GAMA is rebranding to GAMA: The Tabletop Game Association.

The new name ‘better reflects the breadth and vibrancy of its membership’, namely creators, media, event organisers, publishers, retailers, distributors and manufacturers.

“The tabletop game industry has grown far beyond where we were in 1977 when we were founded,” said Executive Director John Stacy.

“Our new name honours that evolution while maintaining our legacy of nearly 50 years of serving the tabletop industry.

“This change reinforces GAMA’s commitment to inclusiveness, relevance, and leadership in the tabletop space. We’re excited to move forward under a banner that celebrates the full spectrum of our industry and the people who shape it.”

–

To stay in the loop with the latest news, interviews and features from the world of toy and game design, sign up to our weekly newsletter here

The post GAMA rebrands to GAMA: The Tabletop Game Association appeared first on Mojo Nation.

GAMA has detailed the winners of the 2025 Power Retail Awards, celebrating excellence in the tabletop game retail sector.

The winners are being honoured this week, during GAMA Expo in Louisville, KY.

The Power Retail Awards Committee, made up of retailers and Team Retail members, reviewed all submissions carefully, judging on innovation, contributions and design.

This year’s winners are:

• Innovation in Gaming: Games Unlimited.
Jay Mason-Grant, GAMA Retail Chair, said: “Kylie and the team at Games Unlimited do an amazing job with their marketing, especially with their game- and industry-focused videos on TikTok. Through consistent digestible content, Kylie shares information about top games, new releases, and the game industry as a whole – including advice for those considering opening their own shop! The videos are modern, splashy, and are sure to attract interest to their shop and to the games industry itself.”

• Outstanding Contribution to Games Industry (Retail): Eclectic Games.
Mason Grant said: “Darrell and Becky have been regular names at industry shows and in retailer forums and groups for years – which is even more notable because their shop, Eclectic Games, is in the United Kingdom. From the streets of their town to regularly representing the industry on the BBC, they have contributed in so many ways over the years. Winners of many local awards because of their excellent reputation, and community support, we at GAMA are proud to add our voice to those congratulating Eclectic Games for their outstanding contribution to the games industry on both sides of the pond!”

• Outstanding Store Design: Meta-Games Unlimited.
Mason-Grant explained: “Meta-Games Unlimited has clear branding that fills the space and is used prominently on feature walls. The collection of game-related art draws the eye upwards, giving you the sense that you’re in a museum honoring the hobbies you love. Their large and clean gaming space is capped off by a delightful wall of pinball machines which reassures shoppers that this is a place for fun. Any gamer would be delighted to play or shop in a space like this.”

• Retailer of the Year: Games Unlimited.
Mason-Grant said: “While it was their excellent marketing that earned them their Innovation award, Games Unlimited racked up points in all three categories. From their contributions to GAMA in the past and their promotion of the game industry itself, to their beautiful store design featuring amazing live wood demo tables, brick facades, and beautifully organised merchandise, Games Unlimited is an incredible example of what a game store can be – a true jewel in the city of Pittsburgh. Congratulations to Games Unlimited, our pick as this year’s Retailer of the Year!”

John Stacy, Executive Director of GAMA, added: “The impact that these retailers have on the tabletop game industry cannot be overstated. Through their dedication, creativity, and passion, they are shaping the future of gaming. We are proud to celebrate their remarkable contributions and look forward to honouring them at GAMA Expo.”

–

To stay in the loop with the latest news, interviews and features from the world of toy and game design, sign up to our weekly newsletter here

The post Eclectic Games wins Outstanding Contribution accolade at GAMA’s 2025 Power Retail Awards appeared first on Mojo Nation.

GAMA has detailed a revamped slate of categories for its Origins Awards.

First presented in 1975 at the inaugural Origins Game Fair in Baltimore, the Origins Awards honours outstanding achievements in tabletop game design.

The 2025 categories are:

Board Games
• Gateway Game of the Year
• Cooperative/Solo Game of the Year
• Heavy Strategy Game of the Year
• Light Strategy Game of the Year
• Party Game of the Year

Constructable Game of the Year
• Product of the Year (Randomized)
• Product of the Year (Fixed)

Miniatures
• Miniatures Game of the Year
• Paint/Hobby Accessory of the Year
• Miniature of the Year

Roleplaying Games
• Roleplaying Game of the Year
• Supplement of the Year

Nominations may be made by publishers, retailers, and media members from across the industry here.

Submissions will be evaluated by a jury of industry experts who will select nominees in each category. These finalists are then reviewed by the Academy of Gaming Arts & Design, whose members cast their votes to determine the winners.

The nomination deadline is February 6th. Winners will be announced on June 20th during the Origins Game Fair.

–

To stay in the loop with the latest news, interviews and features from the world of toy and game design, sign up to our weekly newsletter here

The post GAMA details ‘revamped’ categories for Origins Awards appeared first on Mojo Nation.