Games Magazine has released its Games 100 list of the best games of 2004, and it has a number of games familiar to game retailers.  The Game of the Year on the Games Magazine list is BuyWord, by Face 2 Face Games.  The top games in the list's eight categories are:

 

Best Abstract Strategy Game:  Yinsh (Rio Grande Games)

Best Advanced Stategy Game:  Tahuantinsuyu (Hangman Games)

Best Family Game:  Vanished Planet (Vanished Planet Games)

Best Family Card Game:  Victory and Honor (Jolly Roger)

Best Family Strategy Game:  Alexandros (Rio Grande)

Best Party Game:  Cranium:  Hoopla (Cranium)

Best Word Game:  Word Rich (Faby)

Best Historical Simulation:  Memoir 44 (Days of Wonder)

 

Companies with games in the runner up or nominee lists include Mayfair, Rio Grande, Days of Wonder, Uberplay, Fantasy Flight, Eagle, Out of the Box, Avalon Hill, and Steve Jackson.
 
Like the Origins Awards list (see 'Origins Award Winners'), the Games 100 list offers a merchandising opportunity for retailers (i.e., a display of the games on the list, with signage), or, at the very least, a checklist of titles that will give consumers a positive gaming experience.