Eurheilupelejä

Eurheilupelejä is a Finnish term that translates to "European board games" or "European tabletop games." It encompasses a broad category of games that originated in or are particularly popular within Europe, distinct from many American-style board games which often feature more direct conflict, resource management, and a greater emphasis on player elimination. European board games, sometimes referred to as "Eurogames" in English, typically prioritize elegant mechanics, strategic depth, and player interaction that is often indirect or competitive in a more subtle way.

Common characteristics of eurheilupelejä include a focus on economic themes, resource management, worker placement, and area control. Victory is usually achieved through accumulating victory points, often earned by completing objectives, building infrastructure, or managing resources efficiently. Player elimination is rare, ensuring all participants can play until the end. Theme integration in eurheilupelejä tends to be less about narrative immersion and more about providing a framework for the mechanics. Games in this category often feature appealing components, clear rules, and a relatively low reliance on luck, with dice rolls being less prevalent or used in a more controlled manner. Examples of popular eurheilupelejä include Catan, Carcassonne, and Ticket to Ride, though the genre is vast and continually evolving with new designs emerging from European game publishers and designers.