The UK Games Expo 2025 is nearly here, and Matt, Karen, and Rai are back with their annual mega-preview! In this episode, the team covers everything you need to know for UKGE 2025 – from the new hall layout and bring & buy changes, to Chow Street’s food truck lineup and their top tips for surviving the weekend.

They also each highlight five games they’re excited to see at the show, including upcoming releases like Trouble on the Tempus, Restless Spirits, Fathom, Pergola, The Last Week of Summer, Popcorn, Gwent: The Card Game, and many more.

Whether you're prepping your spreadsheets or just curious what to keep an eye on, this is your essential guide to UKGE 2025!

In Episode 101, Matt and Karen return for a slightly shorter show ahead of their big UKGE preview. They share highlights from recent game days with friends, discussing a mix of new and favourite titles, including Rebirth, Restless Spirits, Trio, Castle Combo, Explorers of Navoria, and more.

Matt also interviews the team behind Minor Disaster Games, creators of the upcoming Kickstarter for Trouble on the Tempus—a co-op, time-travelling disaster management game. The team dives into the game's origins, inspirations, and what sets it apart in the crowded co-op space.

To celebrate 100 episodes and 10 years of The Offline Gamer, we brought together a fantastic group of board game creators, friends, and fellow enthusiasts for a chaotic, laughter-filled quiz live at AireCon 2025!

Hosted by Matt, this special episode features guest teams including Adam from Die Rollin’, Will the Board Game Wizard, Chris from Unfringed, Lee from Molinarius Games, Mike from Huff No More, and Dave from Board Wreckers. Over multiple rounds teams competed for glory, groans, and the occasional pity half-point. Expect puns, passionate debate, obscure trivia, and lots of playful chaos.

In Episode 99, Matt and Karen recount their jam-packed weekend at AireCon 2025 in Harrogate. From the ups and downs of the Bring & Buy to an epic quest for food through the convention’s labyrinthine layout, they dive into the highlights, including games played, exhibitors visited, and surprise finds.

They also preview exciting upcoming releases, share some fun raffle moments, and thank everyone involved in recording their milestone 100th episode.

Join Matt and Karen in Episode 98 of The Offline Gamer as they dive into all things Airecon 2025!

They discuss what makes this Harrogate-based board game convention a must-visit, covering the exhibitor lineup, open gaming spaces, event highlights, and even a sneak peek at upcoming releases.

Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, get ready for a fun and informative guide to this relaxed and community-driven gaming event.

In this episode, Matt, Karen, and Rai take a deep dive into their gaming highlights of 2024, reflecting on favourite titles, standout events, and exciting moments shared with friends and listeners. They also discuss their gaming plans for 2025, including conventions and anticipated releases. Rai returns as a guest co-host.

The team shares updates on various Kickstarter projects, discusses upcoming conventions like AireCon and UKGE, and reminisces about the joy of connecting with the gaming community. Plus, they explore their favourite games of the year and their most memorable gaming sessions.

In this festive episode of The Offline Gamer, Matt and Karen share their Christmas gaming plans, discuss family-friendly titles like Wuzzled and Rolling Ranch, and reflect on recent plays, including Balatro, Tape to Tape, and The Spill. They recount highlights from the Meeple People Weekender, featuring games like Century: Golem Edition and Yukon Salon, and dive into their latest arrivals, including Tang Garden: Seasons and River Valley Glassworks. The episode wraps up with holiday cheer, a giveaway, and teasers for their 2025 plans.

Intro music was AI generated using Udio.

Don’t drift off—this is one adventure you’ll want to brave from start to finish!

In this episode of The Offline Gamer, Matt and Karen are live from ACWest at the Telford International Center, sharing their experiences at this vibrant convention. From exploring the exhibitor hall and checking out unique accessories to trying out new board games, they’ve packed in plenty of gaming action. Tune in for their thoughts on games like Chemistry Fluxx, Dawn of Peacemakers, Kavango, Escape from Pompeii, and the memory-challenging Order Overload Cafe.

They also dive into digital games, discussing recent favourites such as Brotato, Writer’s Rush, Tactical Breach Wizards, and Preserve, plus their ongoing obsession with Stardew Valley. Wrapping up, they preview upcoming events like the Meeple People Weekender and reflect on why ACWest and Aircon remain some of their favourite conventions.

Whether you’re curious about the latest tabletop releases or indie video games, this episode has you covered!

In this episode, Matt is joined by special guest Mill from Dissent Games. Mill shares the journey of creating board games with her co-designer Jess, including their successful Kickstarter campaign for Library Labyrinth and the upcoming Loose in the Library. Mill talks about her background in board gaming, starting with Small World and jumping into Twilight Imperium, and how the COVID-19 pandemic helped her dive into board game design. They also discuss the process of designing Library Labyrinth, balancing mechanics, and how historical women and mazes became a central part of the game.

The conversation touches on playtesting at conventions, challenges with running a board game café, and the evolution of Loose in the Library, a quicker, competitive version of Library Labyrinth.

Finally, Mill highlights upcoming conventions, including AireCon and her own event, Paradice, while reflecting on how board gaming has built lasting friendships and community connections.

Links:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dissentgames/library-0

https://dissentgames.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dissentgames

https://www.x.com/dissentgames

https://paradice.uk