It’s a holiday miracle! The crew are united in person, and we dole out awards for some of board gaming’s best - and worst - distinctions of 2018. From best components, to the most disappointing sequel, to the best beige game, to the most stressful game.

Ryan and Malorie Laukat from Red Raven Games join us to talk about board games we want to see made into video games, the most gorgeous game artwork, what makes for a good open-world board game experience, and how games encourage us to use our imagination.

The OG crew are back together - in Mike’s living room! Nick has some best practices for teaching games, Shoe brings tales from a trip to BGG.CON, Christina screams about games that make us yell, and Mike gives us a hot tip on an unsung party game.

Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games (Scythe, Viticulture) asks what we want out of a Civilization-style game, Mike blings out his components, Christina talks games that sound lame but are actually great, and Shoe explains why we go to game conventions.

Tim Schafer (Double Fine) joins us to discuss why so many digital game creators are “going analog,” Shoe covers the best gateway games for video gamers, Christina talks unique game components, and Mike muses on being a responsible gaming parent.

Special Guest Game Designer Jon Gilmour (Dead of Winter) tells us how board game experiences impact design, Mike shares some spooky games for Halloween, Christina tells us how to be a better gaming host, and Shoe craps on games that other people love.

Mike gives us the lowdown on Western Legends’ cowboy-in-a-box experience, Christina nerds out on the best modern word games, Shoe get tough on ethics in board game coverage, and Nick spends way too much money game-shopping in Japan.

Nick brings us back to the seminal games of our childhood, Shoe gives his first impressions of Richard Garfield’s Keyforge, Christina wants to know how we organize our game collections, and Mike sets the mood with custom soundtracks. Your turn!

Mike gets the crew talking about what makes a great gateway game, Nick extolls the polished pleasures of Keymaster Games, Christina wants to know everyone’s favorite 2-player games, and Shoe takes us on a roleplaying adventure with Kids on Bikes!

Dan "Shoe" Hsu shares his favorite games of Gen Con, Christina Ha discusses an unfortunate part of con culture, Mike Zipkin chooses his own adventure with House of Danger, and Nick proclaims his love for the minimalist brilliance of Oink Games. Join us!