The UK Games Expo was the biggest yet, with 42,000 people attending the multi-hall event in the NEC. There were also changes to the UK Games Expo Awards this year.
In 2025, the Judges Awards proceeded as usual, but the People’s Awards were scaled back to just four categories, and only winners of the Judges Awards were permitted to receive votes. For the three-day UK Games Expo event, attendees could then vote from that shortlist for the People’s Awards.
Geek Native was present at both the Judges’ and People’s Award announcements and spoke with event attendees, former winners, and candidates for this year about the new approach. Feedback was mixed, with some worried that the new format allowed for gatekeeping, but others acknowledged how the new format made for more commanding winners.
UK Games Expo People’s Award winners
The awards ceremony was attended by Steve Jackson, Lyke Gygax and Peter Adkison.
The UK Games Expo People’s Choice Roleplaying Award
- Winner: The One Ring™ – Moria™ – Through the Doors of Durin by Free League Publishing
The UK Games Expo People’s Choice Strategy Award
- Winner: SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence by CGE
The UK Games Expo People’s Choice Family Award
- Winner: Harmonies by Libellud.
The UK Games Expo People’s Choice General Award
- Winner: Australis by Kosmos.
UK Games Expo Judges Award winners
The winners were announced on May 12th, with the official prize ceremony taking place on Thursday, May 29th.
Best Abstract Game
- Winner: Harmonies by Libellud.
Best Accessory
- Winner: Duncan Rhodes Hobby Case – Ultimate Edition by Tabletop Tech – the Mechi People
Best Board Game (American Style)
- Winner: Potions of Azerland by Lucky Duck Games
Best Board Game (Euro Style)
- Winner: SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence by CGE
Best Board Game (Strategic)
- Winner: Cyclades: Legendary Edition by Studio H
Best Card Game (General)
- Winner: LOTR Trick Taking by Office Dog
Best Card Game (Strategic)
- Winner: by Fantasy Flight Games
Best Children’s Game
- Winner: MicroMacro Kids by Edition Spielwiese
Best Dice Game
- Winner: Australis by Kosmos.
Best Expansion
- Winner: Mini Express: Map Pack Expansion by Moaideas Game Design
Best Family Game
- Winner: Critter Kitchen by Lucky Duck Games
Best Gaming Novelty
- Winner: Deep Space Pest Control by Mantic Games
Best Miniatures Range
- Winner: Armoured Clash – Enlightened Faction Battlegroup by Warcradle Studios
Best Miniatures Rules
- Winner: Armoured Clash by Warcradle Studios
Best Party Game
Best Role-Playing Game
- Winner: The Magnus Archives Roleplaying Game. by Monte Cook Games LLC
Best Role-Playing Game Adventure
- Winner: Doomsong: Lord Have Mercy Upon Us by Caesar Ink
Best Role-Playing Game Expansion
- Winner: The One Ring™ – Moria™ – Through the Doors of Durin. by Free League Publishing
Best Variant
- Winner: The Last of Us: Escape the Dark by Themeborne Ltd
Congratulations to all the UKGE 2025 Award Winners.
A special thanks to Vortex Verlag for sponsoring Geek Native’s coverage of UK Games Expo. You can meet them at stand 3A-758 and find out about the exciting new Serenissima Obscura crowdfunding campaign.
