Decision Space

I recently discovered this podcast and have binged 20+ episodes.

I recently met a few of the guys at the Stonemaier Design Day, which is how I first learned about Design Space. I've quickly become a big fan due to the intelligent, even academic discussion of board games, which I feel is sometimes missing from the board game podcast ecosystem. Many other shows talk about games they're playing, new games coming out, mechanisms, and design of board games (great topics). But I really appreciate deep discussions about the philosophy and existential aspects of board games. A few others podcasts do this, but what I appreciate about this podcast in particular are the debates and friendly yet stark disagreements about the subject matter. It isn't just a podcast about board games. It's a debate about the philosophy, puzzle, and artistry of the hobby. (And I'd be lying if I suggested that I wasn't writing this review in hopes that they would read it aloud on the show.)

Great discussions with tons of detail, humor, insight and new ways to appreciate not just playing games, but how to think about them. Whether you’re a new player, a 20-year veteran in the hobby, or a designer - there’s something here for you in every episode. Chef’s kiss!

A consistently rich and disarming discussing! As someone who is on a career path to creating accessible boardgames for kids and neurodiverse groups, I was initially skeptical of a podcast focused on decision spaces in typically crunchy games. However, I suspect most listeners keen on considering the systems in tabletop games will be smitten by the pace and curiosity the hosts sustain. 5/5 stars for my current favorite podcast when I want to think deeply about games themselves, as opposed to the industry.