The State of Games, Ep. 130: The One About Mysterious Mysteries

This week we all jump in the Mystery Machine and brave that old, abandoned amusement park – all for your listening pleasure! Yes, this time we’re all about the mystery games, whether they be about gumshoes, serial killers, or just sending a love letter to your betrothed. Unfortunately, Darrell couldn’t be along for this ride since he almost got killed by a tree. But that’s a mystery for another day! Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 127: The One About Intelligent Design

Completely rudderless without our podcast editor, Jessica, Darrell, TC, and I decide to go completely off the rails and talk some inside baseball about game design. Don’t worry, though, it’s not too dark down that rabbit hole, and you may just find a wonderland of marvelous fun and information! Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 122: The One About Bits & Pieces

We love having special guests on The State of Games, and this time around we get to talk to the always awesome Chris Matthew of Panda Game Manufacturing. We take a big look behind the green curtain of game production and all the decisions that go into which components are the best for a game, and how to keep costs down while making sure the production is awesome. We also talk in-depth about some of the changes in the industry over the past couple of years in terms of component quality escalation and how it can affect the board game market. Oh, we also talk about awesome games we’ve played, so there’s that. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 121: The One About the Best Games of 2016

It’s the second most wonderful time of the year – that time when we look back on the best and brightest games of the previous year! This year it’s really pretty cool, as there is very little overlap in the games that Darrell, TC, Jessica, and myself have picked for our Games and Discoveries of the years, which means much more quality goodness and variety for all of you, dear listeners! As much as 2016 was a mixed bag of quality in the industry, it still turned out to be a tough task for all of us to narrow down what we like the best. Listen up, and please let us know what were your favorites of 2016! Read More  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

The State of Games, Ep. 118: The One About the Good Ol’ Days

Ahhh, the good ol’ days. Many of us look back with great nostalgia on those events, items, shows, and such that bring us warm, fuzzy feelings and help us to combat the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune in our daily lives. The board game space is rife with nostalgia nowadays, with many designers and publishers banking on the selling power of happy memories from yesteryear. So pour yourself some Nesquick, put on your superhero jammies, and kick back as we look back on the best of the past and what it could mean for the future. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 117: The One About Secrets

It’s no secret that everybody loves a good secret, and we’re here to talk all about that particular phenomenon in the board game space. We’ve had some experience with having to keep a secret or two around the Dice Hate Me HQ and it’s not always easy. But, sometimes it’s necessary, not only to protect a game design, but also to protect the production timeline. Confused? Don’t be, as all will be made clear after listening to Ep. 117! Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 115: The One About The Hotness

If there’s one thing most of us gamers get all excited about, it’s the new shiny in cardboard. Board games are growing in leaps and bounds, and each month sees an exponential increase in board game releases. Some titles somehow tap into the zeitgeist and hurtle skyward with tons of hype, while other, equally-worthy, titles inexplicably tumble down into obscurity. We’re here to talk about this very thing, and how BGG’s The Hotness can make or break a game, and, sometimes, even a company. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 109 – The One About Origins 2016

Hey there, it’s time for con season! Veteran podcast listeners know what to to expect around this time, but also veteran readers know what to expect for Origins Game Fair! That’s right, we love our time at the North Market, eating waffles and crepes at Taste of Belgium, plus naming our favorite ice cream flavors from Jeni’s! Beyond that, you’d best lay back and listen to our best bits from enjoying everything at the Origins Game Fair if you weren’t able to attend. It’ll be like you were there in person. Read More  Read More