It seems lately that almost every board game release must contain buzz words like quick or easy to play, or have play times listed around an hour or less on the game box. Marketers like it, retailers like it, publishers like it. But should all gamers settle for it? Isn’t there a place for games that require a bit of forethought before throwing it on the table – games so epic that you may have to plan at least a light meal for everyone involved? We think so. After this podcast, we hope you think so, too.

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It’s been awhile since we had guests on the podcast, so we figured it would be best to rectify that. What better way than to revisit that old Dice Hate Me chestnut – boutique publishing – with Daniel Newman and Tony Miller, of New Mill Industries. Their publishing philosophy is pretty punk rock, and TC and I sit down to talk about that with them and ask exactly when they’re going to sell out. Turns out they love the punk rock life, but they’re totally ready for offers. Give ’em a call, Asmodee.

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This is the spot where I usually say it’s hard to believe that another year has passed, but this year I truly mean it – mostly because we did absolutely nothing last year and, yet, the whole year is gone. The pandemic lockdown created a true gaming vacuum in which many of us did not escape, which makes creating a year-in-review podcast quite the challenge. And yet, here we are, partly because it’s tradition, and partly because we don’t want Covid and 2020 to take away all our joy of life and camaraderie. So come, sit with us and commiserate. Just sit over there and wear a mask, much love.

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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 this with a little help from guide entries from the previous 9 years. I’ll give a quick summary and then my take on why they would make a good fit for the 2020 holidays. There are also plenty of great games in those previous gift guides, so feel free to look them over if you haven’t seen all of them.

Regardless of the hardships of this year, I’m just glad you’re all here to visit – online, in the best socially-distanced way, of course. Enjoy the guide, Happy Holidays, and Happy Gaming!

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Hello, Dear Readers. Ten years ago today I posted my first review to this website and announced it to the world. What a long, strange trip it’s been – but no times more strange than the events of the past few months. I had planned to post a big, lighthearted article about favorite board games today, and even host a giveaway as a day of celebration, but celebrating just doesn’t seem right. Also, to be quite honest, I’m not much in the mood for celebrating right now.

Like many of you during 2020, the events around the world have done little to help with my anxiety or depression. However, the events this past week with the death of George Floyd have pushed me past a threshold. Many of you know I don’t particularly like mixing politics with my board game talk. Board games should be a welcome escape, a place where we can all join together as friends and try and forget the troubles of everyday life. But life right now can’t be ignored. Saving lives can’t be ignored.

I have to believe that some day we will celebrate. I have to believe that some day we will play games together again. And I have to believe that this gaming community I’ve loved for so many years can come together with understanding, compassion, love, and inclusion.

If you’d like to help, there are many ways to aid communities locally and nationally. As a visual journalist I believe accurate data speaks truth, so I recommend checking out Campaign Zero.

Yes, dear listeners, we’re back on schedule with an episode that not only provides a follow-up to last month’s podcast, it gives you everything you ever wanted to know about racing… with cardboard! We here at Dice Hate Me love racing and we’re here to tell you why you should, too. Plus, we diverge deep into why the Spiel des Jahres nominees this year are a huge return to formula for German voters and give TC even more air time to air his grievances. We hope you enjoy – and if you don’t, you know who to blame. Hint, it’s TC.

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We are truly living in strange times, and, as such, we thought it was time to take a moment to reflect on how things have changed and what we’ve all been through in the past couple of months. Among the three of us, no one has been through more than our own Darrell Louder, whose family has been living in a COVID-positive household, resulting in him, his mother-in-law, and his son dealing directly with the virus. Yes, it’s a heavier episode, but we do take some time for levity and talk about how we can all deal with our self isolation with some quality gaming, proving that when times get tough we can always count on games to help keep us sane.

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