What do anticipation and emotional connection have to do with board games? Everything. In episode 16 of Positively Board Gaming, hosts Mitchell Whitfield and Jamey Stegmaier share how board games help during hard times—and how the excitement of waiting for a new release like Vantage can be just as meaningful as playing it.

This episode dives deep into the therapeutic value of gaming, the psychology behind pre-release hype, and the joy of comfort games. Jamie discusses his long-awaited game Vantage and what went into its carefully timed rollout. Mitchell opens up about how board game content helped him through medical challenges. Plus, hear their thoughts on new and upcoming titles like Roth, Tend, Runar, and more.

If you’ve ever found joy in gaming when life felt heavy—or gotten giddy over a shipping notification—this one’s for you.

0:00 – Intro + Sweet 16 Celebration

2:45 – Launching Socials for the Show

5:30 – Sweet Treats: Fudge Cake & Crab Cake Hush Puppies

13:40 – Stonemaier Vantage Coins & Components

17:55 – Kinfire Chronicles: Final Thoughts

23:10 – Gaming Cruise + Fjord Games

29:45 – The Psychology of Anticipation

42:15 – Crowdfunding Projects We’re Excited About

52:30 – The Therapeutic Value of Gaming

1:02:15 – Comfort Games and Emotional Connection

1:11:50 – Community Call to Share Your Stories

“Anticipation is its own kind of joy.” — Jamie Stegmaier

“Board games were my therapy—my escape, my connection, my comfort.” — Mitchell Whitfield

Vantage board game, Stonemaier Games Vantage, Kinfire Chronicles, board game therapy, comfort games, board game anticipation, board game hype, Roth Chip Theory, Tend IV Studio, Runar board game, gaming cruise, Fjord games, Linda’s Fudge Cake, therapeutic board games, board game psychology, board games under $50, games with great table presence, Mistborn board game, surprise game mechanics, best value board games, Dice Miner, Fire Tower game, 20 Strong game, Sushi Roll board game, Red Rising Stonemaier, Spots board game, Compile card game, tactile board games, beautiful board games, Stonemaier Games podcast, board games we played at 13, Daggerheart RPG, Critical Role, Daggerheart, nostalgic board games, Scotland Yard board game, Blarney board game, Magic The Gathering, board game memories, cooperative board games, RPGs vs board games, legacy games history, Dungeons and Dragons influence, Stonemaier Games podcast, board game stories, board game podcast, Jamey Stegmaier, Mitchell Whitfield, Board game reviews, board game unboxing, tabletop gaming, tabletop games, board games, board game design, game highlights, board game highlights, board game trivia, board game memories, game night tips, D&D, RPG, RPGs, RPG board games, rpg game reviews, rpg reviews, board game podcast, Watergate board game, historical board games, Comic Hunters game, Night of the Ninja, Fringe board game, NHL board game, board game design challenge, Stonemaier Games, Jamie Stegmaier podcast, punctuation in games, board game night treats