Note for our trade fair visitors

Spielwarenmesse is a specialised trade fair. Tickets can only be purchased by registered trade professionals. Persons under 16 will not be admitted – excluding children up to 6 months.
Tckets are only available online and not be sold at the venue.
Please note: Suitcases, large bags and similar items that exceed standard hand luggage size must be left in the cloakroom.
Acquisition in return for payment with handover of products at the Spielwarenmesse (“over-the-counter sales”) is not permitted.

Menu
Suche

Schmidt Spiele reports successful financial year

Schmidt Spiele looks back on a strong business year. With total revenue of €61.5 million, the Berlin-based publisher increased sales by around eight percent compared to the previous year, further strengthening its market position.

“Growth across all product categories confirms both our strategic direction and the strength of our brands and products,” says Axel Kaldenhoven, Managing Director of Schmidt Spiele GmbH. “Classics, strong licensed themes, and innovative new releases complement each other perfectly and form the foundation of our success. This positive performance is largely due to the great commitment of our entire team.”

Growth across all categories

The puzzle segment showed particularly strong growth, increasing by 19 percent. This was driven mainly by the successful motifs of artist Thomas Kinkade and the further expansion of the Graspuzzles range, which proved popular with both retailers and consumers. The core category of children’s and family games also performed well in 2025, growing by six percent. Key contributors included the classic brands Mensch ärgere Dich nicht® and Kniffel®, as well as titles from the Klein & Fein series. In addition, Topp die Torte, named Children’s Game of the Year 2025, achieved strong sales.

The plush and toy segment matched this performance with a six percent increase in revenue. Popular licensed themes—among them Universal characters and Die Sendung mit der Maus—generated strong cross-generational appeal.

Strong presence at events and trade fairs

Events and trade fairs remain a key pillar of brand visibility and successful product launches at Schmidt Spiele. In 2025, the company once again created strong highlights with its own championships for Mensch ärgere Dich nicht®and Kniffel®. The publisher also reached wide audiences at children’s festivals and gaming events.

The puzzle segment was further strengthened with a dedicated new format: PUZZLE MASTERS in Berlin. Additional important touchpoints included events such as SPIEL DOCH! Dortmund, Brettspiel Con Berlin, SPIEL Essen, Hobbymesse Leipzig, and SPIELidee Rostock. These appearances supported both consumer engagement and networking with partners and game designers. The year concluded with Spielwarenmesse® Nürnberg 2025, where relationships with retail partners were further deepened.

Outlook for 2026

Schmidt Spiele enters 2026 with numerous new releases, including the new My ArtNOBLE® range—a premium painting set featuring Thomas Kinkade motifs—which will be presented at Spielwarenmesse® Nürnberg 2026.

The events calendar also continues seamlessly: January will see the first official Franconian Championship of Mensch ärgere Dich nicht®, the German Championship of the game, the Chemnitz Game Days, and the 3rd State Championship of Mensch ärgere Dich nicht® in Saxony-Anhalt. Many further events, trade fairs, and new product launches will follow, particularly in the licensing segment—among them products for the 35th anniversary of Bibi & Tina, as well as Avatar: The Last Airbender, Paw Patrol, and the second Bibi Blocksberg feature film.

Source: Press Release Schmidt Spiele

Back to overview page