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Model License Agreement: Fair Conditions for Game Authors!
The board of SAZ has decided to make its new model License Agreement for games available not only to SAZ members, but to all interested game authors/designers and publishers. In this way, we want to help ensure that fair conditions for game authors are enforced as widely as possible.
Read more … Model License Agreement: Fair Conditions for Game Authors!
Zenobia Award
Historical board games are enjoyed by people from all walks of life, but their designers are predominately white men. The Zenobia Award hopes to change this by encouraging game submissions by people from disadvantaged social groups.
German Bundestag: Motion to improve remuneration framework for game authors
For years, the Spiele-Autoren-Zunft (SAZ) has been working to have analog games included in the collection catalog of the German National Library. Today, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) group in the German Bundestag has submitted a motion to this theme.
Read more … German Bundestag: Motion to improve remuneration framework for game authors
Social project " Games Café of Generations" awarded by German Chancellor Merkel
"A wonderful initiative", with these words Chancellor Angela Merkel praised the " Games Café of Generations" in Bavaria. It received the special prize in the nationwide Startsocial Competition to strenghten voluntary commitment in Germany.
Read more … Social project " Games Café of Generations" awarded by German Chancellor Merkel
SPIEL.digital – the expectations are high!
Instead of the physical trade fair SPIEL in Essen, which we all miss, the eagerly awaited experiment with SPIEL.digital will start from 22 to 25 October 2020 with more than 400 exhibitors from all over the world presenting themselves in 17 theme worlds.
Youtube | Who invented UNO?
The game inventor Tim Walsh explaines in this video the roots of UNO, which was sold estimated 150 million copies. Cincinnati Barber Merle Robbins and his son Ray designed 1971 one of the most popular games in the world, and gave people so much fun.
Open letter from the Illustrators Organization to Pegasus | UPDATE
The Illustrators Organization (IO) in Germany has sent an open letter to Pegasus Spiele about the announced "Pegasus Illustrator Day". In this letter the request for free services is criticized. The Game Designer Association (SAZ) considers this criticism to be justified, ...
Read more … Open letter from the Illustrators Organization to Pegasus | UPDATE
Publisher Profiles: New SAZ service for game publishers and game designers
The Game Designers Association (SAZ) has launched a new service on its website with the section "Publisher Profiles". Game publishers can introduce themselves there in short form with their focal points and search fields for new games and give contact information.
Read more … Publisher Profiles: New SAZ service for game publishers and game designers
Change in the management of SAZ
As the new manager of Spiele-Autoren-Zunft e.V., Hans-Peter Stoll (46) will take over a large part of the responsibilities of Christian Beiersdorf (71) as of August 1, 2020. However, Christian Beiersdorf will continue to work as a consultant for copyright issues and public affairs in the management.
Game of the Year in Germany: Three winners
The Jury "Spiel des Jahres" announced today the winners for the Spiel des Jahres (PICTURES) and of the Kennerspiel des Jahres (THE CREW).
House of Games – promotes the international games network in Nuremberg
The Spielwarenmesse® published on its website a summary of the activities surrounding the planned House of Games as an essential part of Nuremberg's application to become European Capital of Culture in 2025. The German Games Archive Nuremberg remains a central element.
Read more … House of Games – promotes the international games network in Nuremberg
Game Designers Convention in Göttingen cancelled
Unfortunately, in accordance with the City of Göttingen, we are forced to cancel the event due to the Corona pandemic and the foreseeable regulations for protection against new infections.
Read more … Game Designers Convention in Göttingen cancelled
Educators Day at SPIEL'19 - all videos are online
Experts and scientists from all over the world discussed board games as drivers of change in education and society; the possible potential of games to become a core medium for both informal and formal educational contexts; and studies showing that board games make people more intelligent.
Read more … Educators Day at SPIEL'19 - all videos are online
Gamers Alliance | A tribute to Sid Sackson
In this special tribute issue, we honor the person who is the greatest American game designer in terms of both quantity AND quality – a combination impossible to beat: Sid Sackson. The World of Games has lost a true titan. Judging from the reactions around the globe, gamers around the world know this all too well and he is greatly missed.
Premio Archimede 2020 > 2021
The competition PREMIO ARCHIMEDE 2020 is announced by studiogiochi in Venice and it concerns the creation of new, original boardgames. In the past, it has helped more than 40 authors in making the dream of having their game published comes true. Participation is open to singles or groups, with no age or residence restrictions.
SAZ boad re-elected | Game Designers Convention very successful
At the general meeting on the eve of the Game Designers Convention in Göttingen, the previous board of SAZ was re-elected. With approx. 350 participants – including approx. 170 Game Authors and 80 publishing house representatives – the Game Designers Convention in the new location LOKHALLE was a complete success.
Read more … SAZ boad re-elected | Game Designers Convention very successful
Election check point of SAZ for the European elections
In Germany, the Game Designers Association (SAZ) has asked the Germany parties CDU/CSU, SPD, B'90/DIE GRÜNEN, FDP and DIE LINKE to comment on the demand to tax ALL cultural assets and artistic services uniformly at the reduced VAT rate. Most of the responses we received were positive.
Read more … Election check point of SAZ for the European elections
Spellenmaakgilde | Interview with Christian Beiersdorf
The Dutch website spellenmaakgilde.net published an interview with the manager of SAZ, Christian Beiersdorf – introducing himself and the Game Designers Association to the audience in the Netherlands.
Read more … Spellenmaakgilde | Interview with Christian Beiersdorf
Here are the winners of the Hippodice Competion
The winners of the Hippodice game author competition 2019 have now been announced. The Lithuanian game author Andrejus Avchimovičius convinced with his game "Time Strategy" and got the 1st prize. Antoine Noblet won the 2nd prize for "Streets of Chicago", Amir Salamati the 3rd prize for "Fly or not?
The Hanabi Challenge: A New Frontier for AI Research
In the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deepmind is a leading research and development laboratory belonging to Google. The researchers chose the card game Hanabi as the ideal game to consider how to incorporate the 'Theory of Mind' into Intelligent Agents.
Read more … The Hanabi Challenge: A New Frontier for AI Research
Kickstarter | Documentary "The Game Designers"
Board games are becoming more and more popular. But who makes all the games that drive this industry? And how are all these games designed, developed and finally presented to the public? You'll find the answer in "The Game Designers" – the (nearly finished) documentary that focuses on game authors!
Report of the IDEAG 2019 convention in Italy
The Italian meeting of the game designers reach new records of participation. About 200 authors were present at the 15th edition of the Italian game designer meeting the 12th and 13th of January at the Hotel San Marco in Ponte Taro, in the province of Parma. During the event, 400 new prototypes were presented and tested.
SAZ welcomes its 500th member
At the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, the Game Designers Association welcomed its 500th member, a game author from Berlin. This growth is not limited to the German-speaking countries but takes place internationally. This speaks for our successful work as a consistent representation of our interests.
KITGURU | CD Projekt Red reportedly settles lawsuit with Witcher author
The rights and conditions for various forms of digital exploitation are becoming increasingly important. This is also shown by a lawsuit by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, whose books were used as the basis for digital games. After a long dispute, a settlement was reached.
Read more … KITGURU | CD Projekt Red reportedly settles lawsuit with Witcher author
Follow Plagiarism Consistently!
Uwe Rosenberg's "Bohnanza" - in Amigo's program - was recently plagiarized several times and was offered in a modified design on Kickstarter. Amigo proved this in detail and criticized it in a press release. There was nothing to be heard of legal steps such as a warning.
Playing for Tolerance
Some members of the Spiel des Jahres jury have launched the initiative "Spielend für Toleranz" (Playing for Tolerance), which has since been joined by many game bloggers and game websites. The Game Designers Association (SAZ) supports this campaign ...
German Game of the Year 2018: The Four Winners
The German Spiel des Jahres jury announced its decisions for the Spiel des Jahres and the Kennerspiel des Jahres in Berlin. Game of the Year is AZUL
Unlicensed version of TwixT planned
Recently, a campaign was launched on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter for a new edition of Alex Randolph's classic TwixT, which has since been cancelled after repeated criticism on the platform. However, the initiator Wayne Dolezal of Lil' Cerebral Games still wants to publish the game in the USA.
Cultural associations: Yes to the modernisation of EU copyright law! – update
More than 70 German associations of the cultural and creative economy – including the Game Designers Association (SAZ) – are appealing to MEPs to support the Legal Committee's recommendations for resolutions on the planned EU Copyright Directive.
Read more … Cultural associations: Yes to the modernisation of EU copyright law! – update
Göttinger Game Designers Convention – another success!
The 37th Game Designers Convention, organized by the SAZ and the City of Göttingen, ended on Sunday, June 3 with a positive result.
Read more … Göttinger Game Designers Convention – another success!
Jury Game of the Year: The Nominated Games of 2018
The Jury Game of the Year has announced the nominated games for its three prize categories as well as the games on the recommendation lists. There is also a special price.
Read more … Jury Game of the Year: The Nominated Games of 2018
Success: Reiner Knizia and Karsten Adlung reach a settlement
The subject matter is the game NEXTPRESS, for which Karsten Adlung was also responsible as author and referred explicitly to EXPRESS by Reiner Knizia. This game has been in the program of Adlung before.
Read more … Success: Reiner Knizia and Karsten Adlung reach a settlement
Game Designers Convention in Goettingen 2018: over 300 registrations already – UPDATE
More than 300 participants have already registered for the Game Designers Convention on June 2 and 3 in Göttingen. This event is a perfect platform where game designers can present their prototypes to representatives of more than 26 game publishers and agencies. The event is fully booked in the meantime, the registration closed.
Read more … Game Designers Convention in Goettingen 2018: over 300 registrations already – UPDATE
SAZ recommends: Check current License Statements thoroughly!
Currently, the publishers send the license statements for the last billing period, mostly for the second half of 2017. Despite all the joy of the upcoming payments, we recommend from actual experience to check these statements very closely.
Read more … SAZ recommends: Check current License Statements thoroughly!
Spielwarenmesse Nuremberg: Game authors and illustrators ask online shops to indicate their names
At this year's Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, the SAZ and the IO appeared for the first time as partners with the Spielwarenmesse in the GamesCafé and informed about their organisations and their interests in the toy industry. The focus was on the often missing mention of authors in the online trade.
Hollywood REPORTER | German Court Increases Compensation for Cameraman of 'Das Boot'
The so-called "bestseller paragraph" (§ 32a German law of IP) provides for the subsequent participation of an author if the original remuneration is in a "conspicuous disproportion" to the income. On the basis of this law, the cameraman has now been awarded an appropriate remuneration.
Read more … Hollywood REPORTER | German Court Increases Compensation for Cameraman of 'Das Boot'
Italian SAZ group founded
In Italy, a national group of the Game Designers Association (SAZ) was founded in October. This is the first regional group outside of Germany and gives a strong signal for a better international presence of the advocacy group of game author.
SAZ calls for a VAT taxation of games equal to that of other cultural goods
For this demand, SAZ and German game publishers have submitted an application in the section Socio-Culture and Cultural Education in the German Cultural Council. Games are a valuable cultural asset and have a high social significance. Facilitated access is worthy of promotion.
Read more … SAZ calls for a VAT taxation of games equal to that of other cultural goods
NYTIMES | Hasbro Said to Make Bid for Toy Rival Mattel
A spectacular takeover is underway in the toy industry. Rumors are being celebrated on the stock exchange. However, what this will mean for the market and the future supply of analogue games in a merged group will only become apparent later on.
Read more … NYTIMES | Hasbro Said to Make Bid for Toy Rival Mattel
SAZ asked German parties before the Bundestag election
At the gamescom 2017 in Cologne, the representatives of five parties expressed their support for the promotion of the digital game culture. We now confronted CDU, SPD, DIE LINKE, B'90/DIE GRÜNEN and FDP with our demands for the promotion of the analogous game culture.
Read more … SAZ asked German parties before the Bundestag election
Kingdomino and Exit victorious at Game of the Year
Kingdomino by Bruno Cathala (Pegasus Games) was voted "Game of the Year". EXIT by Inka and Markus Brand (Kosmos) received the award "Kennerspiel of the Year".
Read more … Kingdomino and Exit victorious at Game of the Year
Wolfgang Kramer is 75 and Honorary Member of the SAZ
The famous game author Wolfgang Kramer is celebrating today, June 29, 2017, his 75th birthday. The SAZ congratulates him cordially and honors him by awarding the honorary membership.
Read more … Wolfgang Kramer is 75 and Honorary Member of the SAZ
New Executive Board elected in Göttingen
At this year’s General Meeting in Göttingen on the 9th of June, the SAZ elected a new three-man Executive Board: Hartmut Kommerell as chairman, Stefan Kloß as deputy chairman and Markus Hagenauer as treasurer.
Record participation at the Game Designers Convention in Göttingen
The 36th Game Designers Convention in Göttingen on the 10th and 11th of June 2017 can announce a participation record with more than 300 registrations this year.
Read more … Record participation at the Game Designers Convention in Göttingen
The Nominated 2017 by the Jury Spiel des Jahres
The German Jury Spiel des Jahres announced their three nomination lists for 2017 and – in additon – for each category a recomendation list with further games.
NEXTPRESS by Karsten Adlung under Accusation of Plagiarism
After the termination of the contract to Reiner Knizia EXPRESS, Adlung Games launched in autumn 2016 NEXT PRESS with the author stating "Karsten Adlung" – promoted by the publisher expressly as a further development and as "The new EXPRESS".
Read more … NEXTPRESS by Karsten Adlung under Accusation of Plagiarism
New website of SAZ online
With the complete redesign, an optimized structure and additional service offerings ... be curious!
Premio Archimede 2018
The PREMIO ARCHIMEDE 2018, organized by studiogiochi in Venice (Italy), is a competition for unpublished board games. Further, some special prizes will also be awarded. The entry fee is May 31st, 2018.
Title Dispute: INGENIOUS is followed by AXIO
World renowned game designer Dr. Reiner Knizia informed us that he will continue the family of games known by titles such as EINFACH GENIAL or INGENIOUS, under the new brand name AXIO. This is motivated by a legal dispute with Sophisticated Games in England.
Hajo Bücken died after a short illness
The Game Designers Association (SAZ) lost its founding member and first chairman of the board (1991–1993). The games designer and book author Hajo Bücken died on 30th December 2016 in Berlin at the age of 72.
25 years of Spiele-Autoren-Zunft: 25 years of successful representation of interests
Read more … 25 years of Spiele-Autoren-Zunft: 25 years of successful representation of interests
SAZ Statement on the Competition "Who's got game?" of marblesthebrainstore.com
Read more … SAZ Statement on the Competition "Who's got game?" of marblesthebrainstore.com
Marco Teubner wins Children's Game of the Year with "Stone Age Junior"
Read more … Marco Teubner wins Children's Game of the Year with "Stone Age Junior"
Tax Law: Success of SAZ for Italian Game Designers
Read more … Tax Law: Success of SAZ for Italian Game Designers
New benefit for SAZ members: 10% discount at www.spielmaterial.de
Read more … New benefit for SAZ members: 10% discount at www.spielmaterial.de
WIN Essen Special: 1138 games by 929 designers, published by 448 companies
Read more … WIN Essen Special: 1138 games by 929 designers, published by 448 companies
Update of Copyright Laws in Austria, The Netherlands and Portugal
Read more … Update of Copyright Laws in Austria, The Netherlands and Portugal
Christian Beiersdorf appointed as Managing Director of Spiele-Autoren-Zunft
Read more … Christian Beiersdorf appointed as Managing Director of Spiele-Autoren-Zunft
The Authors Guild: Half of Net Proceeds Is the Fair Royalty Rate for E-Books
Read more … The Authors Guild: Half of Net Proceeds Is the Fair Royalty Rate for E-Books
SAZ game designers had a very successful year 2014: 100 awards
Read more … SAZ game designers had a very successful year 2014: 100 awards
Reiner Knizia successfully against plagiarism by Lufthansa
Read more … Reiner Knizia successfully against plagiarism by Lufthansa
SAZ closes Authors Petition with 4,712 Signatures
Read more … SAZ closes Authors Petition with 4,712 Signatures
Toy News: Digital kids – Conventional games remain important
Read more … Toy News: Digital kids – Conventional games remain important
Aaron Haag new contact for public relations of the SAZ
Read more … Aaron Haag new contact for public relations of the SAZ
Polygon: Cardboard empires – How digital is supporting, not killing board games
Read more … Polygon: Cardboard empires – How digital is supporting, not killing board games
Is worrying: KOSMOS advertising for Andor without naming the author
Read more … Is worrying: KOSMOS advertising for Andor without naming the author
Game Designers Association (SAZ) and Ravensburger Agree on Author's Contract
Read more … Game Designers Association (SAZ) and Ravensburger Agree on Author's Contract
Game Designers Apply Pressure with New Proclamation / New Board
Read more … Game Designers Apply Pressure with New Proclamation / New Board
Accept Game Designers as Originators! Open letter to the FACHGRUPPE SPIEL
Read more … Accept Game Designers as Originators! Open letter to the FACHGRUPPE SPIEL
TOG Book Review: Game Design – How to Create Video and Tabletop Games, Start to Finish
Read more … TOG Book Review: Game Design – How to Create Video and Tabletop Games, Start to Finish
WIN: Interview with Marcel-André Casasola Merkle
Read more … WIN: Interview with Marcel-André Casasola Merkle
Pegasus does not accept new game concepts currently
Read more … Pegasus does not accept new game concepts currently
Lucca Comics & Games: Finalists of The Best Unpublished Game 2012 Award
Read more … Lucca Comics & Games: Finalists of The Best Unpublished Game 2012 Award
Game Designers Call for More Fair Play in Contracts
Read more … Game Designers Call for More Fair Play in Contracts
Nederlandse Spellenprijs for LANCASTER by Matthias Cramer
Read more … Nederlandse Spellenprijs for LANCASTER by Matthias Cramer
Schnappt Hubi! by Steffen Bogen ist Children's Game of the Year
Read more … Schnappt Hubi! by Steffen Bogen ist Children's Game of the Year
General Assembly of the SAZ: Trend-setting decisions
Read more … General Assembly of the SAZ: Trend-setting decisions
Hippodice Game Designer Competition 2012: The winners
Read more … Hippodice Game Designer Competition 2012: The winners
2011: Again a successful year for game designers of the SAZ / update-8
Read more … 2011: Again a successful year for game designers of the SAZ / update-8
Global Toy News: Essen ist to Games what New york is to Toys
Read more … Global Toy News: Essen ist to Games what New york is to Toys
The Game Box - Legal Requirements for Game Packaging
Read more … The Game Box - Legal Requirements for Game Packaging
International Gamers Award 2011: Winners and Nominees
Read more … International Gamers Award 2011: Winners and Nominees
Bruce Whtehill: What is legally required on a game box
Read more … Bruce Whtehill: What is legally required on a game box
Deutscher Spielepreis (German Games Award) 2011: The Winners
Read more … Deutscher Spielepreis (German Games Award) 2011: The Winners
New executive board at Game Designer Association (SAZ)
On June 3, 2011, the eve of the Game Designer Meeting in Göttingen, the Game Designer Association (SAZ) held it‘s general meeting. At the regular end of the term, a new executive board was elected: As new members join Harald Mücke, as 1. Chairman and Dr. Michael Feldkötter as 2. Chairman. Christian Beiersdorf was reelected as treasurer.
Read more … New executive board at Game Designer Association (SAZ)
Jury Game of the Year: The nominated and recomandated games 2011
Read more … Jury Game of the Year: The nominated and recomandated games 2011
Global Toy News: What Cooperative Board Games can Teach our Children
Read more … Global Toy News: What Cooperative Board Games can Teach our Children
Hippodice Game Designer Award: The decisions for 2011
Read more … Hippodice Game Designer Award: The decisions for 2011
BGG: Josh's PRESTIGE Rating - Favorite Designers 2011
Read more … BGG: Josh's PRESTIGE Rating - Favorite Designers 2011
Sonnemann: Better to cheat than to be a spoilsport
Read more … Sonnemann: Better to cheat than to be a spoilsport
Pegasus and White Castle finish their cooperation
Read more … Pegasus and White Castle finish their cooperation
Games in the Classroom: Usueful hints in three parts
Read more … Games in the Classroom: Usueful hints in three parts
ChiTAG Young Inventor Challenge Winners - Creative Kids!
Read more … ChiTAG Young Inventor Challenge Winners - Creative Kids!
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