Five games for Doomsday is a show in which people are thrust into a cabin in the woods but can only take five of their games with them. Which will they choose?
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The Five Games for Doomsday podcast is a must-listen for any board game enthusiast. Host Ben Maddox has created a unique and engaging show that combines interviews with industry professionals, deep-dive game reviews, and thought-provoking discussions about the role of games in our lives. From the early days of his previous podcasting venture to the present, Ben has continued to improve and impress with his dedication to delivering high-quality content.
One of the best aspects of The Five Games for Doomsday is Ben's skill as an interviewer. He has a natural talent for asking insightful and thought-provoking questions that go beyond surface-level discussions about games. His interviews are in-depth and provide a deep dive into the minds and experiences of his guests. Ben's ability to challenge the status quo and share fresh perspectives adds an intellectual depth to the podcast that sets it apart from other board gaming podcasts.
Another standout feature of the podcast is Ben's game reviews. Unlike many other review formats that can feel formulaic or lacking in substance, Ben puts games into context with similar titles, explores their thematic strengths and weaknesses, and treats them as cultural and artistic products. This approach brings a refreshing perspective to game reviews and offers listeners a deeper understanding of how games impact our lives.
However, one aspect that could be improved upon is the inclusion of game titles in episode descriptions. Sometimes during discussions, it can be easy to forget which game they are talking about, and they don't always reiterate the title. Including this information in episode descriptions would make it easier for listeners to reference specific games discussed in each episode.
In conclusion, The Five Games for Doomsday podcast is a brilliant show that offers a unique blend of entertainment, insight, and intellectual stimulation. Ben Maddox's skills as an interviewer combined with his fresh take on game reviews make this podcast stand out from others in the genre. Whether you're looking for engaging interviews, insightful game reviews, or thought-provoking discussions about the hobby, this podcast has it all.
This week's guest is the owner of Naylor Games, James Naylor. We discuss truth claims on religion, train games and the pressures of being a small publisher...but which games did he choose?Support the show here Kingmaker Railways of the World Snowdonia Aeon's End The MindBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Listen to full episodes hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode our crew formulate a plan to find the missing girl and head out on to the grimy streets of Weimar Berlin.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this new flash Ben talks to Stephen Finn of Dr. Finn's Games. We talk tariffs and a change in direction.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this news flash, Ben talks to Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games about the impact of tariffs on board games and his decision to sue the president of the united states.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this news flash Ben talks to the owner of The City of Games, Frank West about the tariffs and the challenges in production.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
This week's guest is the designer of Liberty or Death, Harold Buchanan. We talk about the energy industry, polemic versus history and running a game convention...but which games did he choose?Support the show here Empire of the Sun John Company Combat Commander Twilight Struggle Liberty or DeathBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Ben talks to lawyer Colin David Hunter on the tariffs and their impliactions. Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this news flash designer Jonny Pac discusses the situation at recently folded company Final Frontier Games from the perpective of someone who has worked with themSupport the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Ben talks to Marc Specter of Grand Gamers Guild about the tariffs and the effects on the board game industry. Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this news flash, Ben talks to Daniel Newman of Newmill Industries about the effects of the tariffs on a small, independent publisher.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of the award winning #channel, Ben and Steve talk about sticking your nose in where it's not wanted(don't eat a German biscuit) and if board games are in a slump.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Ben and Steve go to Leiria Con and play some games. Where is Tabuletto though? Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of The Spielworxx Bulletin, Ben and Uli are joined by Ignacy Trzewiczek of Portal Games and Arnaud Charpentier of Matagot Games. We talk Leiria Con and the end of the board game industry. Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
This week's guest is the owner of Burnt Island Games and Kids Table BG, Helaina Cappel. We talk about running two publishers, the trade war between Canada and America and working with your spouse...but which games did she choose?Support the show here Caylus It's a Wonderful World Endeavor:Deep Sea Cascadia Manhattan Project:Energy EmpireBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Ben and Steve sit down to save Middle Earth. Listen to the full show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this classic episode Ben talks to one of the pioneers of board game YouTube Richard Ham.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this news flash Ben talks to board game historian about the High Gravity talk about the lexicon of games at the Max Planck Institute in Berlin.Attend the talk by going to this link:https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/page/high-gravity-talks Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of Call of Cthulhu our crew find a job from a mysterious Russian aristocrat.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Listen to the full show by going to https://www.patreon.com/5g4d and supporting the podcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
This week's guest is the designer of Merv, Calimala and Shackleton Base, Fabio Lopiano. We talk about working in tech, the influence of Cambridge in modern game design and working full time in the industry...but which games did he choose? Support the show here 6 Nimmt Agricola The Resistance:Avalon Colosseum Die Sieben SiegelBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of the 5G4D News, Ben and Steve welcome some Knights of Doomsday, thank new patreon backers and talk abut the first ever 5G4D convention. Also, Ben talks to David Harding form Grail Games about his new title, Night Soil and Corey Thompson about buying a part of Gen Con.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode Ben and Uli talk about the balance you need to work in the games industry and if it can make you fall out of love with games.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this classic episode we celebrate Board Game Geek's 25th Anniversary by interviewing the founder of BGG Scott Alden. Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
My guest this week is the designer of Ahoy, Greg Loring-Albright. We discuss the impact of gaming in a social context, how they express themselves as art forms and weighty topics like the correct way to make coffee...but which games did he choose? Support the show here Android Netrunner Pax Pamir 2nd Edition Galactic Loopin Louie A Deck of CardsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Listen to the full show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of Every Day I Write The Book, Ben and Isaac discuss the fear of writing and also writing great stuff that you know you have to cut.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of the Spielworxx Bulletin, Ben and Uli talk about politics in games and what they offer to the gaming canon. Support the show hereVisit Spielworxx hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
This week's guest is renowned designer of Glenmore and Rococo, Matthias Cramer. We talk about historical games, being a professional and the fall of the Berlin Wall...but which games did he choose?Support the show here 1817 Descent Paths of Glory Match of the Century The Republic of RomeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode Ben and Steve give new Patreon backers nicknames, inaugurate The Knights of Doomsday and Ben speaks to Scott Alden, head of Board Game Geek, about their new Hall of Fame.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Listen to the full episode hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this first episode of Call of Cthulhu our group meet for a morning coffee and are interrupted by some paramilitaries. Support the show hereVisit Chaosium hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
This week's guest is Head of Production at GMT Games, Kai Jensen. We talk about getting games out of the door, development and grief...but which games did she choose?Support the show hereAquasphere Atlantic Chase Dominant Species: MarineCombat CommanderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this news flash Ben talks to the head of Alley Cat Games about their new kickstarter, Baghdad. Back the project hereSupport the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Listen to the full episode by going hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this second part of the 5G4D Awards 2025 Ben and Steve give out the award for Best pre-2024 Game and The Game of the Year!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In the second annual 5G4D Awards Ben and Steve give out the awards for The Biggest Disappointment and The Biggest Surprise with help from the contributors of the best discord in the world.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of the Spielworxx Bulletin Ben and Uli discuss whether games can be considered cultural assets.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
This week's guest is owner of Button Shy games Jason Tagmire. We talk about New Jersey, games in wallets and the pains and joys of being an independent publisher...but which games did he choose? Support the show hereRisk Legacy 504 Tumblin' Dice Heroscape Dustbiters Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Listen to the full episode hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this season finale of The Temple of Elemental Evil our party are confronted with a party of Drow. What do they want?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this bumper episode of the 5G4D news show Ben and Steve give some patreon backers their official names, answer questions and ben talks to Talia Rosen about First Monday in October from Fort Circle Games and David Harding from Grail Games. Get on it!Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Ben and Isaac are writing as book! In this podcast we talk about the process of writing it. This is all about origins. How Isaac came up with the idea for the book and why he asked Ben to write it with him.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
This week's guest is the head of development at the world's biggest war game publisher GMT Games, Jason Carr. We talk about what a developer does, the state of the war game hobby and the death of originality in games...but which games did he choose? Star Wars:Rebellion Race for the Galaxy Combat Commander: Europe Lord of the Rings: The Card Game Twilight Struggle Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Listen to the full show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of the Advent Calendar Ben amd Steve talk about designer Tony BoydellSupport the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of the Advent Calendar Ben amd Steve talk about designers Splotter SpellenSupport the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of the Advent Calendar Ben amd Steve talk about designer Martin WallaceSupport the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode our party court help form the most evil man in Waterdeep, Sylvester Ravenheart.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of the Advent Calendar Ben amd Steve talk about designer Vlaada ChvatilSupport the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode of the Advent Calendar Ben amd Steve talk about designer Uwe RosenbergSupport the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
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