Age of Innovation vs Gaia Project
A side-by-side comparison of two of the most-asked-about board games — using only verified specs from our catalogue. No invented rules, no fluff.
Specs and BoardGameGeek rankings current as of June 2026. Gaps in our data show as a dash (—).
| Age of Innovation | Gaia Project | |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 2023 | 2017 |
| Players | 1–5 | 1–4 |
| Playtime | ~40 min | ~60 min |
| Recommended age | 14+ | 12+ |
| Complexity (BGG weight) | 4.3 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| BGG rank | #56 | #13 |
| Designers | Helge Ostertag, Lines J. Hutter, Morten Monrad Pedersen, David J. Studley | Jens Drögemüller, Helge Ostertag, Lines J. Hutter, Morten Monrad Pedersen, David J. Studley |
| Key mechanics | Contracts, End Game Bonuses, Hexagon Grid, Income | End Game Bonuses, Hexagon Grid, Income, Modular Board |
Both games share these mechanics: End Game Bonuses, Hexagon Grid, Income, Modular Board, Network and Route Building, Tech Trees / Tech Tracks, Turn Order: Pass Order, Variable Player Powers, Variable Set-up, Victory Points as a Resource.
Which should you get?
Based only on the specs above — not on opinion:
- Both sit at a similar weight (4.3 and 4.4 of 5 on BoardGameGeek), so neither is the obvious 'lighter' pick.
- If table time matters, Age of Innovation is the shorter game (~40 min vs ~60 min).
- For bigger groups, Age of Innovation stretches further (1–5 players).
- With younger players, Gaia Project has the lower recommended age (12+).
- On raw BoardGameGeek ranking, Gaia Project currently sits higher (#13 vs #56).
Both are well-loved games; the "right" one depends on your group. Read the full entries for Age of Innovation and Gaia Project.
Where to buy
Age of Innovation
Find Age of Innovation on Amazon →Gaia Project
Find Gaia Project on Amazon →Amazon links are affiliate search links. As an Amazon Associate, EveryGameMade earns from qualifying purchases.
Common questions
Is Age of Innovation or Gaia Project harder to learn?
They're close: Age of Innovation is rated 4.3 of 5 and Gaia Project 4.4 of 5 on BoardGameGeek, so both are a similar level to learn.
Which is faster to play, Age of Innovation or Gaia Project?
Age of Innovation is the quicker game at about 40 minutes, versus roughly 60 minutes for Gaia Project.
How many players do Age of Innovation and Gaia Project support?
Age of Innovation plays with 1–5 players; Gaia Project plays with 1–4 players.