Rephonic
Artwork for Decision Space
Board Games
Game Design
Games
Ticket To Ride
El Grande
Cascadia
Planet Unknown
Root
Game Mechanics
Board Game Arena
Magic: the Gathering
Trick-Taking Games
Bunny Kingdom
Keyforge
Dominion
Stefan Feld
Quantum
Seven Wonders
Euro Games
Castles Of Burgundy

Decision Space is a board game podcast about the decisions in games.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes274Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HobbiesLeisureGames

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Decision Space

Latest Episodes

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:... more

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 insp... more

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- Archa... more

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... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Analog Arnie
YouTube celebrity, first-time guest on Decision Space
YouTube (Analog Arnie)
Episode: Arcs Strikes Back: Exploring the Blighted Reach with Analog Arnie and Jared Ingersoll
C. Thi Nguyen
Philosopher, professor of philosophy and games at the University of Utah
University of Utah
Episode: Is Art a Game? C. Thi Nguyen Answers Our Questions About Philosophy, Process, and Play
Andy Nealen
Professor of games at University of Southern California and co-host on a gaming podcast.
University of Southern California
Episode: Historical Games and Pax Renaissance with Andy Nealen
Jason Schneider
Founder of Happy Camper Games, has extensive experience in developing family games.
Happy Camper Games
Episode: Trio, Jungo, and the Joys of Family Gaming with Jason Schneider
Joe Howe
A game designer and Patreon supporter who released the game 'Three Chapters'.
Episode: Podcast Year in Review: Reflections and Ranking All the Games!
Jon Perry
Board game and video game designer
Episode: Chunky Decisions and Other Design Lessons with Jon Perry
Dan Thurot
Board game critic and writer behind Space Biff
Space Biff
Episode: Exploring Cardboard Worlds: Earthborne Rangers and Vantage with Dan Thurot
Paul Solomon
Long-time contributor and educator, game designer
Episode: The State of Decision Space - Big News, Reflections, and the 2024 Listener List
Jared Ingersoll
Game enthusiast and expert in Euro games
Episode: TOP 10 Games of the '90s with Jared Ingersoll

Hosts

Jake Friedman
Host with strong focus on game design discussion and pedagogy.
Pete Wissinger
Co-host known for design-focused discussions and deep-dive analysis.
Brendan Hansen
Co-host with emphasis on critique, mechanics, and historical context in games.
Paul Solomon
Co-host with background in design discussions and player experience.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 402 ratings
  • Who needs a Golden Geek?!!

    First, a bit of context. I have been playing a wide range of board games since childhood (nearly fifty years). For the last 10 years or so, I have tended to gravitate toward “heavier” games that focus on intense player interaction and conflict—I am especially fond of asymmetric war games. I also have a particular fondness for “old school” Euro games that became popular 20 to 30 years ago.

    I DESPISE the cult of the new, and I am rarely convinced to fund anything on Kickstarter. Candidly, I lo... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Galak Kast
    United Statesa month ago
  • *Disappointment*

    That's how I felt when I went to download the latest episode- not there.

    But... but, it's Wednesday. 🤨

    An hour later- not there!

    😲 What's going on?!

    Omg, is Tuesday.

    Relief. 😅

    Decision Space is a weekly staple. It's so engaging that I often pause the playback to join the conversation.

    Their analysis of games and game systems helps me appreciate games on a deeper level; as a result I get more from this hobby. Thank you guys!

    (Bring back pre-planning.)

    Podcast Addict
    5
    JAMLab
    a month ago
  • Gets into the weeds in all the best ways

    This is the rare board games podcast that isn’t primarily obsessed with the latest games but the deeper issues that make gaming rewarding and enjoyable. This is the podcast that’s not afraid to have C. Thi Nguyen on to discuss the philosophy of gaming; to drop hot (and WRONG) takes on what makes Eurogames tick; or write love letters in the form of deep analysis to their favorite games.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    A Malec
    United Statesa month ago
  • Felt Like I Was One of the Guys!

    After your April Fools game show episode, I felt compelled to leave a review - It was the perfect episode to brighten a long drive! I started listening regularly not that long ago after cherry picking some episodes based on their titles and now I look forward to every Wednesday when a new show drops. Even if I’ve never heard of the deep dive game of the week, it’s still awesome to hear the conversation revolve around how it tickles the brain and, as an aspiring designer, how those concepts and d... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Music&Meeples
    United States3 months ago
  • Serendipity

    Just had the crazy experience of getting Isle of Skye in a trade the same day that you guys covered it. Can’t think of a better group of guys to get me both hyped and deeply interested in a game.

    I thoroughly enjoy your in-depth analyses and the way you talk about what makes a game tick. There’s something magical about the way board games work, and ironically you all do a great job of sharing the magic by taking as much mystery out of it as you can. Kind of like when you study physics or medici... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ckchand
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans highlight the show's ability to translate complex ideas into accessible concepts.
Audience notes the welcoming community and engaging host banter, adding humor without sacrificing intellect.
Listeners praise thoughtful, rigorous analysis of game design and depth.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#79
United States/Leisure/Games
Apple Podcasts
#65
Canada/Leisure/Games
Apple Podcasts
#75
United Kingdom/Leisure/Games
Apple Podcasts
#111
Italy/Leisure/Games
Apple Podcasts
#124
Germany/Leisure/Games
Apple Podcasts
#146
Australia/Leisure/Games

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Agency, Storytelling, and Play: A Conversation with Cole Wehrle
Q: How do you approach teaching and accessibility without sacrificing the complexity of your games?
Focus on strong teach with hooks, design for emergent understanding during play, and balance complexity with accessible introductory experiences; use tools like table talk guidelines and clear front-loading of concepts to bring new players along without diluting the design.
Agency, Storytelling, and Play: A Conversation with Cole Wehrle
Q: Why do you prefer heavy, long games over lighter, quicker ones?
Heavy games offer deeper emotional arcs, richer decision spaces, and the opportunity for players to invest time and agency, leading to more meaningful experiences and a lasting impression beyond immediate tactical wins.
Agency, Storytelling, and Play: A Conversation with Cole Wehrle
Q: What are the benefits of the studio model for Buried Giant and its games?
The studio model provides security and freedom for designers to explore difficult ideas, allows for long-term, collaborative development, and aligns creative work with a shared vision, while still maintaining a recognizable authorial voice within a broader team.
Area Control, Majority, and Conflict (What We Talk About)
Q: What makes a good area control game?
A good area control game creates close decisions where players can experience swings in power and have emotional highs and lows, which makes the gameplay memorable.
Trio, Jungo, and the Joys of Family Gaming with Jason Schneider
Q: How did your experiences influence the design of family games?
Growing up with games like cards and experiences from Sesame Street helped me realize the importance of entertaining both children and adults together, which is reflected in the mission of Happy Camper Games.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Decision Space

What is Decision Space about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show explores board game design, theory, and play philosophy through thoughtful deep-dives, design-by-design discussions, and occasional guest conversations. Episodes frequently examine game depth, decision spaces, and the social dynamics at the table, often featuring designers, strategists, and prominent community voices. The tone blends rigorous analysis with accessible, story-driven storytelling, making it appealing to listeners who want to understand not just what games do, but why they feel rewarding. A standout is its willingness to treat games as social rituals and to bring philosophical framing to game design, balance, and pedagogy, while maintaining a welcoming, community-driven vibe for both newcomers and seasoned designers a... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Decision Space?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Decision Space:

1. So Very Wrong About Games
2. Board Game Hot Takes
3. Board Game Barrage
4. Shut Up & Sit Down
5. The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast

How many episodes of Decision Space are there?

Decision Space launched 5 years ago and published 274 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Decision Space?

Recent guests on Decision Space include:

1. Analog Arnie
2. C. Thi Nguyen
3. Andy Nealen
4. Jason Schneider
5. Joe Howe
6. Jon Perry
7. Dan Thurot
8. Paul Solomon

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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