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. 112 – The One About Gen Con 2016

The summer is drawing to a close and, with it, so is the season for big conventions. None are bigger each year than Gen Con, and this year was the biggest yet, scattering all four of us from the podcast to the four winds only to see each other sporadically. But, with the distance comes opportunity, as we all get to share very different experiences for all of you to enjoy, dear listeners. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 111 – The One About Running With The Bulls

It’s time for the really big show! That’s right, it’s time to get our butts to Indianapolis for Gen Con! It’s hard to believe it’s here again so soon, and even as I post this a day before I’m leaving I still have about a week’s worth of work to do. It’ll all be worth it, though, to see the sights, the spectacles, and the super gamers having fun. Also, I’m really looking forward to some super spicy shrimp cocktail. Seriously. 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

The State of Games, Ep. 106 – The One About the Here and Now

Since we are a podcast all about boardgames, sometimes we all just like to dig into some good discussion of the best and brightest we’ve played in the here and now. We’ve all done our top 10 of all time in the past, but it’s often good to remember that a top 10 is not necessarily a “hot 10”, and some of those classics we love don’t hit the table nearly as much as some more recent, modern classics that definitely deserve some love! Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 105 – The One About Being Alone in the Void with Richard Launius

There comes a time in the life of every podcast when we all just have go our separate ways. Kinda. Since our schedules weren’t matching up for our usual recording we decided to split up into teams and give all of you dear listeners double your pleasure, double your fun! Since Darrell and I aren’t really into solo gaming, TC and Jessica decide to pick up that slack, all while we have some fun down in South Carolina with one of our favorite people in the world, Richard Launius. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 104 – The One About Unpub 6

I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the Unpublished Games Festival since way back at Unpub 2, and it’s hard to believe just how big this little big convention has gotten. Way back in the day it was a few designers huddled around some tables in a VFW hall, and now it’s a ton of gamers from all over invading the Baltimore Convention Center. It’s awesome! I can’t wait to see where Unpub 10 is going to be. Maybe the moon! Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 103 – The One About Playtesting

Game design can often be a complex process that involves many people, not just the designer. One of the most important parts of the process is playtesting, and getting the game in front of quality playtesters is paramount. With Unpub 6 right around the corner, we thought it’d be cool to talk about how to get the most out of playtesting on both sides of the process. Oh, and you all should come to Unpub 6. Because it’s cool. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 102 – The One About the Takeover

The State of Games has come a long way in its five years of existence, and I’ve enjoyed every last moment guiding it along with my co-hosts. But there comes a time when you just have to let go. No, we’re not canceling the podcast – just handing it over to some new blood! Jessica is taking over structure and editing and things are finally going to get organized around here. Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 101 – The One About PrezCon 2016

The early part of the year tends to be cold and convention-less, but there is one bright oasis every February – PrezCon! This is the one convention every year where none of us have any responsibilities other than to relax, enjoy time with our friends, and play a whole boatload of games. So that’s exactly what we did again this year, and it was awesome. Come, let us tell you about it. Read More  Read More