The State of Games, Ep. 184: The One About Catching Up

It’s been awhile since we’ve gotten together, Dear Listeners, and there’s quite a lot that’s happened. We didn’t intend to wait this long for a recording, but life sometimes gets in the way. But, we’re back, and with lots of cool news, reviews, and more than a few personal stories to share. So kick back, relax, and enjoy – you’re with friends. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 179: The One About a Return to Camp Launius

Way back before the pandemic, we used to go to a lot of board game conventions. A LOT. And one of our favorite parts of board game conventions was running into and playing games with Richard Launius. You may know him as the designer of the original Arkham Horror, Elder Sign, Defenders of the Realm, and many other titles that often involve a lot of dice chucking. Well, a few years back we decided to circumvent the convention thing and just have our own little mini convention down in South Carolina at Richard’s compound. This episode is yet another installment in the continuing tales of tons of gaming at Camp Launius. Hope you dear listeners... Read More

The 2020 Dice Hate Me Holiday Gift Guide

Seasons Greetings, Dear Readers! I can hear the silver bells and carols everywhere, so it’s time to share the Dice Hate Me Holiday Gift Guide once again. Unbelievable that this is the 10th year I’ve been putting together this list, and what an unconventional year it’s been. I’ll be honest, I haven’t gotten to play nearly as many games as I have in previous years, so I’m going to make this list a bit unconventional, as well. This year I’m going to take a closer look at games that are primarily aimed at smaller groups – particularly those games that are designed to play, or at least play well, with 1 or 2 players. I’m doing... Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 163 – The One About Telling Stories

Sometimes we play games that have a certain synergy that set our podcasting minds in motion. Recently that was Arkham Horror and Modern Art. Both games allow for fantastic storytelling but produce that environment in very different ways. We love games that tell stories, but we love telling stories about those games on the podcast even more. And, so, we present to you our discussion about what types of games that tell stories, which are the most successful, and whether we ultimately think it matters. Enjoy! Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 158 – The One About The Doctor’s Advice

There are certain creative leaders in the game design hobby that pop up from time to time with interesting nuggets of wisdom – Dr. Reiner Knizia is one such creative. With over 600 games and books credited to him over his career, he definitely has the experience and chops to lay down some knowledge, and a lot of that knowledge is extraordinarily valuable. On this particular show we decided to take a couple of his more recent – and infinitely intriguing – statements and break them down for discussion. Should you file them or flush them? Come on in and find out! Read More  Read More

Gen Con 2018 Pictorial Recap!

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to another year of Gen Con coverage! This year’s show had record attendance, and I was just as busy as always showing off awesome games and taking meeting after meeting after meeting with designers. But I did get a chance to escape the job from time to time and check out some really cool stuff. So settle in and enjoy this brief look into the good time that is Gen Con! The first part of our trip involved a stop in Nitro, West Virginia – a five-year tradition! This year, Dan Halsted of The League of Nonsensical Gamers flew into Raleigh all the way from Copenhagen just to make the drive with us! Yes, he’s... Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 140: The One About Getting in the Spirit

I LOVE HALLOWEEN. I almost celebrate Halloween more than I celebrate Christmas. Which is why it’s a bit of a shock that we haven’t done more Halloween-centric State of Games in the past few years. Well, all that obviously needed to change, so we drafted a little help from Keith Ferguson to really dig into the spirit of the holiday. I’ll just say that this is in my top 5 episodes that we’ve ever done; I hope you all have as much fun listening to it as we did recording it. Read More  Read More

Thanks for 7 Wonderful Years!

Greetings, dear readers! It’s been awhile. I’ve missed you. I’ve gathered you here to celebrate the anniversary of Dice Hate Me. Exactly seven years ago today, I posted my first game review on dicehateme.com – and since then what a long, strange trip it’s been. Over the past three years, this site has been mostly a repository and rally point for The State of Games podcast. The podcast has evolved over the past few years and I still enjoy gathering to talk and laugh about boardgames, but I miss sharing my passion for games and the hobby through written journalism. So, from this point forward, consider the old Dice Hate Me back in... Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 120: The One About Holidays With Friends

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to spend it than with some good friends and great games! We’re all about tradition around here, and one of our greatest traditions is the annual holiday retreat each year at Casa de Louder. We had an amazing time sharing stories, swapping gifts, and, of c0urse, playing some amazing games – and it’s not even over! So sit back, grab some egg nog, have a listen, and, above all, have a great holiday and a Happy New Year! Read More  Read More

The 2016 Dice Hate Me Holiday Gift Guide

Ho Ho Holy cow… the holidays are upon us once again! That means it’s time for my favorite yearly tradition: The Dice Hate Me Holiday Gift Guide! I’m back this year with a whole passel of possible presents for your favorite players and cube pushers. Some selections may be a bit esoteric, but I guarantee they’ll all satisfy those special someone’s on your list. Whew, that was a lot of alliteration! So relax, pour yourself some cocoa or a glass or three of eggnog, and allow me to help you out with your shopping lists, Dear Readers. May all your rolls be sixes and your resource cubes be plentiful. Happy Holidays and Happy Gaming! Read More  Read More