by Scott Alden

The BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame honors games that have made meaningful contributions to the board game hobby in the areas of innovation, artistry, and impact. By curating this distinguished list, BoardGameGeek seeks to preserve the history and evolution of board gaming, while inspiring and informing a global community of players who have a passion for games. Additional games will be inducted annually as the world of board games continues to evolve.

The selection process was guided by a jury composed of dedicated and experienced players who have been deeply involved in the board game community for years and who have brought their knowledge and expertise to the discussions. The process began by evaluating games that were at least ten years old in order to ensure widespread engagement and recognition. Additionally, the jury identified and included games that, while perhaps less widely played, have had a profound and lasting impact on the hobby.

The BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame focuses on modern board games that have directly shaped the contemporary hobby and community. Games such as Chess, Backgammon, Go, and traditional 52-card games, while timeless classics and undoubtedly influential, fall outside the scope of these awards.

Through this initiative, BoardGameGeek aims to celebrate the legacy of these exceptional games and their creators, while fostering a deeper appreciation for artistry and innovation within the world of board gaming.

We are pleased to announce the next inductee into the BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame for 2026. The final inductee will be revealed tomorrow. Stay tuned!

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Love Letter – 2012

With over twelve reimplementations, Love Letter (2012) proves that a small game can pack a punch. The 16-card game by Seiji Kanai offers players risk, deduction, and a little luck as they attempt to deliver their love letter to the princess. Players must make a decision upon drawing a card on their turn: play the new card or play the previously held card. While simple, this decision might provide a player with protection, an opportunity to eliminate a player, or the right amount of confusion for everyone else at the table to not know what remaining card you have in your hand or how powerful it might be. And with one card removed each round, it’s impossible to know exactly what other players know. It’s an endlessly replayable light card game that certainly began the 16-card craze that is in full effect nearly 15 years later.

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