These are games that "replaced" other games. Say that you've played and loved Chess all your life. Then Eric Summerer designs Chezz, which is similar to Chess but SO MUCH BETTER. Chezz would make your list, then.
Top Ten Replacement Games
Podcast Episode Featuring This Top 10
#10
Klaus Teuber999 Games, Albi, Devir, Filosofia Édition
Touko TahkokallioLautapelit.fi, Asmodee, Asterion Press, REBEL.pl
#9
Vangelis BagiartakisArtipia Games, Portal Games, Schwerkraft-Verlag, Stronghold Games
Acchittocca, Flaminia Brasini, Virginio Gigli, Stefano Luperto, Antonio TintoBard Centrum Gier, Hans im Glück Verlags-GmbH, IELLO, MINDOK
Don EskridgeIndie Boards and Cards, Edge Entertainment, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Hobby Japan
#8
Daniel Clark (I), Corey Konieczka, Adam Sadler, Kevin WilsonFantasy Flight Games, ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Arclight, Edge Entertainment
James Hata, Corey KonieczkaFantasy Flight Games
Jean-Louis RoubiraADC Blackfire Entertainment, Asmodee, Asterion Press, Galápagos Jogos
#7
Dominic Crapuchettes, Satish PillalamarriAlbi, Dr. Wood Challenge Centre, Kanga Games, North Star Games, LLC
Reiner KniziaRavensburger Spieleverlag GmbH
Rob Daviau, Chris DupuisHasbro, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Wizards of the Coast
#6
Alan R. MoonABACUSSPIELE, Competo / Marektoy, Filosofia Édition, G3-
Alan R. MoonABACUSSPIELE, Competo / Marektoy, Filosofia Édition, G3
Devin LowUpper Deck Entertainment
#5
Bryan Pope, Benjamin PopeArcane Wonders, Asterion Press, Devir, Game Harbor
Henry SternAvalon Hill (Hasbro), Wizards of the Coast
Richard GarfieldBergsala Enigma, Delta Vision Publishing, Egmont Polska, Fantasmagoria
#4
Rob DaviauHasbro, Parker Brothers-
Alan R. MoonABACUSSPIELE, Competo / Marektoy, Filosofia Édition, G3
#3
Richard BorgDays of Wonder, Edge Entertainment
Sid Sackson3M, Avalon Hill, Eagle-Gryphon Games, Face2Face Games
Thomas LehmannRio Grande Games, ABACUSSPIELE, Albi, Gabinete Lúdico
#2
Xavier GeorgesBard Centrum Gier, Eagle-Gryphon Games, HUCH! & friends, Quined White Goblin Games
Jesper BülowBezzerwizzer ApS, Mattel
Philippe KeyaertsAsterion Press, Bergsala Enigma, Compaya.hu - Gamer Café Kft., Days of Wonder
#1
Ludovic MaublancRepos Production, Asmodee, Crómola, Heidelberger Spieleverlag
Klaus-Jürgen Wrede999 Games, Hans im Glück Verlags-GmbH, Ísöld ehf., Rio Grande Games-
Daniel Clark (I), Corey Konieczka, Adam Sadler, Kevin WilsonFantasy Flight Games, ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Arclight, Edge Entertainment