Decision Space
- Episodes
- 294
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 11, 2026
About the podcast
Decision Space is a board game podcast about the decisions in games.
Episodes 294
Game Development with Jamey Stegmaier (What We Talk About)
Episode 291- Game Development with Jamey Stegmaier Publisher, designer, and friend Jamey Stegmaier returns to the podcast, this time for a chat about game development. Come for solid advice and analysis, stay …
Show notes
Episode 291- Game Development with Jamey Stegmaier
Publisher, designer, and friend Jamey Stegmaier returns to the podcast, this time for a chat about game development. Come for solid advice and analysis, stay for insightful stories about specific Stonemaier and GameHead games!
Time Stamps
4:30- design vs development
20:45- tools of development
34:30- development and personal taste
41:00- possible pitfalls
53:15- crediting developers
1:06:00- using data
1:12:15- developing Stonemaier games
1:19:45- expansion development
1:25:30- when is a game "finished"?Preplanners
Next week is an interview with a LEGENDARY designer!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
What Makes Games Beautiful? A Conversation with Frank Lantz
Episode 290- The Beauty of Games with Frank Lantz Brendan chats in this episode with game designer and professor Frank Lantz. They talk about his book The Beauty of Games and also dig into taste, expression …
Show notes
Episode 290- The Beauty of Games with Frank Lantz
Brendan chats in this episode with game designer and professor Frank Lantz. They talk about his book The Beauty of Games and also dig into taste, expression, depth and donkey space.
https://franklantz.substack.com/
Time Stamps
1:50- games as an aesthetic form
13:00- games as a search for truth
25:30- about taste
33:45- expressive play and donkey space
54:00- insights and meaning from games
1:02:00- what is depth?Preplanners
Next week we talk about game development with Jamey Stegmaier.
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Shinzawathon! Ranking Every Game From the Master of Trick-Taking with Taylor Reiner
Episode 289- Shinzawathon Pete and Paul create a tier list for every game designed by Taiki Shinzawa. They are joined by trick-taking expert Taylor Reiner, which is good because one of these games has only one …
Show notes
Episode 289- Shinzawathon
Pete and Paul create a tier list for every game designed by Taiki Shinzawa. They are joined by trick-taking expert Taylor Reiner, which is good because one of these games has only one total rating on BGG and it is from Taylor himself. That's how serious this guy is.
Time Stamps
18:00- early games
20:15- Maskmen
26:30- Charms
34:30- Luz
40:15- 9 Lives
44:30- Players Play
47:25- Ghosts of Christmas
49:00- Inflation!
52:15- American Bookshop
57:00- Cinderella's Dance
59:00- Planet etuC
1:01:00- Trick to the Future
1:07:00- Big Top
1:13:00- Combo Trax
1:14:15- Pin Combi Trio
1:16:30- Fives
1:21:00- Shihou Dealer
1:22:00- No Loose Ends
1:27:45- 6 Forces
1:29:30- Quattro Trick-Taking
1:32:00- Quashars
1:34:00- Dodicitre
1:35:30- Can't Win
1:42:40- Octopus OrderPreplanners
Next week is a interview with NYU's Frank Lantz, the guy who coined the phrase "Donkey Space"!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Modern Art: A Classic That Continues to Appreciate in Value
Episode 288- Modern Art An old school deep dive of an old school game! Pete and Brendan examine Knizia's classic auction game Modern Art and discuss what makes this game so thematic and thrilling over thirty …
Show notes
Episode 288- Modern Art
An old school deep dive of an old school game! Pete and Brendan examine Knizia's classic auction game Modern Art and discuss what makes this game so thematic and thrilling over thirty years later.
Link to the 5 of a Kind kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/boardgametables/through-the-mountains-through-the-desert-deluxe-more
Link to Pete's 5 of a Kind design diary: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/boardgametables/through-the-mountains-through-the-desert-deluxe-more
Preplanners
Next week is a countdown of the best games by Taiki Shinzawa!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Medina and More: Fresh Hot Impressions of Dusty Old Games
Episode 287- Playing OGs Together All four hosts are together for a discussion of the Old School games they played together during Brendan's visit to St. Louis. That Stefan Dorra... so hot right now... Time …
Show notes
Episode 287- Playing OGs Together
All four hosts are together for a discussion of the Old School games they played together during Brendan's visit to St. Louis. That Stefan Dorra... so hot right now...
Time Stamps
4:50- BattleCON: War of Indines
17:00- Hellas
30:00- Big Shot
48:15- Witch's Brew
1:03:00- MedinaPreplanners
Next week is a deep dive of Modern Art and after that we'll be making a tier list of the best games by Taiki Shinzawa
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Cole Wehrle on His Love of Economic Games and How They Inspired An Infamous Traffic
Episode 286- Cole Wehrle on Economic Games and An Infamous Traffic Pete chats with Cole Wehrle about his history with economic games like Container and how these nasty designs inspired An Infamous Traffic …
Show notes
Episode 286- Cole Wehrle on Economic Games and An Infamous Traffic
Pete chats with Cole Wehrle about his history with economic games like Container and how these nasty designs inspired An Infamous Traffic, which currently has a second edition in development for Wehrlegig Games.
An Infamous Traffic on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/colewehrle/an-infamous-traffic-second-edition
Cole's design diaries: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/475323/an-infamous-traffic-second-edition/forums/0
Time Stamps
3:10- economic games
27:15- Container
50:30- An Infamous TrafficGames Mentioned
Modern Art, The Estates, 1817, Indonesia, Reef Encounter, Automobile, Neuland, Nippon: Zaibatsu, Sol: Last Days of a Star, Container, An Infamous Traffic, Brass, John Company
Preplanners
Next week we'll talk about games we played together as a group while Brendan was in town!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Our Designs in Development: Report from a Prototype Convention
Episode 285- Stonemaier Design Day 2026 All four hosts are together to share their experiences of hanging out together IN PERSON for Stonemaier Design Day. Paul talks about games he's working on for GameHead …
Show notes
Episode 285- Stonemaier Design Day 2026
All four hosts are together to share their experiences of hanging out together IN PERSON for Stonemaier Design Day. Paul talks about games he's working on for GameHead and Pete, Jake, and Brendan discuss the games they brought to showcase at the event.
Time Stamps
6:00- GameHead playtesting
23:00- about Stonemaier Design Day
29:45- Franchise Wars (Pete and Brendan's game)
41:30- Kiuic (Jake's game)
52:15- Among Mortals (Brendan's game)
1:06:00- Teacher's Pest (Jake's game)
1:12:15- other prototypes we playedPreplanners
Next week is the return of a special guest!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Lane Battlers: How Schotten Totten Created a Genre
Episode 284- Schotten Totten and Lane Battlers Pete and Brendan explore the card game genre known as lane battlers and deep dive the 1999 Knizia Classic Schotten Totten that gave birth to these dueling games …
Show notes
Episode 284- Schotten Totten and Lane Battlers
Pete and Brendan explore the card game genre known as lane battlers and deep dive the 1999 Knizia Classic Schotten Totten that gave birth to these dueling games.
Time Stamps
5:15- what is a lane battler?
10:00- Schotten Totten deep dive
44:30- other lane battlersGames Mentioned
Battle Line, Lost Cities, Hanamikoji, Radlands, Riftforce, Air Land and Sea, Marvel Snap, Compile, Toy Battle, Brawl, Omen Reign of War, The Old King's Crown, Dracula vs Van Helsing
Preplanners
The hosts will be talking about their first 4 host meetup and Stonemaier Design day next week!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Our Favorite Splotter? Indonesia Roundtable Merge-a-Palooza
Episode 283- Indonesia Pete is joined by Arnie, Jared and Luke to discuss Splotter's 2005 economic masterpiece Indonesia. These 4 have played the game sixteen times together this year and have learned a lot …
Show notes
Episode 283- Indonesia
Pete is joined by Arnie, Jared and Luke to discuss Splotter's 2005 economic masterpiece Indonesia. These 4 have played the game sixteen times together this year and have learned a lot. Listen to their tales of business blunder and triumph!
Arnie's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@analog_arnie
Luke's Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/off-board-podcast/
Jared has nothing going on worth sharing.
Preplanners
Deep dive on Schotten Totten and an exploration of Lane Battlers is coming up next.
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
The Games of Gen Con 2026: Greylune, Jibber Jabble, Buttonville and More
Episode 282- Gen Con Impressions Pete and Paul recap their Gen Con experience and give quick impressions of games they picked up there! Time Stamps 13:15- Trick to the Future 16:15- Jibber Jabble 20:30- Jusayo …
Show notes
Episode 282- Gen Con Impressions
Pete and Paul recap their Gen Con experience and give quick impressions of games they picked up there!
Time Stamps
13:15- Trick to the Future
16:15- Jibber Jabble
20:30- Jusayo
24:30- Stonk Market
29:00- The Glorious Guilds of Buttonville
35:30- Soundwave Length
39:00- Grandma I'm Hungry
44:15- Sushi Go Chef's Party
48:00- Brave and Bold Bag Building Combat Game
52:15- Looney Tunes Hunting Wabbits
54:30- Realm of Reckoning
59:15- Big Shot
1:05:30- Bordeaux
1:10:15- Woo
1:12:15- Greylune
1:18:30- MoustachePreplanners
Deep dive roundtable discussion of Indonesia is coming up next week!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
New Editions of Old Games and the Brilliance of Libertalia
Episode 281- Libertalia and Reimplementations Paul, Brendan, and Pete discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of making new editions of old games. Then they deep dive Paolo Mori's 2012 classic Libertalia …
Show notes
Episode 281- Libertalia and Reimplementations
Paul, Brendan, and Pete discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of making new editions of old games. Then they deep dive Paolo Mori's 2012 classic Libertalia and the excellent update from Stonemaier Games in 2022's Winds of Galecrest.
Time Stamps
2:40- second editions and reimplementations
22:00- Libertalia deep divePreplanners
Pete and Paul are going to chat about fresh plays of Gen Con hotness!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Design Disagreements, Dream Games, and Other Listener Questions
Episode 280- Listener Questions We open the mail bag to answer a bunch of questions from the Decision Space community! Time Stamps 2:15- who would win? 4:50- what is a YOU game? 9:00- design choice you disagree …
Show notes
Episode 280- Listener Questions
We open the mail bag to answer a bunch of questions from the Decision Space community!
Time Stamps
2:15- who would win?
4:50- what is a YOU game?
9:00- design choice you disagree with
18:00- design choice you love
23:20- games for roommates
27:30- games you wish existed
34:30- bad games we like
40:00- who you want to play a game with
44:30- spoiler strategies
50:00- emotional responses to games
53:00- how our tastes have changed
56:30- where do you see the pod in 5 years?
1:00:30- game night pick
1:02:45- deep dive redo
1:05:30- time for games
1:09:00- state of the hobby
1:13:15- superlatives
1:14:15- has the podcast changed you as a gamer?
1:16:45- host disagreements
1:18:00- dueling game advicePreplanners
We have a deep dive of Paolo Mori's Libertalia coming up!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Sandbox Objectives and Frosted Blooms
Episode 279- Sandbox Objectives and Frosted Blooms This week Brendan tries to convince his co-hosts that "sandbox objectives" and "point salad" are not not the same thing. Jake isn't convinced. Also the gang …
Show notes
Episode 279- Sandbox Objectives and Frosted Blooms
This week Brendan tries to convince his co-hosts that "sandbox objectives" and "point salad" are not not the same thing. Jake isn't convinced. Also the gang deep dives the new polyomino game Frosted Blooms, designed by Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc.
Time Stamps
3:20- sandbox objective systems
30:00- Frosted Blooms deep divePreplanners
Next week is listener questions! Send them to us via email or join our Discord!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
The Questions Games Ask (What We Talk About)
Episode 278- Who, What, When, Where, Why, How? That types of questions do games ask us as players? When should I score? Who can I trust? Why did they do that? How should I sequence this? This week we dig into …
Show notes
Episode 278- Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?
That types of questions do games ask us as players? When should I score? Who can I trust? Why did they do that? How should I sequence this? This week we dig into what the central questions are in different games and think about how this can help us as players and designers.
Time Stamps4:30- Who?
18:00- What?
26:00- When?
34:00- Where?
42:00- Why?
54:00- How?Games Mentioned
Magic the Gathering, The Resistance, Root, Castles of Burgundy, A Feast for Odin, Tag Team, Bus, Dominion, Medina, Ra, El Grande, Star Wars Rebellion, The Crew, Root, Zoo Vadis, Tikal, Bus
Preplanners
Email us or join our discord to submit questions for a future episode! Also we'll be doing a deep dive on Frosted Blooms soon!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Deckbuilding 301: How Slay the Spire Expands Tabletop Design
Episode 277- Deckbuilding 301 and Slay the Spire Trick-taking wiz Taylor Reiner joins Pete, Jake, and Brendan to take the next step on our deckbuilding exploration. This time we're going digital! How do games …
Show notes
Episode 277- Deckbuilding 301 and Slay the Spire
Trick-taking wiz Taylor Reiner joins Pete, Jake, and Brendan to take the next step on our deckbuilding exploration. This time we're going digital! How do games like Balatro and Slay the Spire build on physical games and where do they diverge? Also how are we seeing the reverse influence on tabletop games?
Check out Taylor's amazing Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ClaudeAndTaylorTime Stamps
4:00- introduce Taylor Reiner
9:30- digital card games
21:30- deckbuilding roguelikes
46:45- Slay the Spire
1:26:15- Balatro
1:32:00- digital games inspiring tabletop designPreplanners
I actually don't know what the next episode will be about!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
An Infamous Traffic, Virgin Queen, John Company Megagame and More: Report from a Historical Game Convention
Episode 276- SD HistCon North 2026 Pete is joined by Cardner Babakitis of Odd Candy Games and Buried Giant Studios. They discuss the historical games they played at the inaugural SD HistCon North. Check out …
Show notes
Episode 276- SD HistCon North 2026
Pete is joined by Cardner Babakitis of Odd Candy Games and Buried Giant Studios. They discuss the historical games they played at the inaugural SD HistCon North.
Check out Cardner's games here: https://www.oddcandygames.com/Time Stamps
15:00- Hellraisers in Kanawha County
19:30- An Infamous Traffic 2nd Edition
27:30- Baltic Empires
33:00- Penitent
42:00- Nicaea
49:00- John Company megagame
1:01:50- Oath with New Foundations
1:08:05- Muddy Buddies
1:09:15- Virgin Queen
1:23:00- Big ShotPreplanners
The next episode is Deckbuilding 301 which focuses on the relationship of Slay the Spire to tabletop games!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Inside the Deck: Digging Deep on Suits, Numbers, and Design
Episode 275- Inside the Deck This week Jake, Paul, and Brendan explore the different deck structures of card games. Things get mathy in this design focused discussion about how combinations of suits and numbers …
Show notes
Episode 275- Inside the Deck
This week Jake, Paul, and Brendan explore the different deck structures of card games. Things get mathy in this design focused discussion about how combinations of suits and numbers create different decision spaces in games.
Time Stamps
2:00- Air Land and Sea
13:00- The Fox in the Forest
21:45- Jekyll vs Hyde
27:45- Dracula vs Van Helsing
34:30- Coloretto
42:00- Pet Quartet
45:00- Flip 7
50:00- The Mind
55:00- No Thanks
1:01:30- Arboretum
1:09:30- Lost Cities
1:14:00- Schotten Totten
1:16:15- Scout and dnupPreplanners
Up next is a recap from a historical game convention.
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Showdown of the Best Board Games From the Golden Age of 2010-2014
Episode 274- 2010-2014 Showdown All four hosts are together to play a game as a way to choose a consensus list of the best board games from the early 2010's. The format here is from April Mitchell's This/That …
Show notes
Episode 274- 2010-2014 Showdown
All four hosts are together to play a game as a way to choose a consensus list of the best board games from the early 2010's. The format here is from April Mitchell's This/That Showdown: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/463458/thisthat-showdown
Games Mentioned
BattleCon, Keyflower, The Resistance Avalon, The Castles of Burgundy, The Great Zimbabwe, Trajan, Charms, Haggis, Hanabi, Glen More, Hanamikoji, Castles of Mad King Ludwig, Patchwork, Linko, Troyes, Libertalia
Preplanners
Up next is a discussion of deck design and a recap from a historical game convention.
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
dnup, Scout, and Iterative Game Design
Episode 273- dnup and Iterative Game Design In this episode we talk about iterative game design. Why do designers go back to ideas they've already explored? On that note, we also discuss the new hotness dnup …
Show notes
Episode 273- dnup and Iterative Game Design
In this episode we talk about iterative game design. Why do designers go back to ideas they've already explored? On that note, we also discuss the new hotness dnup and how designer Kai Kajino built it upon the foundation of his modern classic hit Scout.
Timestamps
3:30- iterative design
32:20- Scout
46:00- dnupPreplanners
We have another decade draft coming up soon!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
The Old Kings Crown Rewards Player Expression and Obsession
Episode 272- The Old King's Crown Pete is joined by Jaffles ( https://www.youtube.com/@Jaffles-gaming ) to do a deep dive of the hottest game from last year: The Old King's Crown. They also chat about what …
Show notes
Episode 272- The Old King's Crown
Pete is joined by Jaffles ( https://www.youtube.com/@Jaffles-gaming ) to do a deep dive of the hottest game from last year: The Old King's Crown. They also chat about what types of games inspire players to dig deep and get obsessed.
Timestamps
5:00- why we get obsessed with games
18:15- intro to Old King's Crown
24:00- personal reviews
27:30- exploring the decision space
47:15- spring decisions
56:45- player count considerations
1:10:15- summer and autumn decisions
1:20:00- faction asymmetry
1:39:00- final thoughtsPreplanners
We have another decade draft coming up soon!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Playing the Cards You're Dealt: Hand Management (What We Talk About)
Episode 271- Hand Management Pete and Brendan dissect one of the most ubiquitous mechanisms in tabletop games: hand management. What kinds of puzzles can a hand of cards present to players and what makes it so …
Show notes
Episode 271- Hand Management
Pete and Brendan dissect one of the most ubiquitous mechanisms in tabletop games: hand management. What kinds of puzzles can a hand of cards present to players and what makes it so timelessly satisfying?
Timestamps
3:00- defining hand management
18:00- why we love hand management
29:00- types of hand management
36:15- trick-taking and ladder climbing
42:45- hand management as a core mechanism
57:30- hand management as a support mechanism
Games Mentionedlove letter, dominion, enchanted plumes, concordia, el grande, scout, haggis, fox in the forest, inis, race for the galaxy, arboretum, seer's catalog, hanabi, lost cities, battle line, hanamikoji, fantasy realms, 6nmmt, 7 wonders, twilight struggle, frosted blooms, gloomhaven, modern art, arcs, magic the gathering, keyforge, mind bug
Preplanners
Look out for the long awaited deep dive of Old King's Crown!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
The Beauty of Balance: An Interview with Phil Walker-Harding
Episode 270- Interview with Phil Walker-Harding Paul sits down for a wonderfully insightful discussion with game designer Phil Walker-Harding. Last week's tier list episode should have you primed to get into …
Show notes
Episode 270- Interview with Phil Walker-Harding
Paul sits down for a wonderfully insightful discussion with game designer Phil Walker-Harding. Last week's tier list episode should have you primed to get into this man's head! They discuss game inspiration and how to design in ways that can heal game related trauma.
Timestamps
1:45- how Phil got into design
10:35- design philosophy
25:30- balancing games
36:30- what Phil likes to play
45:00- inspiration from games
54:15- design process
1:06:00- negative experiences games
1:19:30- what's Phil working on?Preplanners
A classic 'what we talk about' on hand management is up next!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
The Definitive Phil Walker Harding Tier List with Chris Yi
Episode 269- Phil Walker Harding Tier List Paul gets to rate every game in the prolific catalogue of his favorite designer: Phil Walker Harding. He's joined by Brendan and the Dice Tower's Chris Yi for this …
Show notes
Episode 269- Phil Walker Harding Tier List
Paul gets to rate every game in the prolific catalogue of his favorite designer: Phil Walker Harding. He's joined by Brendan and the Dice Tower's Chris Yi for this monumental task.
Timestamps
8:30- Archaeology the New Expedition
12:00- Dungeon Raiders
15:15- Pack of Heroes
19:00- Sushi Go / Sushi Go Party
28:45- Sushi Roll
34:15- Cacao
41:00- Imhotep / Imhotep the Duel
49:15- Barenpark
54:15- Gizmos
58:15- Gingerbread House
1:00:00- Llamaland
1:02:30- Silver and Gold
1:04:30- Explorers
1:06:00- Tetris
1:08:15- Monolyth
1:11:30- Scribbly Gum
1:12:15- Super Mega Lucky Box
1:14:00- Snakesss
1:15:30- Don't Fall For It
1:17:30- Planted
1:19:15- Pass the Party Food
1:20:15- Dungeons and Dragons Edge of the Realms
1:21:15- My Shelfie
1:23:15- Tanis
1:24:30- Yummy World: Party and Picnic Palace
1:25:45- Busy Beaks
1:27:30- All In Predictions
1:31:15- Tropicalia
1:33:45- Museum Suspects
1:36:15- Cities / Cities USA
1:41:15- Neoville
1:43:00- Cloud City
1:45:45- Misfit Heroes
1:47:30- Spellbook
1:50:00- Adventure Games: The Volcanic Island
1:53:00- Summer Camp
1:55:30- Wombat Poo
1:57:30- Wrath of Fire Mountain
1:59:30- Oh No, Volcano!Preplanners
Soon we will do a tournament of the best games of the early 2010's!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
We Played New Hotness (Dark Pact, Feya's Swamp), Stone Cold Oldies, and All Time Favorites at Geekway to the West!
Episode 268- Geekway Convention Plays 2026 Jake and Pete recap the best weekend of the year: Geekway to the West! They discuss their favorite new plays, old favorites, and also give first impressions of some …
Show notes
Episode 268- Geekway Convention Plays 2026
Jake and Pete recap the best weekend of the year: Geekway to the West! They discuss their favorite new plays, old favorites, and also give first impressions of some hot new titles.
Timestamps
17:00- Feya's Swamp
21:50- Dark Pact
28:10- Market Fresh
34:40- I'm the Boss
38:45- Auf Teufel Komm Raus
43:00- Lowenherz
51:30- John Company Second Edition
59:00- Broom Service
1:03:30- Oath
1:09:30- Tikal
1:15:30- TRICKTAKERs, Skull Queen, Daytime Minutes
1:18:00- Indonesia
1:19:30- Guards of Atlantis II, El Grande, Big Shot
1:22:00- L'OafPreplanners
We've got a tier list episode in the works!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
"I Drink Your Milkshake": Bus and other Shared Infrastructure Games
Episode 267- Shared Infrastructure Games and Bus Time to deep dive the new hotness... from 1999. In this episode we do a deep dive on Splotter's first major hit Bus and discuss other shared infrastructure …
Show notes
Episode 267- Shared Infrastructure Games and Bus
Time to deep dive the new hotness... from 1999. In this episode we do a deep dive on Splotter's first major hit Bus and discuss other shared infrastructure games. Why are we drawn to these crowded, brutal logistics puzzles?
Timestamps
3:00- shared infrastructure games
32:00- Bus deep diveOther Games Mentioned
Barrage, Brass Birmingham, Medina, Keyflower, Food Chain Magnate
Preplanners
Geekway to the West 2026 recap is coming soon! Also, Paul is going to take us through a tier list of his favorite designer: Phil Walker Harding!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Agency, Storytelling, and Play: A Conversation with Cole Wehrle
Episode 266- Storytelling with Cole Wehrle Big day here for Pete. In this episode he chats one on one with Cole Wehrle from Buried Giant Studios. They talk a lot about player agency, emergent storytelling, and …
Show notes
Episode 266- Storytelling with Cole Wehrle
Big day here for Pete. In this episode he chats one on one with Cole Wehrle from Buried Giant Studios. They talk a lot about player agency, emergent storytelling, and what it's like the make and play long, heavy games.
Timestamps
1:00- how Cole thinks about making games
18:45- storytelling in games
40:00- long heavy games
49:30- agency and fairness
59:20- fun
1:04:30- learning rules
1:14:00- designing historical gamesGames Mentioned
Oath, Root, Arcs, John Company
Preplanners
Next week we are doing a deep dive on Bus!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
What is a Euro Game? (What We Talk About)
Episode 265- Euro Games "Euro" has been used as a descriptor for decades and it is inarguable that its meaning has changed over time. On this episode, the hosts try to hash out what the word means today and how …
Show notes
Episode 265- Euro Games
"Euro" has been used as a descriptor for decades and it is inarguable that its meaning has changed over time. On this episode, the hosts try to hash out what the word means today and how that differs from the "old school" design philosophy. Also, the episode ends with an unhinged exploration of what games in the BGG top 100 could conceivably be classified as Euros.
(also just a warning, Pete's dog wouldn't shut up during the recording of this)
Timestamps
3:00- defining Euros
12:45- modern vs old school
55:00- categorizing the BGG top 100Preplanners
Next week we are doing a deep dive on Bus!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Our Top 5 Games of All Time (...right now)
Episode 264- Top 10 Games of All Time (2026) Part 2 It's the fiiiiiiinal countdown! We gush over how much we love the games that made our top 5 favorite games! Some things have changed this year! There are …
Show notes
Episode 264- Top 10 Games of All Time (2026) Part 2
It's the fiiiiiiinal countdown! We gush over how much we love the games that made our top 5 favorite games! Some things have changed this year! There are brand new releases on this list! However, did the new hotness dethrone our old favorites?
Timestamps
3:30- Medina
8:15- Big Top
11:00- Indonesia
16:00- Broom Service
19:15- Isle of Skye
21:15- Unlock
26:15- Lord of the Rings Trick-Taking Games
31:30- Babylonia
34:30- Santiago
39:15- Cozy Stickerville
44:55- Old King's Crown
49:15- Root
52:45- El Grande
57:15- The Castles of Mad King Ludwig
1:02:45- Nokosu Dice
1:09:30- Tag Team
1:14:15- Tikal
1:19:30- Ra / Priests of Ra
1:24:10- Root
1:27:30- The ResistancePreplanners
Next week we discuss what the term "Euro game" means today!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Our Top 10 Games of All Time (...right now): Part 1
Episode 263- Top 10 Games of All Time (2026) Part 1 It's time for the annual countdown of our favorite games! In this episode we count down numbers 10-6. What has fallen from the ranks since last year? What are …
Show notes
Episode 263- Top 10 Games of All Time (2026) Part 1
It's time for the annual countdown of our favorite games! In this episode we count down numbers 10-6. What has fallen from the ranks since last year? What are we hot on right now? Listen and find out!
Timestamps
8:55- Fives
12:15- Lunarchitects
16:00- Pax Renaissance
20:00- Chicago Express
23:30- Bus
26:30- Incan Gold
30:10- Modern Art
35:10- Fox in the Forest
38:20- Renature
42:20- Skyrise
46:50- Dune Imperium Uprising
51:20- El Grande
53:30- Lost Cities
58:20- Fromage / Formaggio
1:01:50- Ito
1:05:40- My City
1:09:00- Nokosu Dice
1:13:00- Heat
1:16:20- Arcs
1:21:30- KeyflowerPreplanners
Top 5 of all time is next week!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
What Makes Games Deep? A Conversation About Complexity, Luck, and Skill with Jon Perry
Episode 262- Depth, Complexity, and Luck Game designer Jon Perry returns to Decision Space to participate in a discussion about what makes games deep. Are heavy games deeper than light games? Can games with a …
Show notes
Episode 262- Depth, Complexity, and Luck
Game designer Jon Perry returns to Decision Space to participate in a discussion about what makes games deep. Are heavy games deeper than light games? Can games with a high luck factor also reward skilled play? Why is there a heavy game bias on BGG?
Check out some of Jon's games: Air Land and Sea, Hot Streak, Spots, and more!
Brendan was inspired after this episode to write an article about game depth. Read it here: https://www.decisionspacepodcast.com/articles/going-deep-on-depth-in-gamesTimestamps
2:15- game depth and complexity
41:15- high luck, high skill gamesPreplanners
The next two weeks will be the annual countdown of our top 10 games of all time!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at [email protected].
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
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