Each year, Boardgames Australia makes three awards: Best International Game, Best Australian Game and Best Children's Game.

The Awards are judged by three expert panels made up of members of the Boardgames Australia committee and other board game players drafted for their particular expertise and interest.

Best International Game

Awarded to the best new game available on the Australian market that is suitable for families.

In selecting a winner, the judges will look for a game that:

1. has rules that are clear and not overly complex

2. maintains the interest of players throughout the game

3. provides the opportunity to make interesting decisions or to do clever and imaginative things

4. can be replayed many times with enjoyment

5. rewards skill but has sufficient luck, or a handicapping system, to allow any family member a chance of winning

6. has sturdy and attractive components

7. represents good value for money

8. is different from other games

9. has a manageable playing time (ideally under 90 minutes)

10. scales well with different numbers of players (ideally for 2 to 6 players)

TOP

Best Australian Game

Best Australian Game is awarded to the best new game with Australian creative content.

Eligibility for the Best Australian Game award:

Games are eligible to be considered for the Best Australian Game award if they meet the general eligibility criteria, and have creative content from designers, developers or illustrators generated by an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

In selecting a winner, the judges will look for a game that:

1. has rules that are clear and not overly complex

2. maintains the interest of players throughout the game

3. provides the opportunity to make interesting decisions or to do clever and imaginative things

4. can be replayed many times with enjoyment

5. rewards skill but has sufficient luck, or a handicapping system, to allow any family member a chance of winning

6. has sturdy and attractive components

7. represents good value for money

8. is different from other games

9. has a manageable playing time (ideally under 90 minutes)

10. scales well with different numbers of players (ideally for 2 to 6 players)

TOP

Best Children's Game

Best Children's Game is awarded to the best new game that is designed to be enjoyed by children under the age of 8 (and their families).

In selecting a winner, the judges will look for a game that:

1. has rules that are clear and simple

2. allows players to feel they have done clever or exciting things during the game

3. can be replayed many times with enjoyment

4. encourages interaction, especially co-operation, with the other players

5. is designed so that players of all ages can enjoy spending time together

6. has sturdy and attractive components

7. represents good value for money

8. is different from other games

9. has a manageable playing time that is appropriate to the age of the players

10. scales well with different numbers of players (ideally for 2 to 6 players)

Games are eligible for consideration if they have become available from retailers in at least two Australian capital cities (or by mail order / online from an Australian retailer) in the calendar year before the award. The game must be a stand-alone game that does not require purchase of another (base) game to play.