Games That Go Bump in the Night

It’s no secret – we love spooky games at Dice Hate Me. There’s just something rich and engaging about a dark setting done well. We don’t play scary games as often as those with other themes, but when we do, we like to do it right – and we like to share our experiences. And, so, in the spirit of this most bewitched month, here’s a look back at some of those spooky games we’ve played and shared – and a fresh look at a new addition... Read More

From Conception to Convention Part 3: Extra Life 2012

The next entry in Marc Specter’s continuing column chronicling his journey to organizing a new gaming convention in Michigan: I love listening to gaming podcasts (especially the one that is allowing me to use his blog).  I have about a dozen on my listening roster, and I was a fan of Cody & John before they retired their microphones. About a year ago, they mentioned participating in Extra Life. Extra Life (www.extra-life.org) is a national initiative of gamers, gaming... Read More

The Crowded Table: Fall 2012 Edition

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to another installment of The Crowded Table. Despite all the work that’s been piling up here at Dice Hate Me HQ, we’ve been able to squeeze in a surprising amount of gaming, including one weekend visit by Compounded designer Darrell Louder in which we fit in 23 different titles, all while working on some game design. We didn’t sleep much, but it was worth it. Below you’ll find four games that have graced our table in the... Read More

The State of Games, Episode 35 – The One About Cards With Words

Sometimes profound things come out of Monkey238’s mouth. One podcast she identified why certain types of luck are good and bad in a game depending on when they happen. In another, she pontificated on the popularity of zombies. And last podcast she practically invented a new game category, just on the fly. This is probably why I can’t seem to win at most of the games we play… Read More  Read More

Escapist Expo 2012: A Brief Pictorial Wrap-Up

Traditionally, the bulk of gaming con season has ended around the first of September, typically with the party and parade of passioned freaks at Dragon*Con down in Atlanta. Over the past few years, however, a few local cons have started springing up just before or after the string of big shows, extending the seasons for a lucky few. Thankfully, Durhamites are now one of those lucky few as we now have The Escapist Expo in mid-September – a smallish, PAX-like affair with video... Read More

From Conception to Convention Part 2: The Only Ship That Won’t Sail, You Say?

The next entry in Marc Specter’s continuing column chronicling his journey to organizing a new gaming convention in Michigan: In my last entry I mentioned how across my gaming career, it was only recently that I got involved locally with gamers who did not first begin as friends.  Gaming with strangers, albeit gamer strangers, is another matter.  Despite being in sales for the past 12 years, my desire and ability to interact with complete strangers is limited, and walking... Read More

Goggles Not Included – A Kickstarter Quick-Look at Mars Needs Mechanics

For the past couple of years, Dice Hate Me has covered the Kickstarter beat very closely. That means we’ve seen more than our fair share of prototypes, and been privy to the behind-the-scenes stories of many remarkable projects. Other than our own projects, none have been more familiar to us in details and development than the recently-launched Mars Needs Mechanics. We first met designer Benjamin Rosset at the 2011 World Boardgaming Championships in Lancaster, PA. While... Read More

The State of Games, Episode 34 – The One About GenCon, DC and The WBC

Wow. It’s been awhile since we talked to all of you, dear listeners! But there’s good reason – we’ve been on the road. A lot. A LOT. It seems as though we’ve barely been at home for the past month, and yet it also seems like we’ve taken our home with us since so many of you have made our convention season wonderful with games and camaraderie. So sit back, have a lemonade, and let’s reminisce. We promise not to be gone so long for a good,... Read More

Tom Gurganus Asks “What Makes a Game Great?”

Dice Hate Me and Go Forth and Game have joined forces to bring you some of the best gaming interviews on the web! That’s right, from time to time here on Dice Hate Me, Tom Gurganus will contribute one of his comprehensive conversations. In Part 1 of this special column, Tom shares one of his common questions that he likes to ask of each person interviewed. If you like this and would like to read Part 2, please check it out here on Go Forth and Game. Enjoy this special... Read More

GenCon 2012 – A Pictorial Recap

Hello, dear readers! The biggest gaming show in North America just wound down and I have returned a bit ragged but still raving about the experience. GenCon 2012 was a massive celebration of geekdom and gaming, and the sheer spectacle of it all never disappointed. The best part about GenCon for me was the chance to meet up with a lot of old friends and make some new ones meeting fans, supporters and colleagues over the four eventful days. There’s never enough time to do... Read More