Sign in

The Ascent of Board Games

@ascentofboardgames.bsky.social
336 followers 82 following 111 posts

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

PostsRepliesMedia
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
It's time for another designer deep dive, and this month we're looking at a designer who probably deserves the attention more than anyone else - the prolific, the legendary, the first-man-to-win-all-three-Spiel-des-Jahres-awards, Dr. Reiner Knizia! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-83...
ascentofboardgames.com
Episode 83 - Reiner Knizia Deep Dive | The Ascent of Board Games
Hi, folks! It's time for another designer deep dive, and this month we're looking at a designer who probably deserves the attention more than anyone else - the prolific, the legendary, the first-man-t...
021 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
We're back with more imaginary games - well, games which WERE imaginary, at least, but some of them are real now. Although, I mean, I guess all games START as imaginary games...look, you know what we mean. www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-82...
022 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
New episode dropped - and this time we're talking about games that don't exist! (Although some of them do exist now - it's a long story.) Come give us a listen! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-82...
031 3
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Congratulations to Dr. Reiner Knizia for winning the Kennerspiel des Jahres for Rebirth. This means he has now won all three of the SdJ awards - proof, as if more was needed, of an excellent and extremely prolific career.
051 5
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
This month, we wrap up our retrospective of Fantasy Flight Games, and unfortunately, this month's events aren't quite as positive as last month's. Hope you still enjoy the episode! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-81...
011 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Even though this is episode number 81, due to the number of two-parters we've put out, this is actually our 100th episode. So...yay us, I guess? www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-81...
010 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
This month we present the first part of our retrospective on Fantasy Flight Games, which is subtitled "The Rise". You may be able to guess what's coming next month... www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-81...
111 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Just finished recording our June episode...this one's a little bit different, but hopefully you'll enjoy it!
140 4
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
This month, we do a deep dive into the games of the esteemed Antoine Bauza (@toinito.bsky.social ), who released two SdJ-winning games in one year (and also a lot of other cool games). Come listen to us talk about them (and badly mispronounce some French)! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-80...
052 5
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
We return to complete our overview of sandbox games, including (surprise surprise) at least one that stretches the definition. (Yes, it's Frank's fault.) Join us, won't you? www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-79...
011 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
We're back, this time to talk about "sandbox games" - games that have bigger maps and/or more content than you can possibly explore in a single game, but which aren't built as long campaign or legacy games. We hope you like it! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-79...
053 5
Reposted by The Ascent of Board Games
Brian Schoner @bschoner.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Playing through The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – Trick-Taking Game. We've just reached Helm's Deep and - appropriately - we've hit a wall. But we're loving it! @bbornmueller.bsky.social is a fiendish genius.
The beautiful cover of the excellent The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – Trick-Taking Game.
072 7
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Despite my computer's best efforts to destroy this episode, it's out! Join us as we discuss games where one or more players are looking to win the game in a completely different way from everyone else. www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-78...
021 2
Reposted by The Ascent of Board Games
Brian Schoner @bschoner.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Get great game stuff at a discount AND help folks dealing with the ICE storm in Minnesota!
011 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
I think I've quoted a Vlaada Chvátil rulebook once or twice, but Amabel is right up there.
000 0
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Well, now that THAT's over with (THAT being 2025), it's time to see what we're looking forward to in 2026. A list of our hopes and dreams for the new year, shared with all of our beloved listeners. www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-77...
011 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
It's time to look back at our favorite board games and game-related stuff from The Year That Was. What were your favorites from 2025? www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-76...
021 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
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!
030 3
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
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...
021 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
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...
031 3
Reposted by The Ascent of Board Games
TabletopGamingDeals @tabletopgamedeals.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
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
021 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Very interesting - I didn't realize that. Was the Weyland corporation part of the CP lore, or just a WotC tip of the hat to the Alien universe?
100 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
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...
171 7
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
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...
021 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
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...
ascentofboardgames.com
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...
011 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
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...
ascentofboardgames.com
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...
041 4
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
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...
ascentofboardgames.com
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...
121 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
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...
031 3
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
I'm a huge fan of what you do, and I'm sorry some people expect you to walk some nonexistent binary tightrope. You provide your opinions - which is, ultimately, what a reviewer needs to do - and clearly (and entertainingly) explain WHY certain games make you feel certain ways. Keep up the good work!
020 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
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...
ascentofboardgames.com
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...
031 3
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
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...
031 3
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
Yes indeed!
000 0
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
It can be pretty, but bear in mind that the OOB game isn't quite as gorgeous. The gears are still a great mechanism, though, in both senses of the word.
A photo of the unpainted interlocking gears in the board game Tzolk'in.
010 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
Nope, had it done by a friend who's not on Bluesky. She does amazing work.
110 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
Dunno about the full board, but games like Tzolk'in offer nice opportunities to paint parts of the board.
A hand-painted "gear" from the board game Tzolk'in.
210 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
I don't know if it needs *deluxe* components, but Luna Llena looks like it might be a good game if the components weren't tiny paper counters that move all over the place if the players do something inconvenient, like breathing.
010 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/01/2025
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...
171 7
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 30/12/2024
I love the dice mechanic in Macao/Amsterdam, where the number on each die you choose determines if you get, e.g., one resource in one turn or six resources in six turns. It's simple, elegant, and thematic, and I'd love to see it used and developed further.
010 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 30/12/2024
A great list of great boardgame folks on Bluesky to follow, individually or en masse!
020 2
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
I feel you. I usually won't punch the cardboard ones if I have an upgraded set, but I have a hard time throwing them out unless box space is at a premium.
010 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
Very nice!
000 0
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
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...
231 3
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
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
011 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Session 0 has me singing (in a bad Alanis Morrissette voice) “It’s like ra-a-ats…in your wedding cake…”
110 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 04/11/2024
That may be doable. Editing is always my least favorite part of the process, but adding timestamps shouldn't be too hard going forward. As far as past episodes, the BGG "Podcasts" page on a game entry is your friend there, although I definitely have some back episodes to fill in the data for.
100 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 04/11/2024
Thanks for the kind words! It's always nice to hear that someone appreciates what we're doing. 😁
010 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 01/11/2024
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...
231 3
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
I think that, for a lot of party game players, the incentive is less "win the game" and more "do the fun activity." That's not universal, so party games need SOME kind of scoring mechanism for those who do care about winning, but I think they don't always get the rigor that perhaps they should.
010 1
The Ascent of Board Games @ascentofboardgames.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
100% this - we talk about it a bit in our Party Games episode (split between last month and this month). Scoring is the least essential part of a party game, and in our experience the most often ignored part.
020 2
Reposted by The Ascent of Board Games
Brian Schoner @bschoner.bsky.social · 19/10/2024
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!
store.steampowered.com
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.
043 4