Best Boardgame Design Podcasts (2025)

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Pros and Cons Ep 15 55:07

Play Pause

14m ago55:07

55:07

Once again, Sen catches a wild game designer at Origins 2024! This time, he captures Josh Derksen of Lynnvander Games and gets the chance to talk about Josh's work. In particular, Sen is interested in the campaign modes that Josh has devised for several miniature battle systems. What started out as a fan mod (Heroes of the Aturi Cluster for X-Wing)…

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5G4D's Top 100-100-91 16:09

2h ago16:09

16:09

In this audio version of Ben's Top 100 he tells you what's best! Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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#84 - Nordic LARP - Do you feel the need for bleed? 18:32

3d ago18:32

18:32

In this episode, Tom digs into the history of Nordic LARP - covering the mix tape of LARP and the need for bleed. https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 Tabletop Upgrades Premium Gaming Accessories - https://www.tabletopupgrades.co.uk Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https:/…

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Manuel Fritsch 1:24:29

4d ago1:24:29

1:24:29

My guest this week is the head of IGN Germany and host of the Spiel des Jahres Manuel Fritsch. We talk about legacy media, the use of the Spiel des Jahres and why Civ games are the best...but which games did he choose? Support the show here Brass Birmingham Civilization V Frosthaven Blood on the Clocktower Kingdom Two Crowns Become a supporter of t…

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157: Great 2-player games, final thoughts on Gen Con (guest: Corey Thompson) 55:27

8d ago55:27

55:27

We love Gen Con so much, we couldn't fit everything into our Games of the Show episode. And Corey Thompson loves Gen Con so much that he became a part-owner of the giant North American gaming convention. Corey leads Above Board TV, cohosts the Board Games Insider podcast, co-owns Play to Z Games, and...lots more that will just take up way too much …

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Paint Me A Picture 1:08:51

10d ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Eric starts the show by sharing tales of his European adventures, which leads Tom to share some of our plans for Spiel in October. Then, we discuss the process for adding art to your game. How do you find an artist? How long does it take to draw a picture of a horse? What if the horse is holding a corn dog? Later, we share a tale of horror and a qu…

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Design Notes-Richard Garfield Audio 40:48

10d ago40:48

40:48

Ben interviews Richard Garfield about designing games. Listen to more like this at: https://www.patreon.com/5g4d Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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#83 - Tom and Kev catch up on Carcassonne, Hoplomachus, our hopes for Earthborn Rangers and whales. 21:45

10d ago21:45

21:45

In this episode, Tom and Kev catch up for their first chat in ages and discuss a few games - Hoplomachus and Carcassonne to name a couple. https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 Tabletop Upgrades Premium Gaming Accessories - https://www.tabletopupgrades.co.uk Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wa…

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Pros and Cons Ep 14 51:58

12d ago51:58

51:58

Sen met with new designer but veteran writer Nathan Long (several Warhammer novels, the screenplay for Guyver: Dark Hero, and the scripts for the Wastelands and Bardstale video games) at Origins 2024. Sen had the opportunity to play Nathan's game, Shanghai Noir prior to this so he wanted to discuss how to build narrative in games.…

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Trench Raid with Lisa Smedman 53:02

14d ago53:02

53:02

Lisa Smedman is a best-selling author, journalist, and designer of many RPG games and modules. We discuss Trench Raid, her first solitaire tabletop wargame for Compass, the tactical approach to the topic of WW1, and the relationship between serious games and design intent. Trench Raid from Compass Games Outro music: "Kingdom Come" by Cindy Lee Cind…

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The Spielworxx Bulletin-The Localisation Episode 56:24

16d ago56:24

56:24

In this episode of The Spielworxx Bulletin Ben and Uli discuss the localisation process. Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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#82 - Too Many Bones, The Good the Bad & The Ugly 28:24

17d ago28:24

28:24

In this episode Kev revisits Too Many Bones and discusses what he loves about it and why he's fallen out with it. A must listen if you want to step away from the TMB hype-train and listen to a balanced view. It may save you a few dollars! Tabletop Upgrades Premium Gaming Accessories - https://www.tabletopupgrades.co.uk Support the Podcast - Patreon…

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5G4D News-The Dark Romance Episode 53:22

18d ago53:22

53:22

In this episode of the news we thank new patreon backers, interview Hans form Funtails about their exciting new title Dark Romance and answer your questions. Get on it! Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.…

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156: The 2025 Gen Con Games of the Show 1:02:43

22d ago1:02:43

1:02:43

We're back from North America's giant gaming convention: Gen Con 2025! Did you miss us? Don't answer and don't worry -- we've got the coverage for ya. We sit down and talk about SO MANY GAMES -- over 20 of 'em in this episode alone. Which did we like? Which were the best in show for us? Listen to find out! Timeline: 4:21 - 2025 Party Games of Gen C…

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5G4Coc-Episode 6-What's in the Schmutz File 50:10

23d ago50:10

50:10

In this episode the crew find out some political secrets and head to a serial killer's flat.# Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Escaping Gen Con 2025 54:38

24d ago54:38

54:38

We are back from Gen Con, and ready to talk about our adventures! We discuss the crowds, the events, and the games we enjoyed, and maybe a little about the food we ate as well. We also share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, and share our latest crop of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:46 - Announcements: Dice Tower West and Dice Tower Cruise 01:4…

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#81- Sea, Salt and Paper! Are the two expansions worth your time? 21:32

24d ago21:32

21:32

In this podcast Tom talks Sea Salt & Pepper expansions. If you're thinking of getting or expanding on this game then stick around as Tom reveals his recommendations. Tabletop Upgrades Premium Gaming Accessories - https://www.tabletopupgrades.co.uk Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Ter…

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Pros and Cons Ep 13 49:45

28d ago49:45

49:45

Sen speaks to David Gordon at Origins 2024 before all of his games hit shelves in 2025. From Monkey Palace to Floristry, we chat about David's entry into game design and what the future holds for this international man of mystery. Did any of it come true one year later?

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5G4CoC-Episode 5-Thrown a Mickey 48:42

29d ago48:42

48:42

In this episode our gang try to help poor, drugged Olaferik and stumble upon something dirty... Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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096 – Nerdlab Games – Behind the Scenes of Publishing Board Games 1:00:16

1M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Chris, a podcast listener and fellow game designer, reached out wondering why there hadn’t been any new episodes lately. He generously offered to take on the role of interviewer for this episode, giving listeners an exclusive behind the scenes look at what’s been happening at Nerdlab Games over the past two years. I am incredibly grateful to Chris …

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Berlin Con 2025-Steve Goes Rogue 1:59:31

1M ago1:59:31

1:59:31

Ben couldn't be at Berlin Con this year so Steve actually has to earn his press pass...and bloody hell does he! Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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#80 - Malediction Interview with Designer Nicky Lobos 44:40

1M ago44:40

44:40

Malediction is a brand new game from Loot studios, in this episode we get to look behind the curtain with designer Nicky Lobos Malediction - https://malediction.gg Tabletop Upgrades Premium Gaming Accessories - https://www.tabletopupgrades.co.uk Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terra…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Gen Con Bound 2025 1:01:57

1M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

We're on our way to Gen Con! And here are the games we're most excited about (as well as the ones that are getting the most buzz online). You'll also here where to find us in Indy, where we plan to eat, and how we plan to survive the Best Four Days in Gaming. 00:45 - Releases in the second half of the year. 02:23 - Preparing for Crowds at Gen Con -…

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#79 - Games where you have to get out of a room - Hostage Negotiator, Final Girl and the Exit games. 20:58

1M ago20:58

20:58

Tom discusses two games that involve getting out of rooms. Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile device ➞ https://pod.link/1731899665 Connect with us: ➡️ W…

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5G4D News-An Expedition AUA 1:05:41

1M ago1:05:41

1:05:41

In this special news show Ben and Steve head off into the countryside and answer you questions. Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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Pros and Cons Ep 12 47:19

1M ago47:19

47:19

In this episode of Pros and Cons (where we talk to game industry professionals at conventions), we go back to AnimeNorth 2024 where Sen chats with TTRPG designer and writer, Daniel Kwan about anime, wuxia, martial arts, combat and his project that JUST FUNDED on Kickstarter in 2025 - Wandering Blades!…

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155: Games from Asia, great 5/6-player games (guest: Cardboard East) 1:04:50

1M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

We love unique gaming experiences, especially from those tough-to-find games in Asia. Why are they so different from Western-made games? And what are the differences between games that originated from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, or other parts of the East? Jay Bernardo, marketing manager at Bezier Games and content creator at Cardboard East (which specia…

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Every Day I Write The Book-Isaac's list of books 44:43

2M ago44:43

44:43

In this episode Ben and Isaac chat about the progress of the book and Isaac picks five titles to help you design a game. Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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#78 - The Walking Dead Miniatures Game by Mantic Games - one for board gamers? 23:59

2M ago23:59

23:59

The walking dead miniatures game is back (from the dead) and we've been playing the second coming of it in 2025. Find out what Kev thinks and why it's such a great option for the miniatures-game curious board gamer. Tabletop Upgrades Premium Gaming Accessories - https://www.tabletopupgrades.co.uk Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.co…

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Joe Dewhurst 1:00:33

2M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

My guest this week is game designer and developer at GMT Games, Joe Dewhurst. We talk about philosophy, game development and the evangelisation of games...but which games did he choose? Support the show here War of the Ring Dune Unmatched Spirit Island Pax Pamir Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doo…

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Spielworxx Bulletin-What is this game about anyway 59:51

2M ago59:51

59:51

In this episode of the Spielworxx Bulletin, Ben and Uli talk about theme in game and its importance. Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Going East 2025 1:00:53

2M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

It's time to recap our adventures at Dice Tower East 2025. We discuss the games we played and events we ran, and you also get to hear what Eric and Julie got up to when working at the Dice Tower Booth, which includes brainstorming ways to get Tom to remember the difference between Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:46 - We Didn't See Each Other 01:4…

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#77 - Malediction -MTG meets miniature war gaming. 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

Malediction is an interesting new game from Loot Studios. Find out more about it in this unsponsored review and discussion https://malediction.gg/ Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe …

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Spiel des Jahres Special 1:46:50

2M ago1:46:50

1:46:50

Ben and Steve go to the Spiel des Jahres and speak to all of the notables. Support the show here Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.By Ben Maddox

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Interview with Fred Serval 1:00:42

2M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

In this episode, a proper interview with Fred Serval, designer of A Gest of Robin Hood, Red Flag Over Paris, and A Very Civil Whist. Fred is also the host of an excellent channel dedicated to historical tabletop gaming, Homo Ludens. We discuss his design approach and how it informs critique of other games. Outro music: "All Good Things Will Come to…

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Ludology 344 Indie Games Night Market 1:00:12

2M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

While Erica is on vacation, Sen takes the opportunity to speak with Daniel Newman about how his love of trick-taking games lead to the inception of the Indie Games Night Market. If you're interested in selling your games at this year's IGNM at PaxU 25, please check apply at www.newmillindustries.com/ignm…

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154: Running a first-time game con, going from content creator to retailer (guest: LFG Con) 38:01

2M ago38:01

38:01

Do you enjoy hosting a handful of people for game night? How about a few hundred? That's what these three tried for the first time about a month ago in Burbank, CA: Dustin Staats, content creator and owner of online and brick-and-mortar retailer BGE Tabletop; George Caceres, owner of board game cafe Game N' Grounds; and Dae, owner of board game sto…