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?
Donate to Five Games for Doomsday
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.
In this episode Ben and Steve introduce a new section, The View from the Shop Floor and we discuss how the pandemic changed gaming.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
Ben and Steve encourage you to get some 5G4D merch before the merch store closes down. Get some 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 decline in crowdfunding, its distortion of the industry and if it's dying.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 war game designer Mark Mclaughlin. We talk about a religious education, the importance of a free press and why Alexander might not be that great...but which games did he choose? Support the show here Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea Battle Cry Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East Memoir 44 ViceroysBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this special Ben speaks to Hisashi Hayashi about his nominee Bomb Busters.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 join the 5G4D patreon hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this Spiel des Jahres special Ben talks to Stefan from 7Bazis about Krakel OrakelSupport the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this Spiel des Jahres special Ben speaks to designer of Flip 7, Eric Olsen.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this Spiel des Jahres special Ben speaks to jury member Martina Fuchs about how the award gets given.Support the show herehttps://www.fuxundbaer.de/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this Kenner Spiel des Jahres special Ben speaks to Johannes Goupy designer of Faraway.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this SdJ special Ben speaks to Charles Chevallier about his Kenner Spiel nominated game Looot.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In our annual Spiel des Jahres special shows Ben talks to the nominees. This time it's the Kenner Spiel des Jahres with Ben having a chat with Carl de Visser and Jarrat Gray about the game's development and their hopes for the award.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
This weeks guest is the designer of Finca and Mietze Katze, Ralph zur Linde. We discuss teaching children, financial independence and the joy of making music...but which games did he choose?Support the show here Camel Up Time's Up Qwixx Just One Mietze Katze Join the Casus Belli pledge manager hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this classic episode Ben interviews the preeminent board game reviewer, Dan Thurot. Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this free Battle Report, Ben and Steve play the classic Ora et Labora.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 Fields of Green, Among the Stars and Hegemony, Vangelis Bagiartakis. We talk about education in games, philosophy and the decline of Star Wars...but which games did he choose?Support the show here Star Wars: Unlimited Imperial Assault Twilight Imperium Nemesis SantoriniBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this news flash Ben talks to Martin Wallace about Casus Belli and the impact of tariffs.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 news Ben and Steve thank some new patreon backers and answer some Qs. Also Ben talks to Christian Kudahl about his game Agent Avenue and whether it can win the Spiel des Jahres.Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode we talk about whether the tariffs will minimise America's influence in the board game world. Support the show hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.
In this episode the gamg head down to Red Mill Cafe and speak to people on the street.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 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.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
