Essen 2026 - Day 1

Ben sits down with c-designer Christian Kudahl about the new standalone expansion for Magical Athlete. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

This week's guest is the designer of Munchkin, Ogre, and GURPS, Steve Jackson. We talk about being raided by the government, designing a classic and renown...but which games did he choose?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

Ben and Uli are joined by Liz Davidson and Geoff Englestein for a live show from Essen Spiel 2026. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

Ben stalks the halls on the final day of Essen Spiel 2026.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

Ben is still trudging through the halls at Essen. Are you with him? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

Ben experiences the first day of Essen and speaks to some interesting people. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

Ben gets to Essen Spiel and annoys the best and brightest of the board game world. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

Ben and Steve discuss whether Essen Spiel is still the most important convention in the world. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

This week's guest is the designer of the Spiel des Jahres winner, Dorfromatik, Michael Palm. We talk about growing up in politics, designing award-winning games, and the pressures of retail...but which games did he choose?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here