Exploding Kittens: The Board Game Wins Game of the Year at 2026 Toy Awards

Exploding Kittens: The Board Game has taken home the Game of the Year award at the 2026 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, often referred to as the industry’s “Oscars.” The award was announced at a gala held at Pier Sixty in New York City on February 13, 2026.

According to The Toy Association’s announcement, the awards honored the most creative and innovative toys and games of the year, with nearly 800 toy and play professionals in attendance. The event raised over $1 million in support of The Toy Foundation, which works to deliver play to children in need.

Exploding Kittens: The Board Game is a board game adaptation of the popular card game, published by Exploding Kittens, Inc. The game features a pop-up game board that can flip between two modes, transforming gameplay and adding an element of unpredictability. Players navigate the board while avoiding landing on the Exploding Kitten, using action cards and move cards to sabotage opponents and reach the end first.

The game supports 2-6 players, has a 20-minute playtime, and is recommended for ages 7+. It includes 65 action cards, 26 move cards, one pop-up game board, and six standees of classic Exploding Kittens characters.

The game is available for purchase through Exploding Kittens’ website, Amazon, and select retailers nationwide.