The Ascent of Board Games
@ascentofboardgames.bsky.social
A monthly podcast about the evolution and development of #boardgames, a/k/a an excuse for the five of us to ramble about stuff we like. ascentofboardgames.com
Just played our first game of La Pâtisserie Rococo, sadly too late to make our year-end wrap-up episode. It feels (unsurprisingly) like Rococo with a lot of the rough edges filed off, and generally seems quite good. Looking forward to playing it again!
November 29, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Just played our first game of La Pâtisserie Rococo, sadly too late to make our year-end wrap-up episode. It feels (unsurprisingly) like Rococo with a lot of the rough edges filed off, and generally seems quite good. Looking forward to playing it again!
We conclude - for now - our discussion on video games that have been turned into board games. Plus, we uncover the solution to a mystery that has been haunting us for far too long! (A month. It's been a month.)
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
November 1, 2025 at 11:35 PM
We conclude - for now - our discussion on video games that have been turned into board games. Plus, we uncover the solution to a mystery that has been haunting us for far too long! (A month. It's been a month.)
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
Episode 75 is here, as we start examining computer games that were turned into board games...with varying degrees of success.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
October 1, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Episode 75 is here, as we start examining computer games that were turned into board games...with varying degrees of success.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
Reposted by The Ascent of Board Games
Dungeons & Dragons Lords of Waterdeep: Scoundrels of Skullport Expansion
10% off and part of the save $10 when you spend $50 sale
#ad amzn.to/420IYrq
10% off and part of the save $10 when you spend $50 sale
#ad amzn.to/420IYrq
September 19, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Dungeons & Dragons Lords of Waterdeep: Scoundrels of Skullport Expansion
10% off and part of the save $10 when you spend $50 sale
#ad amzn.to/420IYrq
10% off and part of the save $10 when you spend $50 sale
#ad amzn.to/420IYrq
We welcome September in with a deep dive into the board game designs of Richard Garfield. He did a lot more than just Magic, y'all!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-74...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-74...
September 1, 2025 at 11:37 PM
We welcome September in with a deep dive into the board game designs of Richard Garfield. He did a lot more than just Magic, y'all!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-74...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-74...
We've back to finish what we began, discussing more recent developments in the world of trick-taking games. Once again, we apologize for the number of times that this topic requires us to say the word "trump."
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
August 1, 2025 at 3:53 PM
We've back to finish what we began, discussing more recent developments in the world of trick-taking games. Once again, we apologize for the number of times that this topic requires us to say the word "trump."
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
Welcome to part 1 of our overview of trick-taking games! We apologize for the number of times that this topic requires us to say the word "trump."
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
Episode 73 - Trick-Taking Games, Part 1 | The Ascent of Board Games
Why hello there! This month is the first part of our discussion about the wonderful world of trick-taking games, starting with the old classics and covering the first part of their resurgence in the 1...
www.ascentofboardgames.com
July 1, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Welcome to part 1 of our overview of trick-taking games! We apologize for the number of times that this topic requires us to say the word "trump."
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
This month we're talking about games with a social/political message. It's not JUST because it's Pride Month in the USA, and it's not JUST because tariffs are wreaking havoc on the board game industry...but it's not NOT because of those things, either.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-72...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-72...
Episode 72 - Games With a Message | The Ascent of Board Games
Welcome back, everyone! This month we're talking about games with a social or political message. It's not JUST because it's Pride Month in the USA, and it's not JUST because tariffs are currently wrea...
www.ascentofboardgames.com
June 2, 2025 at 1:30 AM
This month we're talking about games with a social/political message. It's not JUST because it's Pride Month in the USA, and it's not JUST because tariffs are wreaking havoc on the board game industry...but it's not NOT because of those things, either.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-72...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-72...
We're back, and so is Brian's voice! We finish our digression into TTRPGs (including lots of love for @bullypulpithq.bsky.social and @rowanrookanddecard.bsky.social ). Come back for more of our traditional board game nonsense next month! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-71...
Episode 71.2 - Role-Playing Games, Part 2 | The Ascent of Board Games
We're back, and so is Brian's voice! And we simply have to tell you about a bunch MORE role-playing games that have interesting mechanics.
We talk about games where characters don't trust each other...
www.ascentofboardgames.com
May 2, 2025 at 12:19 AM
We're back, and so is Brian's voice! We finish our digression into TTRPGs (including lots of love for @bullypulpithq.bsky.social and @rowanrookanddecard.bsky.social ). Come back for more of our traditional board game nonsense next month! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-71...
I know, I know, we said we weren't going to do the "Ascent of Role-Playing Games" thing. And we're not! But there ARE a bunch of role-playing games that have some interesting mechanics, and we're going to be talking about those this month and next.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-71...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-71...
April 1, 2025 at 9:24 PM
I know, I know, we said we weren't going to do the "Ascent of Role-Playing Games" thing. And we're not! But there ARE a bunch of role-playing games that have some interesting mechanics, and we're going to be talking about those this month and next.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-71...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-71...
That's right, folks, it's episode 70! Do I hear 75? No? Episode 70, going once, going twice...sold to the discerning podcast listener!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-70...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-70...
Episode 70 - Auction Games | The Ascent of Board Games
That's right, folks, it's episode 70! Do I hear 75? No? Episode 70, going once, going twice...sold to the discerning podcast listener!
IS Jayson actually Agent 47? Probably not. Forget we said anythi...
www.ascentofboardgames.com
March 2, 2025 at 12:52 AM
That's right, folks, it's episode 70! Do I hear 75? No? Episode 70, going once, going twice...sold to the discerning podcast listener!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-70...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-70...
This is episode 69. We're discussing sex games. We're sorry. (Except Joe...Joe isn't sorry at all.)
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-69...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-69...
February 1, 2025 at 4:28 PM
This is episode 69. We're discussing sex games. We're sorry. (Except Joe...Joe isn't sorry at all.)
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-69...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-69...
It's 2025! We're not all dead yet! Let's talk about some board games we're looking forward to for the year ahead!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-68...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-68...
January 1, 2025 at 6:06 PM
It's 2025! We're not all dead yet! Let's talk about some board games we're looking forward to for the year ahead!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-68...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-68...
A great list of great boardgame folks on Bluesky to follow, individually or en masse!
I love sharing great people with the board game community. Instead of just 5 here’s a reminder of our board game starter pack full of people that mostly post about board games!
go.bsky.app/BrFEHzd
go.bsky.app/BrFEHzd
A great idea to spread the love. #boardgame folks, let's go!
Here are 5 of our early follows:
@shelfcontrol.bsky.social
@boardgamehottakes.bsky.social
@boardgamequest.bsky.social
@werenotwizards.com
@restorationgames.bsky.social
Here are 5 of our early follows:
@shelfcontrol.bsky.social
@boardgamehottakes.bsky.social
@boardgamequest.bsky.social
@werenotwizards.com
@restorationgames.bsky.social
December 30, 2024 at 12:01 AM
A great list of great boardgame folks on Bluesky to follow, individually or en masse!
We're back with our year-end countdown! What games did each of us enjoy the most in 2024?
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-67...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-67...
December 1, 2024 at 10:13 PM
We're back with our year-end countdown! What games did each of us enjoy the most in 2024?
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-67...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-67...
Hey folks! After a long time of letting it lie fallow, we're relaunching our Discord server, and we'd love for you to join! Come chat with like-minded nerds about board games, our episodes, or whatever game-adjacent nonsense takes your fancy (within reason). Find us at discord.gg/tdH3QAn
November 22, 2024 at 2:14 PM
Hey folks! After a long time of letting it lie fallow, we're relaunching our Discord server, and we'd love for you to join! Come chat with like-minded nerds about board games, our episodes, or whatever game-adjacent nonsense takes your fancy (within reason). Find us at discord.gg/tdH3QAn
Now that everyone's hopped up on sugar (and/or in a sugar crash coma), let's finish our discussion of party games!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-66...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-66...
November 1, 2024 at 11:02 PM
Now that everyone's hopped up on sugar (and/or in a sugar crash coma), let's finish our discussion of party games!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-66...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-66...
Reposted by The Ascent of Board Games
Anyone looking for a short, creepy game for the Hallowdays might want to check out Victim Complex (store.steampowered.com/app/2840800/...) - and as a bonus, you can hear me voice an annoying jerk of a landlord!
Victim Complex on Steam
Use your wits and iconic ghost hunting equipment to uncover the mystery of what happened to the residents of an abandoned apartment complex in this narrative-driven horror experience.
store.steampowered.com
October 19, 2024 at 1:19 AM
Anyone looking for a short, creepy game for the Hallowdays might want to check out Victim Complex (store.steampowered.com/app/2840800/...) - and as a bonus, you can hear me voice an annoying jerk of a landlord!
Scheduling struggles and power outages mean this episode is a bit on the short side, but there will be more next month. In the meantime, welcome to the party!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-66...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-66...
October 1, 2024 at 9:24 PM
Scheduling struggles and power outages mean this episode is a bit on the short side, but there will be more next month. In the meantime, welcome to the party!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-66...
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-66...
We *just* missed this during our episode on 2-player war games - the resurrection of a 1950s chess-like WWII-era boardgame by Kurt Vonnegut. (Yes, that Kurt Vonnegut.) Great review as always from @danthurot.bsky.social !
GHQ is Kurt Vonnegut's lost board game, unstuck in time and transported from 1956 to 2024 thanks to Geoff Engelstein, and it's surprising how familiar it feels despite occupying an entirely different medium from Vonnegut's novels. My review: spacebiff.com/2024/09/25/g...
So It Goes
Before he became a famous author, over a decade before Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut was a board game designer. A failed board game designer, with only a sheaf of notes, a single rejection note, ...
spacebiff.com
September 26, 2024 at 12:27 PM
We *just* missed this during our episode on 2-player war games - the resurrection of a 1950s chess-like WWII-era boardgame by Kurt Vonnegut. (Yes, that Kurt Vonnegut.) Great review as always from @danthurot.bsky.social !
This month, we talk about two-player games of the fighty variety - only 22 episodes after we talked about two-player games of the non-fighty variety! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-65...
September 2, 2024 at 3:52 AM
This month, we talk about two-player games of the fighty variety - only 22 episodes after we talked about two-player games of the non-fighty variety! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-65...
It's a bit late on the East Coast, but Episode 64 is finally out, featuring a deep dive into the works of Vlaada Chvátil! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-64...
August 2, 2024 at 6:17 AM
It's a bit late on the East Coast, but Episode 64 is finally out, featuring a deep dive into the works of Vlaada Chvátil! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-64...
Reposted by The Ascent of Board Games
Legendary early D&D artist Darlene (remember the original Greyhawk map? That was her work) is running a GoFundMe to make critically needed restorations to her century-old home. Please help if you can! www.gofundme.com/f/save-queen...
August 2, 2024 at 12:27 AM
Legendary early D&D artist Darlene (remember the original Greyhawk map? That was her work) is running a GoFundMe to make critically needed restorations to her century-old home. Please help if you can! www.gofundme.com/f/save-queen...
Ooh! I am a big fan of Freelancers and Forgotten Waters, and the latest entry in the series looks like another winner! www.kickstarter.com/projects/pla...
July 9, 2024 at 5:03 PM
Ooh! I am a big fan of Freelancers and Forgotten Waters, and the latest entry in the series looks like another winner! www.kickstarter.com/projects/pla...
Hey you! It's your turn to listen to The Ascent of Board Games, so get on it! This month, we discuss the many ways of determining turn order. Enjoy! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-63...
Episode 63 - Turn Order | The Ascent of Board Games
Hello all! We have a lot of games to get through this month, so everybody please take your turn promptly. But how do we know whose turn it is? Listen and find out!
Mike happily admits that he would ra...
www.ascentofboardgames.com
July 2, 2024 at 3:23 AM
Hey you! It's your turn to listen to The Ascent of Board Games, so get on it! This month, we discuss the many ways of determining turn order. Enjoy! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-63...