Operation Game Night

This week Clay and Jared lament the fact that OGN wasn't nominated for a golden geek award. However they put their hurt feelings aside to provide some color commentary the winners and runners up from the 2024 Golden Geek awards. Clay also talks about Cities, a new game by PWH and Steven Finn and Jared talks about one of the pods favorite new games Rebirth.  00:00 Intro 04:00 Clay Debrief (Cit...

This week we diving into the mind of a Lost Ruins of Arnak addict and picking Jared's brain about all the hot tips for breaking 100 points in the game. We also do a Kickstarter Preview for Fight for Inheritance, talk about one of our favorite trick takers, and revel over the amazing production and streamlined gameplay of Foundations of Rome.  00:00 Intro 04:18 Jared Debrief (Fight for Inherit...

Step behind the counter of a thriving local game store as we sit down with Cam, the heart and soul behind Petrie's Family Games in Colorado Springs. In this candid conversation, Cam reveals how a childhood obsession with Talisman evolved into a beloved community hub that's been bringing gamers together since 2009. Far from the stereotypical dark, unwelcoming game stores of yesteryear, Ca...

How do you choose the perfect board game for your group size? While many games claim to support various player counts, most have a specific sweet spot where they truly shine. In this intimate, co-host episode, Clay and Travis break down their favorite games for every player count from one to eight players. For solo gaming, Under Falling Skies and Warps Edge offer engaging, thematic experiences tha...

The crew takes their podcast on the road to discuss the best games to bring when traveling. Three board game enthusiasts with different travel constraints share their approaches to portable gaming while preparing for upcoming moves. • Jared recounts his triumph in Dune Imperium, using intrigue cards to steal victory from inexperienced opponents • Clay highlights Creature Caravan, a simultaneous-pl...

We dive into the BoardGameGeek Hotness list to explore what games are capturing the attention of the board game community, while sharing our gaming experiences and insights. • Jared prepares for the World Series of Board Gaming by planning to relearn Azul • Clay reviews Expeditions, appreciating its unique action selection system and card-tucking mechanics • Travis explores digital gaming with Arm...

Engine building games create deeply satisfying gameplay experiences that mimic real-life decision-making through resource management and strategic planning. We explore what makes these games so compelling and highlight some of our all-time favorites. • Engine builders are games where you exchange resources to become more efficient at gathering resources • Games typically start slow with limited ac...

We explore the world of weeknight gaming, discussing how board games can transform mundane weekdays into memorable social experiences while balancing time constraints and life responsibilities. • The group debates what makes a game suitable for weeknight play, considering time, complexity, and energy levels • Clayton and Jared recount their recent epic game night featuring Incan Gold, Camel Up, 7...

Tackling listener questions, we dive into board game characters we'd embody, house rules we implement, and how we respond when people dismiss board games as "just for kids." • Clay defends his monthly board game budget overages as necessary therapeutic purchases • When it's appropriate to change game rules (party games) versus when to follow them strictly (strategic games) • Ou...

Taye from Instagram account Taye and Company (Instagram @Tae_Eat_Tea) joins us to share an insider's look at board game content creation, from getting review copies to maintaining publisher relationships while staying authentic. • Tae started his account three years ago solely to get free games and now manages a thriving Instagram presence • Creating high-quality content with minimal equipmen...

A fresh perspective on classic card games emerges as we discuss timeless favorites like Rummy and their modern adaptations. We dive into the creative process behind Rumathon Royale, exploring how nostalgia meets innovation. • Reflection on classic card games’ enduring appeal  • Introduction and insights from game designer Bryce  • Overview of Rumathon Royale and its unique features  • Discussing t...

Clay is in the Hall of Fame! Jared and Travis do our best without him by  exploring of how AI can innovate board game design. We dive into the interplay of personal stories and gaming mechanics that make for a captivating episode. • Celebrating Clay’s accomplishments and our pride in him  • Sharing highlights from our recent gaming sessions  • Discussing how AI could lead to exciting board game ex...

It's the ultimate showdown in small box games, as we pit favorites against each other to crown a champion!  • Clayton shares his thoughts on SETI and how theme impacts gameplay experience • Jared discusses his strategy and experience with Gizmos  • The competition begins with matchups revealing personal favorites and mechanics  • We explore auction strategies in games like For Sale and Castle...

Our conversation with Sam touched on important aspects of the board gaming community, especially in how to engage with it without succumbing to the pressures of FOMO. We discussed how listeners can keep their gaming experiences fresh by revisiting older classics, attending local meetups, and taking advantage of second-hand options. Sam’s journey in game design reveals the layers of creativity with...

Join us for a deep dive into the world of game design with Paul Salomon, the creative director at GameHead Games. Paul shares insights on mechanics, themes, and the exciting upcoming titles from GameHead, while also providing tips for aspiring game designers on how to break into the industry.  • Discussion on the importance of gameplay mechanics over world-building  • Insights into hit games like...

This episode highlights the growing appeal and enjoyment of solo board gaming, featuring a discussion with guest Bo from PunchableGames (https://www.instagram.com/punchablegames?igsh=MWlkMzJ1N2Nrb2xiYw) who shares insights on solo game mechanics, recommendations, and barriers to solo play. The hosts also reflect on their recent gaming experiences, emphasizing the strategies that make solo gaming r...

Finspan's launch has ignited discussions around creativity in board games, with players questioning whether it's a genuine evolution of Wingspan or simply a cash grab. The episode delves into these concerns while examining existing trends in re-skins, the financial realities behind board game companies, and the responsibility of designers to give credit where it's due. • Finspan ign...

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes when organizing a board game collection? You're in for a treat as we reveal our quirky stories and strategies, from thematic displays to makeshift shelving solutions, all aimed at keeping those treasured game boxes in perfect order. Whether it's daydreaming about custom-made shelves or battling our hoarding tendencies, this episode captures the...

Clay breaks down the new hotness, River of Gold. Travis lays out the newest in the Tiny Epic series, Tiny Epic Cthulhu. Jared has a tough choice on his hands in the latest Board Game Head-to-Head.  Planning a game night with six players can be both exciting and challenging. We explore the dynamics of engaging larger gatherings, highlighting the best games like Dune for deeper strategy and Zoo Vadi...

Kicking off the New Year with a bang, we dive into a world of camaraderie, shared experiences, and our latest hobby escapades. Picture this: we're in Alabama, and the weather has gone rogue! Meanwhile, our theater misadventures in London's West End leave us in stitches over an untimely half-time departure from "Wicked." And just when you think the holiday stories can't get...

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi! Support the show As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts! https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/ Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN W...

Get ready to board a thrilling journey with us at the Operation Game Night Podcast as we explore the electrifying world of board games alongside Amanda from EmptyNestBoardMama. Amanda serves as our boots-on-the-ground correspondent, bringing a vibrant PAX Unplugged review to life, while Clayton kicks off the episode with his take on the captivating mechanics of Architects of the West Kingdom. Our...

Back on home turf, we welcome Clayton Gable back from his break and dive into our holiday gift guide, brimming with must-have games and accessories to make any gamer's season truly festive. Clayton shares his newfound love for Fromage, a cheese-making board game that has us all craving more rounds of its delightful worker placement mechanics. Our gaming adventures continued with a slew of new...

While Clay and Jared grab some well-deserved R&R, Travis recounts some solo games he wants to get played! It's a shorter episode this week, but we hit the highlights with games such as For Northwood!, Coffee Roaster, Regicide Legacy, Dead Cells: The Rogue-Like Board Game, Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth, Tainted Grail: Tides of Ruin, Batman: Gotham City Chronicles, Underwater...

Travis, Clayton, and Jared convene for a Thanksgiving special, where share our gratitude for our favorite hobby...board gaming! From Clayton's excitement over acquiring the rare Whale Riders by Reiner Knizia to planning innovative game nights with creative charcuterie boards, we celebrate the joy and camaraderie that board games bring into our lives. Experience the thrill of uncovering strate...