The Soaring Popularity of 'Nyan Life Sugoroku' at SPIEL ESSEN 2025 Board Game Fair

In October 2025, the Japanese board game 'Nyan Life Sugoroku', developed by TRYBE, garnered immense attention at SPIEL ESSEN, one of the world's largest board game fairs held in Essen, Germany. This event attracted exhibitors from over 60 countries, showcasing various games, but the unique appeal of 'Nyan Life Sugoroku' stood out, even though only the Japanese version was displayed. Visitors stopped to take photos, marveling at the cute cat illustrations that adorned the game board while expressing interest in international versions, particularly in English.

Reaction at SPIEL Essen

Despite the limitations of only showcasing the Japanese version, the booth saw a continuous stream of curious guests, many voicing their desire for an English edition or inquiring about purchasing possibilities. The response was overwhelmingly positive, validating the game's concept and artwork. On the third day of the event, an English social media account was quickly opened and gained over 50 followers within just ten hours, reflecting the growing interest from international users.

Not surprisingly, this wave of enthusiasm led to requests from fans who were eager for the game, even in its Japanese format, prompting the company to introduce a mailing option for sales shortly after the event. Observing this enthusiastic demand, TRYBE is now looking to expand both domestically and internationally, with plans for a dedicated booth at SPIEL ESSEN 2026, aimed at reaching cat lovers and board game enthusiasts from around the globe.

Looking Forward: English Version and Future Plans

Due to the overwhelming response at SPIEL ESSEN, 'Nyan Life Sugoroku' is set to launch a crowdfunded English version on Kickstarter in spring to summer 2026. The company is actively exploring partnerships for localization and publication, with plans to possibly release the game in Korea next year.

In Japan, an exciting opportunity awaits as 'Nyan Life Sugoroku' is slated for a limited sale during the Game Market 2025, taking place on November 22 and 23 at Makuhari Messe. Fans of the game who missed out during the crowdfunding campaign have eagerly anticipated this sale, which promises to be special, allowing attendees to choose their favorite cat tokens, enhancing the personalization of the game experience compared to the standard packages sold on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.

Players' Experiences at Vor Spiel

Before the main event, TRYBE participated in the pre-event game trial, Vor Spiel in Osaka, where players shared touching insights about their experience. Many resonated with the emotional moments within the game narrative, expressing sentiments akin to reluctance at rolling the dice towards the conclusion, as the game artfully narrates a cat's lifetime through impactful gameplay.

Photos of delightful moments captured by the players added to the festival's charm, showing the appeal of this unique game.

Product Information

Nyan Life Sugoroku

- Price: ¥3,980 + tax (Special prices at events)
- Age: 8 years and above
- Players: 1-4
- Playing Time: 20-30 minutes
- Contents: Game board, 4/10 cat tokens, 4 owner chips, 26 heart chips, 13 memory cards, 1 die, and a rulebook.

Purchase Options:

- Official EC site: hinataboccos.base.shop
- Amazon: amzn.asia/d/iny7oLS
- At cat and board game events.

For the latest updates, follow us on official X (formerly Twitter): @hinataboccos_.

For inquiries, please contact:

- Representative: [email protected]
- Creator Team: Hinata Bokkos, TRYBE Co., Ltd.

Closing Note

This board game, filled with charm and emotional depth about the significance of life and memory, is anticipated to resonate with many, promising not just a game, but a heartwarming experience.