The State of Games, Ep. 124: The One About PrezCon 2017

Many of us on podcast attend a ton of conventions during the year, but none are as relaxing or as enjoyable as PrezCon. There are no work duties, no meetings, no networking – nothing but kicking back, playing games, and spending some quality time with old friends. This year’s con was a bit sleepier than most, but all the usual suspects were still around to make sure it was just as memorable a tradition, as always. 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 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. 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. 108 – The One About Heading to Columbus

It’s officially convention season! And it’s time to head out to one of the biggest shows of the year – Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio! Other than PrezCon, this is probably my favorite show of the year. It’s big, but not so big that you don’t have time to catch up with all your favorite people and play some of your favorite games – and discover new favorites! So download and listen on your drive or flight; we’ll fill you in on all the good stuff to see and do! Read More  Read More

The State of Games, Ep. 107 – The One About Our Origin Stories

We all have to start somewhere, right? As gamers, we can all trace our hardcore gaming roots back to a few select moments, and that’s what we try to get at in this episode. Naturally, Magic: The Gathering is the catalyst for most, but there are still a few surprises in store as to how we all got started down this long, winding, expensive – but lovely – road. After listening, tell us how YOU got started in gaming! 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