International awards

Many games by Zoch have been awarded prizes this year including classics which are only now making inroads in foreign countries. “Suleika“, an oriental-style stacking and laying game was nominated “Spiel der Spiele“ in Austria after being “nominated for the Game of the Year 2008“ in Germany. Other international awards were to “Niagara“, “Burg Appenzell“ and the ”Bausack“. The jury of Game of the Year nominated “Didi Dotter“ Children’s Game of the Year 2008“ and included ”Alles Tomate“ in the list of recommended children’s games.

International prizes from Sweden to Poland
Bausack, Burg Appenzell and Niagara won awards

“Suleika“ by the Munich publisher Zoch has just been awarded the “Spiel der Spiele“, the prestigious Austrian game prize. The Viennese Spiele Akademie awarded the prize this morning for the eighth time. Dominique Ehrhard, the 50-year-old author from Orleans in France, has already published a total of 50 games over the last 18 years. The latest is an exceptional game for the whole family. This sophisticated and highly atmospheric laying game with colorful material carpets is the first game idea of its French partner Gigamic to be developed further for the German-speaking market by the Munich game creators. “Suleika“ was published in France under the name "Marrakech" and was awarded the "As d’Or Jeu de l’Année 2008" as the best game of the year. In Germany it was “nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2008“ as one of the five best games of the year.

In this laying and stacking game the players try to spread out as many carpets as possible to create a profit-making carpet landscape. The joint playing figure Omar, the sultan’s envoy, decides who wins or loses. Short rules make it easy to get started. The attractive material ensures the haptic pleasure of the game. (Zoch, 2 to 4 players, 8 years and up, EUR 30)

In Finland the "Bausack", known there as "Bandu", was recently selected as "Family game of the year“ (Vuoden Perhepeli 2008). To mark its 20th anniversary last year the Bausack was reissued in a new design game box. The current award shows that it has lost none of its charm and its game class and is on its way to becoming an international classic among building games. In Scandinavia the building game is marketed by longstanding partner Marektoy (Helsinki). (Zoch, 2 to 6 players, 8 years and up, about EUR 40)

In Sweden "Roqfort", known in Germany under the name "Burg Appenzell", has won the award "Game of the Year for Children" (Arets barnspel 2008). It is marketed by Bergsala Enigma in Sweden.
Last year the mouse hunt for the best pieces of cheese won the “Deutscher Kinderspiele Preis 2007“ as the best children’s game of the year. Its exemplary rules won the “Essener Feder“ of the city of Essen. (Zoch, 2 to 4 players, 6 years and up, about EUR 30)

Although “Niagara“ was the German “Game of the Year 2005“, it has only now been awarded “Game of  the Year“ in Sweden, as it is now available in stores there. It has also just received the gold medal for the best game (Zloty Medal Targów) in Poland, awarded by the games fair in Lodz. (Zoch, 2 to 5 players, 8 years and up, about EUR 30)

“Diddi Dotter“, a fast-paced scramble for egg halves for children was nominated for the ”Children’s Game of the Year 2008“.Things move quickly with plenty of action. 24 egg halves are placed face down in the centre of the table. Whoever finds the matching other half of their egg can place the complete egg in their egg carton. This calls for quick decisions, because you can also collect your opponent’s eggs. Good reactions and ability to concentrate are called for if you are to win the search with a well-filled egg carton. (Zoch, 2 to 4 players, 5 years and up, 32 Euro)

Munich/ Essen, October 22, 2008

For journalists

Further press information, picture material and review requests:

Susanne Heiss, Heiss Public Relations
Tel. + 49 89 27 29 93 -22, Fax -34
presse@zoch-verlag.com