Following a careful review of the works published during the eligibility period for the 2026 edition of Board Game Designer of the Year (BGDotY), the jury selected a shortlist of five game designers whose games particularly embody the creativity, innovation and expressive maturity of contemporary game design. From this shortlist, the jury decided to present the 2026 BGDotY Award to Paolo Mori.
From 2024 to 2026, Mori moved with rare ease between widely differing styles. These ranged from historical wargames in both accessible and more traditional, simulation-driven forms, to family games with international reach, as well as a foray into narrative puzzles that took his distinctive design style into entirely new territory. In every case, the designer retained his signature approach, built on streamlined rules, consequential decisions and unfailing mechanical balance. Equally significant is the fidelity with which Mori treats his historical and cultural sources, whether wartime events reconstructed in meticulous detail or literary works adapted into game form with respect and precision. This makes the setting an integral part of the gameplay experience, never mere background.
This stylistic range is matched by a remarkable ability to speak to different audiences, from the most discerning historical simulation enthusiasts to casual players. This quality has made his games effective vehicles for promoting board game culture and expanding the audience for modern board games.
The jury recognises Paolo Mori as a designer who exemplifies the maturity Italian game design has achieved on the international stage. The consistency of his output, the versatility he has demonstrated throughout his career and his ability to innovate without compromising his distinctive design language make a significant contribution to the evolution of contemporary game design. For these reasons, the 2026 Board Game Designer of the Year Award goes to Paolo Mori.
The award jury comprises Fabio Cambiaghi (Jury Chair), Paolo Cupola (former president of the Gioco dell’Anno award), Grégory Grard (winner of BGDotY 2025), Stefania Niccolini (representative of SAZ Italia) and Harald Schrapers (Chair of the Spiel des Jahres jury).
Lucca Crea and all the members of the jury look forward to seeing you at Lucca Comics & Games 2026!