Meeple Minded

Board game overload is real! With 6,000+ new #boardgame releases, are we drowning in TOP games or just Mountains of mediocre cardboard gluttony? Join the team as we discuss the state of the board game industry in 2026 and try to figure (with a few facts along the way) if board game designs are getting worse or better.Is the Golden Age of board games officially over? In Episode 226 of the Meeple Minded Podcast, we dive into the "Post-Golden Age Crisis." We compare the legendary releases of 2017 to the current era of 2025/2026. We're breaking down the data: Why are we seeing record-breaking releases but a record-low percentage of truly "great" games?From crowdfunding fatigue to the rise of aesthetic-first gaming, we’re asking the tough questions about your Kallax shelf life and the future of the hobby.⏰ CHAPTERS0:00 INTRO01:49 Topical Set Up03:05 Board Game Overload45:29 what we have been playing56:22 Outro58:03 Outtakes

To round out our episodes taking a look back at the past year we had to finish with talking about the absolute best board games had to offer with our personal top 5 board games of 2025.

Its the annual episode where we take a look back at the past 12 months in board gaming and try to determine if it was a year of Boom or Bust.

Think this one may be answering itself? what do you think?

In this weeks "delayed" episode the boys have been checking out the BRAND NEW Restoration games title "Unmatched Adventures - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
Is this new 90's nostalgia game pizza flipping good OR totally "WACK"

Welcome to another episode of the Meeple Minded Podcast!Every gamer has them: those small, frustrating habits that threaten to derail an otherwise perfect game night. This week, prompted by listener Mark on Instagram, we are counting down the Top Five Game Night Pet Peeves that grind our gears. From the perpetual phone checker to the dreaded Analysis Paralysis (AP), we break down the worst offenders, or as Jason refers to them "Scum of the Earth" bit harsh there Jason!Is your biggest pet peeve on the list? Let us know in the comments!⏰ TIMESTAMPS(0:00) SET UP PHASE (Cold Open)(1:02) MEEPLE MENU (Episode Outline)(1:31) CARDBOARD COUNTDOWN: Top 5 Pet Peeves (The List Begins!)(38:24) MEEPLE MOMENTS (What We've Been Playing)(47:38) CARDBOARD CALLBACK (Revisiting Star Tycoon)(52:48) OUTRO & CTA🚀 SEGMENTS & DISCUSSIONSCARDBOARD COUNTDOWN: We tackle the cardinal sins of tabletop etiquette, CARDBOARD CALLBACK: We look back at Star Tycoon exactly one year later! Has the game held up against the competition? Do we still love the economic engine? Co-Hosts weigh in on whether the game is a keeper or ready for the trade pile.🔗 CONNECT WITH USListen: Find the audio version of Meeple Minded on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.#️⃣ HASHTAGS#BoardGamePetPeeves #GameNightEtiquette #BoardGameCountdown #MeepleMinded #CardboardCallback #StarTycoon #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #AnalysisParalysis