Finnish Game of the Year candidates haven’t been published yet, but I happen to have inside contacts and thus knowledge. Finnish readers can check the list of the candidates for the best adult and family games from the Boardgame Society forum, here’s a quick overview:

Best kids’ game: the most interesting entrants are Geistertreppe, the 2004 SdJ for the best kids’ game and two Knizia titles, Schildkrötenrennen and Schatz der Drachen.

Best family game: here the competition heats up. First of all, we have the three most eligible SdJ candidates this year: Niagara, Around the World in 80 Days and Verflixxt. Then there’s the last year’s winner, Ticket to Ride. There’s also Australia, Einfach Genial, Metro and Dawn Under. Metro is an interesting one: I didn’t know Nelospelit had a deal with Queen Games.

Best adult game: another interesting list. Once again Nelospelit and Queen team up with Alhambra, then there’s Bohnanza, Da Vinci Code, Lost Cities, Karibik and Spinergy. Neat list!

Last year’s Game of the Year competition was interesting, but this year is even better as there are two categories full of interesting titles. One thing is for sure: the Finnish game hobby is the ultimate winner here, no matter which games take the title.