow more intricate while family audiences seek ever-simpler introductions, the gap between potential nominees in the red pawn and grey pawn categories may widen. The jury must carefully navigate this divide to ensure that each category remains distinct but not disconnected. - Globalization of the Hobby
With publishers and designers emerging from all regions of the world, the award must continue to balance its German roots with international recognition. This could mean greater collaboration with partners worldwide while still preserving its local cultural identity. - Environmental and Production Considerations
As sustainability becomes increasingly important, the jury may eventually consider not just gameplay but also the physical footprint of production. Games that combine excellent design with eco-conscious publishing might gain additional recognition in the future. - Digital Integration Without Losing Soul
The rise of hybrid games that blend digital applications with physical components poses both a challenge and an opportunity. The Spiel des Jahres may one day confront questions about whether such titles fit within its framework. The emphasis will likely remain on face-to-face play, but subtle digital elements may become impossible to ignore. - The 2025 nominations, while continuing tradition, also arrive at a moment of broader cultural change. The pandemic years pushed many groups into digital spaces, and now there is a collective hunger for reconnection around the table. The Spiel des Jahres serves as both a compass and a celebration in this climate. It reminds the community that, despite all external changes, the essence of tabletop play—human connection, shared creativity, and joyful competition—remains timeless.
This year’s list may not satisfy every critic, and some deserving titles may once again find themselves excluded, but the larger narrative persists. The award functions as a living conversation between designers, players, and cultural institutions about what games mean to society.
Final Thoughts
The Spiel des Jahres has always been more than an award. It is a mirror reflecting how board gaming evolves, which qualities are celebrated, and how the hobby balances accessibility with innovation. The 2025 nominations highlight once again the jury’s ongoing emphasis on approachable rules, elegant design, and experiences that bring people together.
Not everyone will agree with the chosen titles, and some omissions inevitably spark frustration or disappointment. Yet, these debates are part of what makes the award so valuable—it encourages conversation about what matters in tabletop design and reminds us that games are a cultural medium, not just a pastime. The Spiel des Jahres shapes the market, but perhaps more importantly, it shapes the way players, families, and designers think about play.
Looking at 2025, it feels clear that the award is standing at an intersection. On one path lies tradition: familiar categories, emphasis on family-friendly design, and careful curation. On the other lies change: growing international diversity, increasing sustainability concerns, and the slow but steady influence of digital integration. The red and grey pawns must continue to balance these forces if they wish to remain relevant, respected, and inspiring.