In October of each year, the city of Essen, Germany, hosts Internationale Spieltage SPIEL, arguably the most prestigious board game trade fair. The Messe Essen convention center turns into a funhouse packed with game demos, sales tables, and board game geeks. The fair inspires awe and anticipation, as publishers release their latest games and savvy shoppers sift through rare classics.

Essen’s board game fair has captivated gamers from all over the world, even inspiring its own board games. The sixth issue of spielbox magazine for 2015 includes a review of the two Essen-themed games released in 2014, including one by LudiCreations. Both games feature SPIEL, but each game focuses on a very different aspect of the crazy experience.

The LudiCreations game, ESSEN, by Harry-Pekka Kuusela, places players in the role of game exhibitor, attempting to woo customers and sell games at a floor booth. The game features cute pixel graphics with individual player boards to represent each exhibition area. Each turn, players select an action to promote their games and increase sales at their booth. They can buy ads, generate buzz on the show floor, or even poach customers from their competitors! The player with the best sales and competitive bonuses will win the game. If you want to join in on the fun, you can find ESSEN in the online store or at your friendly local game store.

Check out the 2015/6 issue of spielbox magazine to read the review!