The State of Games, Ep. 181: The One About the Great Escape

Sometimes you just need a good escape, whether its to a condo on the beach, to a secret island controlled by a mysterious doctor, to the depths of the sea, or just to the kitchen table with a good board game. We’re not taking a deep dive into the sea, but we are going to take a deep dive into escape rooms and board games that adapt that experience. And, as we are wont to do, we are going to ramble quite a bit while we do it. Honestly, you’d be disappointed if we didn’t. Read More  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. 170 – The One About the Best Things of 2019

It’s hard to believe that another year of gaming has passed, but here we are! It’s been a bit of a strange year for us here at Dice Hate Me – a bit less gaming, busier schedules – but we were still able to play so many of the thousands of amazing titles that came out, and a few great blasts from the past. In this podcast we’re presenting our usual Discoveries and Games of the Year, but we’re also spicing it up with some special one-choice categories for games and things that needed the spotlight. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the curated picks from the year that was. Read More  Read More

The 2019 Dice Hate Me Holiday Gift Guide

Seasons Greetings, Dear Readers! It’s time once again for that favorite seasonal tradition – the 9th annual Dice Hate Me Holiday Gift Guide! I can’t believe it’s been nine years that I’ve been sharing my tabletop favorites for Santa’s sleigh, but here we are – and I’m so glad you’re here to celebrate the season with me. I’ve collected another great batch of gaming gifts this year – some ordinary, many unconventional – for all your family and friends. So haul out the holly and fill up the stocking, ‘cause we need a little Christmas now! Happy Holidays and Happy Gaming! Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 154 – The One About the Top 5 Games EVER

We love when listeners get involved with the podcast and, because of comments and feedback from all of you, this podcast was magical. We’ve revisited our favorite games of all time occasionally but never within the context of a listener-curated list. And, oh, what an incredibly varied list it was! It just goes to show that all of you love so many different games in this hobby and that, dear listeners, is a truly wonderful thing. Happy listening! Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 153 – The One About Origins 2018

It’s summertime and that means it’s time for the biggest gaming conventions of the year! It’s always great to kick off the season at one of our favorite gaming conventions, Origins Game Fair, and it’s hard to believe that this is the 7th year we’ve covered it on The State of Games. Both the podcast and the con have grown and changed through the years but the focus for both has, thankfully, remained the same – let’s get together and play some awesome games. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 148: The One About Unpub 8

We travel to a lot of gaming conventions each year but none are quite as unique or as special as the Unpublished Games Festival. In this, its 8th year, Unpub has grown from a tiny gathering of game designers at the VFW Hall in Dover, Delaware, to thousands gathering to make good games better at the Hunt Valley Resort just outside Baltimore, Maryland. Unpub has been an invaluable resource for designers as playtesters pour in to play, give feedback, and improve game designs. It’s quite possible that Dice Hate Me Games wouldn’t exist without Unpub, and I can guarantee you there are more than a few excellent game titles on your shelves... Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 146: The One About Expanding Your World

Love ’em or hate ’em, board game expansions are a huge part of the industry. Some companies survive just on expansions for their most popular titles, which can sometimes lead to consumer fatigue. They can often feel like cash grabs, but on occasion an expansion is released that not only provides more content for a game – it also makes that game better. So settle in Dear Listeners – we’re here to separate the suck from the essentials, all just for you. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 145: The One About One-Hour Wonders

If there’s one thing that’s awesome about board gaming it’s that we are spoiled for choice when it comes to variety. There are great card games that play in about 15 minutes, meaty Euros that burn your brain for 2 hours, or Ameritrash juggernauts that might take you a full day to play. But there’s also this super sweet spot in gaming where a certain type of game exists – one that plays in about an hour, isn’t overly-taxing, and yet makes you feel smart, fulfilled, and like you’ve just experienced something truly magical. These are the one-hour wonders, and herein we craft our ode. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 135: The One About Tactics vs. Strategy

It’s always awesome to have a long-time friend and podcast listener on the show, and it’s even better when that guest throws down with TC on a serious game topic! I’ve known Van Ryder Games founder AJ Porfirio for almost as long as Kickstarter has been around, and yet he’s never been on the show. After a controversial tweet last week, I figured he was due, if only to give us all an amazing opportunity to talk all this tactics and strategy kerfluffle through! Read More  Read More