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Episodes
Decision Space is a board game podcast about the decisions in games.
Episodes
Jul 8, 2026
Jul 8, 2026
1 hr 11 min
Episode 273- dnup and Iterative Game Design
In this episode we talk about iterative game design. Why do designers go back to ideas they've already explored? On that note, we also discuss the new hotness dnup and how designer Kai Kajino built it upon the foundation of his modern classic hit Scout.
Timestamps
3:30- iterative design
32:20- Scout
46:00- dnup
Preplanners
We have another decade draft coming up soon!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at decisionspa@gmail.com.
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Jul 1, 2026
Jul 1, 2026
1 hr 48 min
Episode 272- The Old King's Crown
Pete is joined by Jaffles ( https://www.youtube.com/@Jaffles-gaming ) to do a deep dive of the hottest game from last year: The Old King's Crown. They also chat about what types of games inspire players to dig deep and get obsessed.
Timestamps
5:00- why we get obsessed with games
18:15- intro to Old King's Crown
24:00- personal reviews
27:30- exploring the decision space
47:15- spring decisions
56:45- player count considerations
1:10:15- summer and autumn decisions
1:20:00- faction asymmetry
1:39:00- final thoughts
Preplanners
We have another decade draft coming up soon!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at decisionspa@gmail.com.
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Jun 24, 2026
Jun 24, 2026
1 hr 15 min
Episode 271- Hand Management
Pete and Brendan dissect one of the most ubiquitous mechanisms in tabletop games: hand management. What kinds of puzzles can a hand of cards present to players and what makes it so timelessly satisfying?
Timestamps
3:00- defining hand management
18:00- why we love hand management
29:00- types of hand management
36:15- trick-taking and ladder climbing
42:45- hand management as a core mechanism
57:30- hand management as a support mechanism
Games Mentioned
love letter, dominion, enchanted plumes, concordia, el grande, scout, haggis, fox in the forest, inis, race for the galaxy, arboretum, seer's catalog, hanabi, lost cities, battle line, hanamikoji, fantasy realms, 6nmmt, 7 wonders, twilight struggle, frosted blooms, gloomhaven, modern art, arcs, magic the gathering, keyforge, mind bug
Preplanners
Look out for the long awaited deep dive of Old King's Crown!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at decisionspa@gmail.com.
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
1 hr 32 min
Episode 270- Interview with Phil Walker-Harding
Paul sits down for a wonderfully insightful discussion with game designer Phil Walker-Harding. Last week's tier list episode should have you primed to get into this man's head! They discuss game inspiration and how to design in ways that can heal game related trauma.
Timestamps
1:45- how Phil got into design
10:35- design philosophy
25:30- balancing games
36:30- what Phil likes to play
45:00- inspiration from games
54:15- design process
1:06:00- negative experiences games
1:19:30- what's Phil working on?
Preplanners
A classic 'what we talk about' on hand management is up next!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at decisionspa@gmail.com.
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
2 hr 8 min
Episode 269- Phil Walker Harding Tier List
Paul gets to rate every game in the prolific catalogue of his favorite designer: Phil Walker Harding. He's joined by Brendan and the Dice Tower's Chris Yi for this monumental task.
Timestamps
8:30- Archaeology the New Expedition
12:00- Dungeon Raiders
15:15- Pack of Heroes
19:00- Sushi Go / Sushi Go Party
28:45- Sushi Roll
34:15- Cacao
41:00- Imhotep / Imhotep the Duel
49:15- Barenpark
54:15- Gizmos
58:15- Gingerbread House
1:00:00- Llamaland
1:02:30- Silver and Gold
1:04:30- Explorers
1:06:00- Tetris
1:08:15- Monolyth
1:11:30- Scribbly Gum
1:12:15- Super Mega Lucky Box
1:14:00- Snakesss
1:15:30- Don't Fall For It
1:17:30- Planted
1:19:15- Pass the Party Food
1:20:15- Dungeons and Dragons Edge of the Realms
1:21:15- My Shelfie
1:23:15- Tanis
1:24:30- Yummy World: Party and Picnic Palace
1:25:45- Busy Beaks
1:27:30- All In Predictions
1:31:15- Tropicalia
1:33:45- Museum Suspects
1:36:15- Cities / Cities USA
1:41:15- Neoville
1:43:00- Cloud City
1:45:45- Misfit Heroes
1:47:30- Spellbook
1:50:00- Adventure Games: The Volcanic Island
1:53:00- Summer Camp
1:55:30- Wombat Poo
1:57:30- Wrath of Fire Mountain
1:59:30- Oh No, Volcano!
Preplanners
Soon we will do a tournament of the best games of the early 2010's!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at decisionspa@gmail.com.
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
Jun 3, 2026
Jun 3, 2026
1 hr 25 min
Episode 268- Geekway Convention Plays 2026
Jake and Pete recap the best weekend of the year: Geekway to the West! They discuss their favorite new plays, old favorites, and also give first impressions of some hot new titles.
Timestamps
17:00- Feya's Swamp
21:50- Dark Pact
28:10- Market Fresh
34:40- I'm the Boss
38:45- Auf Teufel Komm Raus
43:00- Lowenherz
51:30- John Company Second Edition
59:00- Broom Service
1:03:30- Oath
1:09:30- Tikal
1:15:30- TRICKTAKERs, Skull Queen, Daytime Minutes
1:18:00- Indonesia
1:19:30- Guards of Atlantis II, El Grande, Big Shot
1:22:00- L'Oaf
Preplanners
We've got a tier list episode in the works!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at decisionspa@gmail.com.
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
1 hr 17 min
Episode 267- Shared Infrastructure Games and Bus
Time to deep dive the new hotness... from 1999. In this episode we do a deep dive on Splotter's first major hit Bus and discuss other shared infrastructure games. Why are we drawn to these crowded, brutal logistics puzzles?
Timestamps
3:00- shared infrastructure games
32:00- Bus deep dive
Other Games Mentioned
Barrage, Brass Birmingham, Medina, Keyflower, Food Chain Magnate
Preplanners
Geekway to the West 2026 recap is coming soon! Also, Paul is going to take us through a tier list of his favorite designer: Phil Walker Harding!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at decisionspa@gmail.com.
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
1 hr 29 min
Episode 266- Storytelling with Cole Wehrle
Big day here for Pete. In this episode he chats one on one with Cole Wehrle from Buried Giant Studios. They talk a lot about player agency, emergent storytelling, and what it's like the make and play long, heavy games.
Timestamps
1:00- how Cole thinks about making games
18:45- storytelling in games
40:00- long heavy games
49:30- agency and fairness
59:20- fun
1:04:30- learning rules
1:14:00- designing historical games
Games Mentioned
Oath, Root, Arcs, John Company
Preplanners
Next week we are doing a deep dive on Bus!
Music and Sound Credits
Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s
You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/.
Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA
Intermission Music:
music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Contact
Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social.
If you prefer email, then hit us up at decisionspa@gmail.com.
This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com.
Byeee!