We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more Challengers!, the original design of Johannes Krenner and Markus Slawitscheck, illustrated by Jeff Harvey, has become the Game of the Year in Italy for 2023. The title was judged by a panel of seven experts who reviewed the shortlisted contenders and awarded the accolade to the Z-Man and 1st Time Games title.
Celebrating Challengers! Social and Easy Gameplay
The jury was coordinated by Lucca Crea, distinguishing Challengers! for its unique gameplay, cross-generational pull, and easy-to-learn rules. The fact that the game has a cross-generational pull is particularly important for most awards, and Challengers has performed well in this year’s various award ceremonies, standing out as one of the most nominated games altogether.
This comes on top of the game’s distinction at As d’ Or – Jeu de L’ l’Année Initié and the game’s nomination as part of the Golden Geek Awards. It similarly snagged the Kennerspiel des Jahres distinction, adding to its list of trophies.
In Challengers!, players build powerful decks and play in rounds with each opponent going against one another through a succession of rounds. The game features a unique and near-inexhaustible variety of plays.
Challengers! also requires players to change their opponents every round, encouraging players to be social. The game can accommodate anything between 1 and 8 players and requires players to capture a flag and hold onto it in order to win the tournament format in which the gameplay is set.
Challengers! Also triumphed at the Italian Game of the Year Awards, beating a list of excellent titles, including Heat: Pedal to the Metal, Tranquility, Akropolis, and others. Challengers! Recently got a standalone expansion with Challengers! Beach Cup in 2023.
Krenner is also known for his work on Noobs in Space, Age of Dirt: A Game of Uncivilization, and Junta: Las Cartas. Slawitscheck has worked with his colleague on Noobs in Space, but he has also released games such as Starlink and Hot & Cold.