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The 35th Hippodice Game Design Competition has started
The 35th Hippodice Game Design Competition has started. Unpublished prototypes can be submitted until October 13, 2024. The first phase of the competition involves submitting digital game descriptions and rules via an online application form.
More information at: Hippodice Game Design Competition
Read more … The 35th Hippodice Game Design Competition has started
German withholding tax: Foreign authors despair
Foreign authors must apply to the German Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) for an exemption so that the German publisher is not forced to reduce the royalty payment by 15% withholding tax for licenses. In a press release, SAZ criticises the bureaucracy at the BZSt as well as the practice of many publishers and makes suggestions for simplifying the system.
Registration for the International Game Inventors' Fair
Registration for the International Game Inventors' Fair on 31.01.2025 is currently already possible. All further information can be found on the Spielwarenmesse website.
Read more … Registration for the International Game Inventors' Fair
Game of the Year 2024: Award Winners
The "Spiel des Jahres 2024" is Sky Team by Luc Rémond (Kosmos / Scorpion Masqué), and e-Mission by Matt Leacock and Matteo Menapace (Schmidt) was chosen as the "Kennerspiel des Jahres 2024". The "Kinderspiel des Jahres 2024" award went to Der magische Schlüssel by Markus Slawitscheck and Arno Steinwender (Game Factory / Happy Baobab).
Game of the Year Jury: The nominated games 2024
The Jury "Spiel des Jahres e.V." association announced this year's nominations and recommendation lists on June 11, 2024. Three games each were nominated for "Spiel des Jahres 2024", "Kinderspiel des Jahres 2024" and "Kennerspiel des Jahres 2024".
Quantum computers explained in a board game
An exciting research project is being launched under the leadership of TU Braunschweig in Germany. With public funding, the "QUANTista" project team is developing a board game about quantum technologies to familiarise a wide audience with them.
TTGDA launched : More power for game authors now also in North America
The Tabletop Game Designers Association (TTGDA) has completed its founding preparations and is now launching as an interest group for game authors in North America. We wish our friends every success.
Read more … TTGDA launched : More power for game authors now also in North America
Game Designers Convention in Goettingen 2024
The 42nd Game Designers Convention will take place in Goettingen on June 1st and 2nd, 2024. Detailed information about the event and the online registration form can be found under this direct link or under EVENTS on this website.
License fees for game authors: Fairness and transparency instead of a black box!
The Game Designers Association (SAZ) presents a position paper that analyses the non-transparent and questionable practice of a whole range of game publishers when calculating royalties and outlines alternatives. Of course, we are pleased to discuss alternative, fair and transparent calculation bases.
Read more … License fees for game authors: Fairness and transparency instead of a black box!
Becoming capable of democracy through board games
Much has already been written about the diverse ways in which analog games promote cognitive and social skills. One aspect has so far been neglected and is currently highly topical: promoting an understanding of democratic principles and their application. An article in Politik & Kultur goes into this in detail.
Read more … Becoming capable of democracy through board games
We mourn the loss of Bernward Thole
Our honorary member Bernward Thole passed away peacefully on December 18. He was a founding member of the Spiel des Jahres jury in 1978, spokesperson until 1994 and later Honorary Chairman, founder of the German Games Archive in Marburg and a tireless campaigner for games as a cultural asset.
euronews | Meet Reiner Knizia: The man who’s designed over 700 board games
Reiner Knizia is like royalty in the board game community. With more than 700 published games, spanning a 25-year career, he is one of, if not the most prolific board game designer in the world. Euronews presents him in an article and a video.
Read more … euronews | Meet Reiner Knizia: The man who’s designed over 700 board games
TTGDA launches - Representation of interests for game authors now also in North America
In North America, some game authors are preparing to found the TABLE TOP GAME DESIGNER ASSOCIATION (TTGDA). We are pleased that a strong advocacy group for game authors in the USA, Canada and Mexico is now being formed.
Read more … TTGDA launches - Representation of interests for game authors now also in North America
Looking over the fence: Who receives what from a book?
The German Kurt Wolff Foundation has published an illustrative overview of the book industry, which uses an exemplary literary title to show how the costs and revenues of a book are shared.
Read more … Looking over the fence: Who receives what from a book?
SAZ at the SPIEL 23
From 05. to 08. October the biggest fair for board games will take place in Essen again and the Game Desingers Association will be present as well. We are looking forward to meeting you at our booth in hall 4, F113.
Also feel free to stop by at the Spielwiesn from November 3rd to 5th in Augsburg.
40 Years German Artists' Social Insurance (Künstlersozialversicherung)
At a ceremony in Berlin on August 31, 2023, the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Artists' Social Insurance was celebrated. As the German government pointed out, the Artists' Social Insurance is a unique social and cultural policy achievement in Europe. Freelance game authors also benefit from this.
Read more … 40 Years German Artists' Social Insurance (Künstlersozialversicherung)
Game of the Year 2023: Award Winners
The "Game of the Year 2023" is Dorfromantik by Lukas Zach and Michael Palm (Pegasus Spiele), and Challangers! by Johannes Krenner and Markus Slawitscheck (Z-Man Games) was chosen as the "Connoisseur-gamer Game of the Year 2023". The "Children's Game of the Year 2023" award went to Mysterium Kids by Antonin Boccara and Yves Hirschfeld (Asmodee).
New SAZ chapter in the Netherlands founded
The Game Designers Association (SAZ) is pleased to announce the founding of SAZ Nederland, its second foreign group after SAZ Italia (2017). This was the logical consequence after the membership in the Netherlands had developed positively in the last years.
Review Game Designers Convention in Göttingen 2023
On June 03/04, 2023, the 41st Game Designers Convention took place in Göttingen. More than 350 people came to the Lokhalle, prototypes were presented at 180 tables and reviewed by more than 80 publisher representatives.
Read more … Review Game Designers Convention in Göttingen 2023
New SAZ board elected
At its general assembly in Göttingen on June 2nd, the SAZ elected a new board: Hartmut Kommerell as Chairman, and Markus Hagenauer and Rita Modl as Vice Chairmen.
Game of the Year Jury: The nominated games 2023
The Jury "Spiel des Jahres e.V." association announced this year's nominations and recommendation lists on May 22, 2023. Three games each were nominated for "Spiel des Jahres 2023", "Kinderspiel des Jahres 2023" and "Kennerspiel des Jahres 2023".
Video documentary | Alex Randolph – Director of Games
Filmmaker Luca Bitonte and game expert Andrea Angiolino dedicated this documentary to game designer Alexander Randolph on the occasion of his 100th birthday in 2022, based on interviews with game authors, illustrators, publishers and experts who met and collaborated with Randolph.
Read more … Video documentary | Alex Randolph – Director of Games
German Authors’ Rights Initiative: Call for protection against generative AI
The Initiative Urheberrecht (Authors’ Rights Initiative) represents over 40 associations and trade unions in Germany. It warns against AI-generated products that directly intervene in social life and calls for clear and fast regulation in the planned European AI Act.
Read more … German Authors’ Rights Initiative: Call for protection against generative AI
SAZ Italia: IDEAG 2023 was a success!
Over 300 people were present at the event. IDEAG celebrated with great success the 18th national meeting organized by SAZ Italia that took place on 1st and 2nd April in Parma. The 75 tables were intensively used by the more than 160 registered authors and the 22 present publishers.
We mourn the loss of our founding member Klaus Teuber
Klaus Teuber was one of the most important German game designers. Four times he received the coveted prize Spiel des Jahres. With the game Catan, he created an entire world, which became one of the most successful export hits of "German Games" worldwide. Klaus Teuber died on April 1, 2023 after a short, serious illness.
Read more … We mourn the loss of our founding member Klaus Teuber
Creative associations take position on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Leading German creative associations have expressed their concerns about the current development of AI systems in a first position paper, emphasizing the value of human creativity and making a number of demands for regulation.
Read more … Creative associations take position on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Unfinished Business: A Plagiarism and that with Full Intention | UPDATE
A group around the German blogger and YouTuber Stefan Gust (Digger) has announced a game with the title "Unfinished Business" as a crowdfunding project, which not only according to our opinion, but also according to that of many online commentators, is to be considered a plagiarism of the game BIG DEAL by Brent & Jeffrey Beck. Now Brent Beck himself comments.
Read more … Unfinished Business: A Plagiarism and that with Full Intention | UPDATE
Karla Kuchenfee (Moo's Code) by Anja Wrede was plagiarized
Plagiarism seems to be booming. The German game author Anja Wrede reported on BoardGameGeek about a Chinese plagiarism of her game "Karla Kuchenfee", which was first published in 2010 by her own publishing house Edition Siebenschläfer.
Read more … Karla Kuchenfee (Moo's Code) by Anja Wrede was plagiarized
GAME PUBLISHERS DO NOT HAVE BLANKET RIGHTS TO MAKE CHANGES!
Time and again, game publishers try to obtain blanket permission for changes to the game (work) in their contracts with the game authors, without requiring their consent. This is not permitted and contradicts the defined author's moral rights – at least in the German Act for Intellectual Property Rights (UrhG).
Read more … GAME PUBLISHERS DO NOT HAVE BLANKET RIGHTS TO MAKE CHANGES!
18th IDEAG - The Italian National Meeting of Board Game Designers
The 18th Italian Meeting of board game authors organized by SAZ Italia will take place on 1st and 2nd April, 2023 in Parma at the Parma e Congressi Hotel. Registration for authors, bloggers, and playtesters will open on March 1st, while publishers can already sign up. More details at www.idea-g.it.
Read more … 18th IDEAG - The Italian National Meeting of Board Game Designers
SAZ welcomes its 600th member
Today, the Game Authors Guild welcomed its 600th member, a game designer from Salzburg. This speaks for our successful work as a consistent representation of our interests.
Euronews.culture | Meet Reiner Knizia – the man who’s designed over 700 board games
In the video, Reiner Knizia introduces his listeners to the world of a game author and describes the path from the initial idea to the finished game. In the process, he gives a clear vote for analog games in which people sit together at the table and have fun.
Read more … Euronews.culture | Meet Reiner Knizia – the man who’s designed over 700 board games
Mojo Nation | Interview with Jens-Peter Schliemann about toys and game development
In Billy Langsworthy's interview with Jens-Peter Schliemann, we get interesting insights about collaborations, how toys can also influence game development, and the development process for "Magic Mountain".
Read more … Mojo Nation | Interview with Jens-Peter Schliemann about toys and game development
International Game Inventors' Convention in Nuremberg 2023
After a two-year Corona break, the International Game Designers' Convention, originally based in Haar, will take place at the Spielwarenmesse on February 3, 2023. As a B2B platform, the event offers an intensive exchange between game designers and game publishers from all over the world.
Read more … International Game Inventors' Convention in Nuremberg 2023
German book trade launches standardized classification of analog games
Standardized metadata in the Directory of Available Books (VLB) is intended to increase the visibility of games in the book trade and open up additional sales channels. In order to classify analog games according to a uniform system for the first time, game publishers, scientists, booksellers, and IT service providers have worked together.
Read more … German book trade launches standardized classification of analog games
May 4, 2022: 100th Birthday of Alex Randolph
100 years ago today, the pioneer of modern game designers, Alex Randolph, was born in Bohemia. His passion belonged to chess, but games like Twixt, Tempo kleine Schnecke, Sagaland, Hol's der Geier and Rüsselbande made him famous. In 1991, he was one of the founders of the Game Designers Association (SAZ).
kulturgutspiel.de | Who earns what from a board game?
This comprehensive article highlights the revenue structures in the board game industry: publishers, producers, distributors, retailers, the state, authors, illustrators and translators. Based on a sample calculation, the individual participants are then presented in detail.
Read more … kulturgutspiel.de | Who earns what from a board game?
Video: The Game Designers
Zoom Out Media presents "The Game Designers" and highlights the work and stories of five board game designers. Industry luminaries Antoine Bauza and Matt Leacock share their origin stories and also give a look into their latest projects
SAZ general meeting with clear positions
In addition to a review of the past months, the participants at the GM on Friday, February 14, 2022, focused in particular on the intended adjustment of Ravensburger's contract and the handling of author rights at HABA and its subsidiary Heldbergs.
PAGAT: The gateway to the fantastic world of card games
Read more … PAGAT: The gateway to the fantastic world of card games
New speaker for SAZ Italia
Luca Borsa has been nominated by the members of SAZ Italia, the Italian group of the international association of game authors, as the new speaker, taking over from Paolo Mori.
Cancellation of the Spielwarenmesse 2022
The organizers of the Nuremberg Toy Fair have announced in a press release, that due to the strong increase in the omicorn variant and the associated increase in booth cancellations, the stationary Toy Fair 2022 must be canceled.
Spielwarenmesse eG take over SPIEL in Essen
Spielwarenmesse eG will take over ownership of the International Play Days SPIEL event on January 1, 2022. The previous orientation is to be retained.
New German government wants to bring analog games into the German National Library's collection catalog
The coalition agreement of SPD, BÜNDNIS'90/DIE GRÜNEN and FDP defines in the section cultural and media policy: "Analog games shall be able to be named in the collection catalog of the German National Library." In the coming months and years, SAZ will therefore do everything in their power to find a practical solution and hope for further support.
SENET Magazin | Boardgames are beautiful
SENET is a new independent print magazine from England about the craft, creativity and community of board games. The magazine promotes board gaming as an art form. Each issue includes previews of the most exciting and intriguing upcoming games and features on the creative processes behind them, among other things.
International Game Inventors Convention now in Nuremberg
The event, which was previously based in Haar near Munich, will in future be held on the Friday in the Saal Brüssel hall at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg. The relocation of the International Game Inventors' Fair to the Spielwarenmesse is intended above all to strengthen the international aspect.
Read more … International Game Inventors Convention now in Nuremberg
Game of the Year in Germany: Three winners 2021
„Spiel des Jahres 2021“ is MicroMacro: Crime City by Johannes Sich (Edition Spielwiese and Pegasus Spiele), the award „Kinderspiel des Jahres 2021“ wins Dragomino by Bruno Cathala, Marie Fort and Wilfried Fort (Pegasus Spiele). Paleo by Peter Rustemeyer (Hans im Glück) was chosen as "Kennerspiel des Jahres 2021".
International group of game designers released a Code of Respect and Responsibility
Initiated by SAZ, an international group of game designers with members of Spiele-Autoren-Zunft (SAZ), members of Société des Auteurs de Jeux (SAJ) as well as of not organized game designers, have created a Code of Respect and Responsibiliy during the last months.
Read more … International group of game designers released a Code of Respect and Responsibility
New executive board elected
At its SAZ general meeting on June 18, the SAZ elected its three-member board for the first time in a digital general meeting: Hartmut Kommerell as Chairman, and Markus Hagenauer and Katrin Abfalter as Vice Chairmen.
Game authors demand a defined participation in the editing of their works by publishers
The Model License Agreement published by the SAZ in 2020 led to discussions among publishers and a request for clarification. Our position paper on the participation of game authors responds to this request, explains in detail the author rights and content-related reasons, and provides practical examples.
Read more … Game authors demand a defined participation in the editing of their works by publishers
Game Designers Meeting 2021
On June 12 th and 13 th 2021, the Game Designer Meeting 2021 will take place in virtual form at which the announcement of the winner of the German Scholarship for Young Game Authors will also be made. A tutorial will already be offered on May 14 th 2021.
Game Designers Meeting in June 2021 in Göttingen cancelled – Digital platform planned
The event is cancelled again this year due to the Corona pandemic. In consultation with the publishers, the SAZ will endeavor to create online presentation opportunities. The German Scholarship for Young Game Authors will be held this year with the help of online elements.
Read more … Game Designers Meeting in June 2021 in Göttingen cancelled – Digital platform planned
SAZ: Clear position against racism and for tolerance
On the basis of recent events, the Game Designers Association emphasizes that it has been working against any kind of discrimination and for a culture of tolerance since its foundation. An international working group is now to draw up a "Code of Respect and Responsibility" and put it up for discussion.
Read more … SAZ: Clear position against racism and for tolerance
Spielwarenmesse: Digital product preview almost without game authors > UPDATE
Spielwarenmesse has published a digital product preview on January 25, the presence fair was postponed to July. Unfortunately, it is noticeable that almost all publishers do not mention the names of the game authors in the description text. Exceptions we found only in the German version: moses. and Schmidt Spiele.
Read more … Spielwarenmesse: Digital product preview almost without game authors > UPDATE
SAZ Talk No. 1
In SAZ Talk No. 1, we looked back and opened the door to 2020, but also the door to 2021.
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!
Archive: News, Publications, Reports, Press Review
Our archive dates back to the year 2004: have a look!