The Offline Gamer

Matt, Karen and Rai are back together to look back on an unforgettable weekend at UK Games Expo 2026. With record-breaking attendance at the NEC, they discuss the show's layout, the ever-growing scale of the event, and whether UKGE may soon need to expand even further.

The team share their favourite games and discoveries from the convention floor, and expect convention stories, behind-the-scenes insights into creating The Offline Gamer's UKGE video coverage, discussions about industry trends, and plenty of recommendations from one of the UK's biggest tabletop gaming events.

In this special UK Games Expo 2026 preview episode, Matt and Karen break down everything attendees need to know before heading to the NEC for the biggest UKGE ever.

From survival tips for the summer heat and navigating the expanded five-hall layout, to food, parking, shopping, and Bring & Buy advice, they cover the practical side of the show before diving into the hottest upcoming games.

Using AI-powered analysis of social media buzz, BGG rankings, podcasts, and YouTube coverage, they count down the most anticipated titles of UKGE 2026 — including Container, Eight Dragons, Prague Unseen, Orloj, Yonder, Almighty, and more.

Episode 113 of The Offline Gamer is packed with recent plays, convention finds, crowdfunding picks, and community chat. Matt and Karen return to a more traditional format after a busy few months of conventions and travel, diving into everything they’ve been playing since Christmas.

This episode features first impressions of Flamecraft Duals, Coffee Rush: Piece of Cake, Earth, Skyrise, Crumbs, Darwin’s Journey, Rookling Heroes: Training Grounds, and more. Karen also shares thoughts on several solo plays including Dorfromantik: Light Luggage, Floriferous, Isle of Cats, and Mists Over Carcassonne.

They also revisit Reddit Threads of the Month, discussing how gamers use BoardGameGeek and how much box art, presentation, and aesthetics influence buying decisions. Finally, Crowdfunding Corner returns with a huge roundup of upcoming and recently backed games, including Red Leaf University, Chicken Fried Dice, Oakspire, Before the Rain, Star Trek mystery games, and plenty more.

A jam-packed episode full of honest impressions, light-hearted banter, and lots of board game chat as the countdown to UK Games Expo begins.

In this episode of The Offline Gamer, Matt and Karen are joined by Jay from Bucket List Board Gamers to share their full AireCon 2026 experience.

From venue layout and food trucks to security quirks and standout meals, the trio dive into everything that made the weekend memorable.

They explore the new Yokocho indie area spotlighting small creators, discuss demos and discoveries including War of the Toads, Cinder, and Carta Imperia, and highlight games they picked up like Guildlands. Along the way, they reflect on the importance of supporting indie designers, the evolving convention experience, and the joy of tabletop gaming communities.

Expect plenty of laughs, honest impressions, and a surprising amount of food talk in this laid-back convention wrap-up.

Matt and Karen are back with their AireCon 2026 preview — and yes, it was supposed to be a short one. Recorded just one week before the show, they walk through everything you need to know ahead of the Harrogate Convention Centre's biggest tabletop weekend of the year.

Expect a full rundown of opening times, hall layouts, and the all-new Yokocho indie publisher zone, plus a deep dive into the exciting food fair coming to the Hilton next door (Dutch mini pancakes! Poutine! Gyros!). They also spotlight some of the new games heading to the show floor, including the brilliantly-named Butt Radio, Shakespeare the Card Game, and a host of other debuts and demos to put on your radar.

There's also a genuine and touching moment of honesty from Matt about his mental health, a reminder that the community around this hobby matters just as much as the games themselves.

Whether you're heading to Harrogate or just living vicariously, this is your essential guide to AireCon 2026.

In this episode, Matt and Karen take a deep dive into Tabletop Gaming Live 2026, the two-day tabletop games celebration held at Doncaster Racecourse, South Yorkshire on 14–15 February 2026. Hosted by Tabletop Gaming Magazine, the event brought together board gamers, RPG fans, miniatures enthusiasts, and hobbyists of all stripes for open gaming, hands-on demos, exclusive previews, special talks, and community fun.

It’s our Christmas episode! Matt and Karen settle in for a festive catch-up, chatting about the board games they’ve been playing over the last few weeks — from games enjoyed at AireCon West to sessions around the table with friends.

They dive into a wide mix of titles, covering everything from deck-building and roll-and-writes to tile-laying city builders, cozy card games, and deeper strategy experiences. Along the way, they share first impressions, highlights, and how these games felt at different player counts and settings.

The episode also includes a quick roundup of recent Kickstarter deliveries, as Matt and Karen talk about which long-awaited games have finally arrived and their early thoughts on getting them to the table.

A relaxed, festive episode full of tabletop chat, Christmas vibes, and plenty of gaming inspiration to see you through the holidays. 🎁🎲

In this episode, Matt and Karen welcome long-time listener-turned-friend Gareth to talk about his first ever trip to Spiel in Essen. Gareth shares what it was like navigating the world’s biggest board-gaming convention — from travel challenges, sold-out hot releases, and massive crowds to the thrill of discovering new favourites.

This Halloween special features a thrilling departure from our usual format! Adam from the Die Rollin YouTube channel takes over as Game Master for an atmospheric session of Shiver, the horror RPG from Parable Games.

Join Matt, Lizzie (Board Gaming With My Family), and Doddy (Summoned Games) as they portray three unlikely heroes in the Old West: Carmine the snake oil salesman, Missy Dubois the horse thief, and Brick the reformed outlaw. When the mysterious Mr. Cornwell hires them to investigate the abandoned Blackrock Mine, they encounter something far more terrifying than they bargained for...

This Western horror adventure delivers tension, laughs, and plenty of close calls as our trio faces claustrophobic mine shafts, supernatural threats, and impossible choices. Will they survive to collect their payment, or become the mine's next victims?

In this episode, Matt and Karen are joined by friends from the Instagram board gaming community for a special recording at the Double Six Board Game Café in Moseley, Birmingham.

Guests include Emzie from @nerdygirlgaming, Lucy and Carl from @short.stuff.boardgames, and plenty of lively chat about games, gaming spaces, and the café’s fantastic food.

The group share their first impressions of the venue, talk about supporting local businesses, and dive into the games they’ve been playing together. Expect plenty of laughs, recommendations, and behind-the-scenes community stories as The Offline Gamer goes on the road!

Afterwards, Matt and Karen catch up on their recent gaming adventures, including their trip to HandyCon, plus plenty more board game chat.