In this episode Ben from Orcwood Games joins us to talk about Dirty Spatula, Unhappy Arrangements, and the pride of seeing players enjoy your game.
We chat Kickstarter, creative risks, and why the best components sometimes have a secondary use!
From navigating the challenges of independent publishing to balancing humour and heart in game design, Ben shares what it’s really like bringing an idea to life.
Whether you’re a budding designer or just love a good board game story, this episode serves up plenty of insight, with a side of laughs!
**Important Information**
You can head over to Orcwoodgames.co.uk right now and pre-order Dirty Spatula with £5 off!
Elsewhere on the site you can also pick up copies of Unhappy Arrangements and Orcwood Showdown!
Thanks to our monthly supportersWe’ve been doing a LOT of chatting here at the Bucket List Board Gamers, and this time we caught up with Rafflesia, the mind behind the delightfully devious Nasty Ones!
Don’t let the title fool you—Rafflesia is anything but nasty!
We discuss his brand-new game Stitched Up, chat about what it takes to create artwork that really stands out, and swap stories about Murder Mystery games and Escape Rooms.
Give this episode a listen, and if Stitched Up or Nasty Ones sound like your kind of fun, be sure to check out the Kickstarter before the campaign closes!
*Important Information*
It’s time for Episode 4 in our flagship Bucket List series - and this time, we’re diving into Two Player Games… that also shine at higher counts!
Two-player games are a fundamental part of many people’s journey into gaming. But what happens when you want to bring more people to the table?
In this episode, Craig and Luke explore games that are not only fantastic for two but also scale beautifully for larger groups — perfect for introducing friends to titles you already love as a duo.
Huge thank you, as always, to our wonderful patrons for their continued support!
Thanks to our monthly supporters🎙️ We’re back with another interview episode—and this one’s a real treat!
YouTube legend Dan “DJ Slope” Ibbertson (of Slope’s Game Room) joins Jay for a wide-ranging chat that dives deep into his passions: board games, video games, collectibles, and beyond.
Expect stories from his hit Kickscammers series, candid thoughts on the gamer’s mindset, why meeting your heroes isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be, and even… the game that must not be named. 👀
Of course, we couldn't have DJ slopes on the show and not stray slightly (read: tumbling headfirst) into the world of video games.
Enjoy!
**Important Links**
The Kickstarter that got Destroyed by the Sun
Thanks to our monthly supportersWe’re back with the third episode in our flagship “Bucket List” series — and this time, it’s all about Two Player Games!
Not all games labeled "2+ players" deliver a great experience with just two at the table. Some feel like afterthoughts, with clunky variants or added admin that takes away from the fun. So in this episode, we’re cutting through the noise and highlighting games designed specifically for two players — the ones that truly shine in head-to-head play.
Whether you're gaming with a partner, a friend, or a rival, these are the two-player games worth adding to your bucket list.
Thank you as always to our lovely Patreons!
Thanks to our monthly supportersIn what felt like the blink of an eye, UKGE 2025 is in the history books!
It's been a few weeks since the doors closed on the UK's biggest Tabletop Gaming Expo, but we're here to talk about what we loved, what we didn't love quite so much and what we're looking forward to in 2026!
Craig heads up the discussion with Kay and Drew, and having recovered from a particularly nasty case of UKGE-Flu, Jay speaks to Leon from Questiny Games about their experience too!
It's a packed one!
By the way, the Chip Theory game Jay couldn't remember the name of was Wroth, and you can find it here: https://chiptheorygames.com/products/wroth-base-game
*Important Information*
Questiny!
If you liked the sound of Questiny and want to know more, check out the links below!
Website/Socials: https://www.questinyboardgame.com
Kickstarter Page
Geeky Meeples 3D Printing
Get all your 3D Printed bling (including Scout and Oink inserts!)
Website/Socials: https://linktr.ee/geekymeeples3dprinting
Yes it's convention season, but we've still had chance to record a few 'non-convention' episodes, and here's one of them!
Jay sat down to talk with Gregory Alford about his upcoming game 'Food Truck Race', as well as the trials and tribulations of launching a game when there are global tariffs changing by the day!
Described as 'Overcooked meets Catan', Food Truck Race pits vendors against each other to run the most successful outlet in town, all while managing the trials and tribulations that real chefs face!
Enjoy!
*Important Information*
You can find (and back until the 29th May!) the Kickstarter for Food Truck Race here!
Thanks to our monthly supportersCan you believe it's almost time for UKGE again?!
Yes in just a few short weeks gamers from all over the country, nay all over the WORLD, will be descending upon Birmingham for the biggest UK Board Gaming Convention of the year... and we'll be right there with them!
In this episode Jay, Craig and Drew are joined by special guest Leon from Questiny Games to discuss all things Expo 2025, as well as Leon's game which you can try out for yourself when you get there!
What do we think will be the hottest game of the Expo? What are our reccomendations to try out? Will Craig finally relent and go to see Jollyboat?
Find out the answer to all these burning questions and more!
If you'd like to check out Drew's BGG Comparison tool you can find it here: https://kallaxion.solardrew.com
Enjoy!
*Important Information*
Here are all the details for the games and companies we mentioned in the episode (and a few more for good measure!)
Questiny!
Questiny UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 2-282
Website/Socials: https://www.questinyboardgame.com
Kickstarter Page
War of the Worlds: One More Day
War of the Worlds: One More Day UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 2-915
Website/Socials: https://www.instagram.com/waroftheworlds_onemoreday/
Kickstarter Page
Trouble on the Tempus by Minor Disaster Games
Minor Disaster Games UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 2-787
Website/Socials: https://troubleonthetempus.co.uk
Kickstarter Page
Fight for Inheritance by Red Cannon Games
Red Cannon Games UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 2-248
Website/Socials: https://www.redcannongames.co.uk/
Kickstarter Page
Nasty Ones
Nasty Ones UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 4-208
Website/Socials: https://www.nastyones.co.uk/
Restless Spirits by Sneaky Rascal Games
Sneaky Rascal Games UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 2-241
Website/Socials: https://prelaunch.sneakyrascalgames.com
Geeky Meeples 3D Printing
Geeky Meeples UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 3-1146
Website/Socials: https://linktr.ee/geekymeeples3dprinting
Little Lions Lair
Little Lions Lair UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 2-812
Website/Socials: https://Www.littlelionslair.co.uk
Tinkerbot Games
Tinkerbot Games UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 3A-605
Website/Socials: https://tinkerbotgames.com/
Survive Alive by Schnarf Games
Schnarf Games UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 3-651
Website/Socials: https://www.schnarfgames.com/
Divide & Conker by No Drinks on the Table
No Drinks on the Table UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 3-305
Website/Socials: https://www.nodrinksonthetable.co.uk/
Earth Former Games
Earth Former Games UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 2-221
Website/Socials: https://earthformergames.com/
Tettix Games (Deep Regrets)
Tettix Games UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 3-767
Website/Socials: https://www.tettixgames.com/
Blue Cyborg
Blue Cyborg UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 2-948
Website/Socials: https://bluecyborg.com/
Saashi & Saashi
Saashi & Saashi UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 3-761
Website/Socials: https://saashiandsaashi.com/en
Wotan Games
Wotan Games UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 2-869
Website/Socials: https://shop.wotangames.co.uk
Blood on the Clocktower by The Pandemonium Institute
The Pandemonium Institute UKGE Info Page
Stand Location: 3-709
Website/Socials: https://bloodontheclocktower.com/
Have you ever been playing a board game and suddenly thought 'Man, I'd love to lay the SmackDown on this Jabroni on the other side of the table'?
(What?)
Well, here's your perfect opportunity!
(What?)
'Get Over' is as close to lacing up your boots, throwing on a pair of trunks and dishing out Stunners, Tombstones and People's Elbows as you're likely to get (without risking serious injury and almost certain humiliation, at least.)
(What?)
We speak to the game's creator Alex, and he tells us where the idea came from, why it's so important to him, which wrestlers he'd like to have dinner with and much more!
(What?)
This episode is a love letter to WWE, and as such there may be points where non-grappling fans wonder what the hell is going on, but hopefully everyone enjoys it regardless!
(What?)
And that's the bottom line... because The Bucket List Board Gamers said so!
**Important Information**
As of this episode's release the Get Over Kickstarter is LIVE and we'd encourage you to check it out!
You can find it here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/getover/get-over
Thanks to our monthly supportersIn this episode Jay speaks to Allan Pincus of Dream Egg Games, about Computer Junkyard; The Best Computer Game NOT Played on a Computer!
Allan shares his story, from coming up with an idea almost 20 years ago, to bringing it to fruition with a very successful Kickstarter campaign! There is also some fantastic advice for people considering creating a game themselves, and going down the Kickstarter route!
Enjoy!
**Important Information**
You can back Computer Junkyard RIGHT NOW over on Kickstarter using our Affiliate Link - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/computerjunkyardgame/computer-junkyard-game?ref=92rwo1
If you'd like to speak to Allan directly, either about distributing the game or for advice, please drop us a message and we will put you in touch!
Thanks to our monthly supportersAI Art. A controversial subject in any walk of life, but especially relevant in the Board Gaming industry at the moment, as the debate rages on over whether it should be OK to release a game using art generated by AI.
We chat to Mark Stockton-Pitt of Radical 8 Games, who was recently accused of using AI art when every single piece of artwork in Spokes, is original and by an established board gaming artist.
In a cruel twist of fate, some of Nick's audio went haywire, so we had to use an AI Voice generator to fill in the gaps, so be ready for that!
Enjoy!
**USEFUL INFORMATION**
You can back Spokes NOW over on Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/radical8games/spokes and until the 17th March!
It's time for us to talk Airecon again, and for the second year running we've managed to secure the services of the legendary Mark Cooke to tell us all about AIRECON X
We find out what's staying the same, what's changing, what huge events and guests will be appearing and, as always, whether we'll still be able to get some delicious poutine and hand made pizzas.
It's the TENTH Airecon event and as you can see by our title card, the theme this year is SPARKLY!
Sparkly logo, sparkly mugs, sparkly t-shirts (which you can pre-order over on the Airecon website right now, by the way!) but that same friendly, welcoming, focus-on-gaming atmosphere we all know and love!
Airecon X takes place on 13th to the 16th March in Harrogate. Head over to the Airecon website now to book your tickets before it's too late!
Thanks to our monthly supportersA belated Happy New Year to everyone!
We're back, and we're kicking off 2025 with an interview, having been joined by the lovely Mill from Dissent Games! We actually recorded this episode back in September of 2024, but we've been waiting for the right time to share it with you... and that time is now!
We discuss the representation of women in Board Games, Library Labyrinth, the upcoming Loose in the Library, The Paradice Board Gaming Convention and loads more!
We've not quite worked out why it sounds like Kay is playing a tambourine when she's talking sometimes, but hopefully it isn't too distracting!
Enjoy!
**Important Links**
All the important links that are mentioned in the episode are below, and tickets are now 100% on sale for Paradice.
Dissent Games Website
Find out more about Dissent and the games they make.
Dissent Games on Instagram
Keep up to date with Dissent Games on Instagram!
Paradice Board Game Convention
All the info you could need about the Paradice Board Game Convention including how to exhibit and purchase tickets!
Ho Ho Ho and Merry Christmas everyone!
What have the Bucket List Board Gamers got in their sack for you this year? Well, if you asked Nick, I'm sure you'd get a different answer, but what we ACTUALLY have for you is a bumper Christmas Special episode!
Join Jay, Kay, Craig and Andy as they discuss the best games they've played in 2024!
Turn on the Christmas lights, grab a tub of Roses and a hot chocolate, and have yourself a very Merry Christmas with the Bucket List Board Gamers!
If you want to check out the Cascadia Scoring App by Tablescope which we mentioned in the episode, check out this post on BGG for more information!
**Advertisement**
In this episode we discussed the Couch Console, which Couch Console were kind enough to send us to try out!
If you'd like to check them out and grab one for the gamer in your life... or treat yourself (go on, you deserve it!) you can visit www.couchconsole.com!
Thanks to our monthly supportersYes we're back with another interview episode, and this time we're talking to Gerardo from Beyond Words Games about his induction title... The Strange Forgeries Of Mr. S.C.Rheber!
We discuss the game, the inspiration, the origins of induction games, and quite pertinently, the role that reviewers and influencers play in the launch of a board game.
Apologies for the sound quality in places, we've tried to clean it up as best we can but the connection wasn't fantastic.
Enjoy!
Buy The Strange Forgeries Of Mr. S.C.Rheber!
Late pledges for The Strange Forgeries Of Mr. S.C.Rheber are available on Gamefound by clicking here.
The BGG Forum Post
You may well be familiar with Gerardo's name / Beyond Words Games thanks to a recent forum post on Board Game Geek, which we tried not to discuss too much in the episode for a couple of reasons. Firstly we were keen to keep the episode focused on The Strange Forgeries Of Mr. S.C.Rheber, and secondly it was, at the time, still a developing situation where some parties had not been given a full chance to reply.
As such some parts have been cut down to avoid confusion, and as a result it does sound like Jay talks a lot when the subject arises. Jay is aware he talks too much in general, but this time it wasn't his fault!
The situation has since been resolved, and we have discussed with Gerardo the possibility of a second episode to set things straight and talk about things from start to finish.
But if you'd like to know more about what we discuss you can check out the forum post here:
Thanks to our monthly supportersYes it's Spooky Season once again (sorry Craig!) and we're back with another 6 games to keep you on the edge of your seat this Halloween.
From games that are scarily hard to get hold of, to solo offerings to enjoy as you hide from sweet-hungry children roaming the streets, we've got you covered in this years Halloween Special.
We're serving up nothing but treats, and the biggest treat of all is that we are once again joined by Jerry from Risible Games!
So grab a bowl of candy, make yourself a pumpkin spiced latte, dim the lights and enjoy!
**Important Information**
Below is all the info you need about the games we discussed in this episode!
'A Cure for What Ails You' by Risible Games
Risible Games Website
A Cure for What Ails You Kickstarter (Live now but not for much longer!)
A Cure for What Ails You on BGG
'Devil's Dice' by The Devil May Care Games
The Devil May Care Games Website
Devil's Dice on Kickstarter Preview
Devil's Dice on BGG
The second in our flagship 'Bucket List' Series, this episode Craig, Dan and Matt pitch some more Entry Level or 'Beginner' games that they think are best placed to entice people into the hobby of board gaming, with Luke acting as judge and jury (but hopefully not executioner!)
Whether it be alluring visuals, tasty tactility or an effortless teach, at least three more games will take their place on the Bucket List Board Gamers Bucket List of Board Games!
With the thousands upon thousands of board games out there, there's no way our panellists will pick the same one, surely?
Thank you as always to our lovely Patreons!
Thanks to our monthly supportersThis episode we have a TRIPLE header of interviews, as Jay speaks to Tossit, Hexor and Huff No More!
They discuss everything from where their respective games ideas came from, what stage of development they are in, what got them into gaming in the first place and what the plans are going forward.
Enjoy!
**Important Information**
TOSSIT
You can find out more about Tossit over on their official website, where you can purchase various sets and targets!
If you prefer to use Amazon you can pick up the Starter Set for just £25.99 at the moment
WARFRONT BY HEXOR
If you'd like to find out more about Hexor or Warfront, you can head over to their official site.
SAKANA STACK BY HUFF NO MORE
You can back Sakana Stack on Kickstarter NOW (and until the 30th October) by following this link:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sakanastack/sakana-stack
and if you'd like to find out more about Huff No More you can go to their official site!
Thanks to our monthly supportersEverybody loves a good quiz, don't they?
Well, here is our first (and maybe even last) attempt at one, as Quizmaster Craig hosts a knock-down, drag-out brawl pitting Podcasters Vs. Publishers!
Who will reign supreme after 4 rounds of devilish deduction? Find out now!
Thank you to from Mike from Huff No More and Lee from Molinarius Games, please check out their websites for more information on their great games and upcoming projects!
We'll also be speaking to Mike in a future episode so keep an ear out for that too!
Enjoy!
**This was initially a Patreon Timed Exclusive, but now it's available here for your listening pleasure!**
If you want to hear these exclusive episodes as soon as they come out, head over to our Patreon and sign up now!
Thanks to our monthly supportersThe Dragon has been slain, and underneath its lifeless corpse lies a mountain of riches the likes of which you have never seen.
You shoot a glance to the other members of your party, each person covetously scanning the pile of goodies with envious eyes... then you dive in to claim what is yours!
Split the Hoard is a game that plays out in those moments immediately after victory, where everyone in the party wants to fill up their swag bag with the items best suited to them; be it potions, equipment, straight up gold, or something else completely.
We talked to game creator Marc Kenobi about Split the Hoard, where the idea came from, how he got into board gaming and what might be next!
**Important Information**
You can back Split the Hoard on Kickstarter NOW (and until the 24th October) by following this link:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/enworld/split-the-hoard
You can also find out more information about Marc, and his other projects by visiting Storymakergames.com.
If you are a fan of tabletop roleplaying games, check out EN Publishing too!
Thanks to our monthly supporters