iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 22h

This week, @len.bsky.social sat down with @amplitudestudios.bsky.social's Derek Paxton and game Julien Gueguen to talk about the 1.0 release of Endless Legend 2. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Endless Legend 2 Interview

Episode 656. Building A Legend.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

This week, @jonbolds.bsky.social and @lukeplunkett.com are joined by PC Gamer's @dilfpatrol.bsky.social to discuss Star Wars Zero Company, a tactics game in a galaxy far, far away. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Star Wars Zero Company

Episode 655. Chock Full O' Hawks.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

It's time for a 2026 summer catch-up with @len.bsky.social, @neriumstrom.bsky.social, and returning special guest Diana as we discuss some smaller games that didn't make it into a full episode, EU5 addiction, and a little bit of mechsploitation. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Summer Catch-Up 2026

Episode 654. Fun Out of the Sun.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

This week, @len.bsky.social, @jonbolds.bsky.social, and Fraser set sail with Corsair Cove, a pirate city-builder. We discuss building styles, the card- and dice-based ship combat, and try to answer the eternal question: what DO you do with a drunken sailor? www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Corsair Cove

Episode 653. Obeying The Pirate Zoning Code.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

This week, @len.bsky.social sat down with Game Director Marv Gouw and Consulting Art Director (and Relic co-founder) J. Aaron Kambeitz to talk about ZeroSpace, a new sci-fi RTS inspired by the greats of the genre. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: ZeroSpace Early Access Interview

Episode 652. Zero to Hero.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

This week, Len and DM joined by the current Age of Empires II world champion, Hera, to discuss the state of the game in 2026, playing esports at the top level, and the ongoing King's Gauntlet invitational streamer tournament. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Age of Empires II in 2026 feat. Hera

Episode 651. The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

This week @len.bsky.social and @jonbolds.bsky.social are joined by PC Gamer's @elahti.bsky.social to talk Slay the Spire 2. Can we get to the bottom of why Len is so bad at deckbuilders? www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Slay the Spire 2

Episode 650. Draw!

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

This week, @len.bsky.social, @jonbolds.bsky.social, and Sin Vega strap in for Xenonauts 2, a sequel to a throwback to a classic tactics game. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Xenonauts 2

Episode 649. This Time, It's Not Xenonauts 1.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

3MA is finally embracing AI! Okay, not really. But @len.bsky.social and @jonbolds.bsky.social do have many thoughts about Heart of the Machine, a fascinating, story-driven strategy RPG about becoming the world's first sentient computer. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Heart of the Machine

Episode 648. Inventing the Torment Nexus.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

We're launching a new regular show on the Patreon feed this month featuring @len.bsky.social and @dmschmeyer.bsky.social discussing 30 years of nerding out and what they're currently into and up to. The first episode is available in full for $0 just for signing up as a free member of our Patreon!

patreon.com

WtHTI 1 - Len and D.M. Join the Yakuza | Three Moves Ahead

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

This week, @len.bsky.social and @jonbolds.bsky.social get tactical with some turn-based space marine (in the traditional sense) bug and terminator-hunting in Menace. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Menace Early Access

Episode 647. Recon By Fire.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

This week, @rowan.monster and @lukeplunkett.com contemplate the innate class stuggle embedded in feline-rodent relations with the delightful Early Access city builder Whiskerwood: www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Whiskerwood

Episode 646. The Joy of Plopping.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

This week, @len.bsky.social and @cheflubu.bsky.social were joined by our new friend Diana to take a look forward at the strategy games with announced or probable release dates in 2026! In particular, we dig into whether or not 40K Total War is even a good idea www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: 2026 Look Ahead

Episode 645. Something's Coming...

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

It's over! 2025, that is. Join @len.bsky.social, @mhwilliams.bsky.social, and @lukeplunkett.com to recap the year in strategy games and shout out our favorites for the year in the rear-view. A lot of disappointment, but a lot of bright spots too! www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: 2025 Strategy Games of the Year

Episode 644. The only ones that matter!

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

This week, @len.bsky.social @mhwilliams.bsky.social, and @neriumstrom.bsky.social kick back to catch up with some of the most interesting games of 2025 that didn't fit into a full episode, including a whole bunch of expansions and DLC. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: 2025 Catch-Up

Episode 643. And Many More.

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Len @len.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

Last chance to sign up for the @3ma.bsky.social Patreon for 30% off your first month on our discord access tiers! We put out 3-4 hours of bonus shows a month that you'll also get access to, and you can preview five of the best ones for $1. This will help me out a lot this winter. RTs appreciated!

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creating Podcasts

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

We had a fantastic panel this week as, @len.bsky.social and @jonbolds.bsky.social are joined by special guests @ohmymithrandir.bsky.social and @thedaynaeileen.bsky.social to build Rome in a day in Anno 117: Pax Romana www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Anno 117: Pax Romana

Episode 642. Perfidious Albion.

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Jon Renish @jonrenish.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

I enjoy this podcast, even when I don't understand it.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Intimidated by EU5? We're offering a 30% off discount on your first month of the 3MA Patreon at the Discord Access tier and above, where @len.bsky.social can be your personal part-time tutor. Plus you'll get to hang out with our community of strategy experts! Patreon.com/3MA Code: LEARNEU5

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

It's finally here! @len.bsky.social, @rowan.monster, and @jonbolds.bsky.social set sail into Europa Universalis 5 to answer burning questions like, "Is it actually good?" and, "Is it even possible to evaluate it that straightforwardly at all at this point?" www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Europa Universalis 5

Episode 641. Master Class.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

This week, @len.bsky.social and @mhwilliams.bsky.social are joined by Ruth Cassidy and Sin Vega to discuss Endless Legend 2's Early Access launch and a bunch of other stuff we've been playing in this chill variety chat. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Endless Legend 2 & Friends

Episode 640. What Really Is A Strategy Game?

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

This week, @len.bsky.social, @ianboudreau.com, and Fraser discuss the Past and Future of Dawn of War, in the forms of Dawn of War: Definitive Edition, which holds up shockingly well for such a venerable RTS, and Dawn of War 4, which we got to play a demo of! www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: The Past and Future Dawn of War

Episode 639. Relics of A Bygone Age.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Subscribe to our friends at Aftermath.site!

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

This week, @mhwilliams.bsky.social, @ianboudreau.com, Sin Vega, and @len.bsky.social sink their oversized incisors into Timberborn, an Early Access city-builder we missed covering at its launch, and we're not sure when it's going to be done... so what better time to talk about it than now? #bobr

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Timberborn

Episode 638. Better Late Than Never.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

This week, @len.bsky.social got to chat with Frost Giant's Tim Morten and Tim Campbell about their careers working on RTS, Stormgate leaving early access, and the Ashes of Earth campaign. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Stormgate: Ashes of Earth Interview

Episode 637. Open The Gates.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

New for $5+ Patrons: We got to talk for 2.5 hours with Paradox's Johan Andersson about Europa Universalis 5, "crunch" culture, difficulty in strategy games, and more! www.patreon.com/posts/no-cb-...

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No CB Megacast 14: The Johan Interview | Three Moves Ahead

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

This week, @len.bsky.social, @mhwilliams.bsky.social, and @dominictarason.com run down the most exciting and notable strategy and tactics games from Steam Next Fest 2025 (and a couple that are outside our usual wheelhouse). www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Three Moves Ahead 635 - The Strategy Games of Steam Next Fest 2025

Episode 635. Who's next?

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

This week, @len.bsky.social, @lukeplunkett.com, @mhwilliams.bsky.social, and @jonbolds.bsky.social roll out the royal red carpet for 9 Kings, a tile-placement strategy roguelite that's... kind of hard to describe, honestly. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: 9 Kings

Episode 634. We'll lead as nine kings.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

It's even more EU5, this time on Three Moves Ahead Original Flavor as Len, Fraser, and Jon gather for a second panel discussion on the press hands-on for Europa Universalis 5 and argue about whether or not Greenland is a good starter nation. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Even More EU5

Episode 633. Learning Curve.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Europa Universalis 5 is real! And we played it! 40-minute free preview: www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes... 2.5-hour megacast for Patrons: www.patreon.com/posts/128479... And there is more to come!

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: We Played Europa Universalis 5! (No CB Megacast 11 Preview)

Episode 632. The Johan Piece Is Real!

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

New for $5+ Patrons: NoCB Megacast 10: "Antici-" Two more hours of dissecting dev diaries for the top secret Paradox game "Project Caesar" that *some have speculated* is Europa Universalis 5. www.patreon.com/posts/no-cb-... Last chance to get it for 20% off 1st month with code 37E8A at sign up!

patreon.com

No CB Megacast 10: Antici- | Three Moves Ahead

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

This week, @len.bsky.social was joined by @caseyexplosion.bsky.social to discuss Cataclismo, a horde survival RTS with a unique, LEGO-like base-building mechanic. www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

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Len @len.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

You can subscribe to my podcast, @3ma.bsky.social, which is about strategy and tactics games. This month only, for the first time ever, we're offering a discount code for 20% off your first month. That means $4 gets you access to *years* of bonus episodes. www.patreon.com/3MA Code: 37E8A at sign-up

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creating Podcasts

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

New for $5+ Patrons- No CB Megacast 9.5: Simon the Heathen 3 hours and 40 minutes of more ADHD hyperfixation on the latest Europa Universalis dev diaries! www.patreon.com/posts/no-cb-...

A picturesque Italian vineyard with a goblet of wine and some grapes in the foreground.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

New for $5+ Patrons- No CB Megacast 9.5: Simon the Heathen 3 hours and 40 minutes of more ADHD hyperfixation on the latest Europa Universalis dev diaries! www.patreon.com/posts/no-cb-...

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

This week, @len.bsky.social, @mhwilliams.bsky.social, and @lukeplunkett.com take a look at Two Point Museum! We discuss how it's such a great fit for the formula Two Point Studios built over their previous games and how you make a museum game without presenting a tacit endorsement of grave robbing.

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Two Point Museum

Episode 630. It belongs in a...

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Two Point Museum

Episode 630. It belongs in a...

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Hey, we're back, Bluesky! Check out our most recent episode about RTS shoutcasting: www.idlethumbs.net/3ma/episodes...

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: RTS Shoutcasting and Stormgate 0.3.0 with BeoMulf

Episode 629. Flag on the Play.

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Three Moves Ahead @3ma.bsky.social · 19/08/2023

This week, @len.bsky.social , @jonbolds.bsky.social , and @iboudreau.bsky.social are joined by @cheflubu.bsky.social to delve into Baldur's Gate 3. We discuss what really makes this a CRPG that can be enthusiastically recommended to tactics fans.

idlethumbs.net

Three Moves Ahead: Baldur's Gate 3

Episode 596. Roll for Initiative.

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