June 14, 2025

Shelf of Shame

Shelf of Shame

Summary



In this episode, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss various topics related to the board game industry, including the bankruptcy of Seamon, the impact of tariffs on game production, updates on Kickstarter projects, and the introduction of Game Toppers 5.0. They also share insights from their experiences at May X, focusing on student engagement with deck-building games and the learning dynamics involved. In this conversation, James Engelhardt and Joe Mahaffey delve into the intricacies of deck building in board games, discussing the evolution and diversity of gameplay. They share personal experiences with various games, highlighting the importance of game literacy and player preferences. The discussion transitions into the concept of the 'Shelf of Shame,' where they reflect on unplayed games and the challenges of engaging with new titles. The conversation concludes with a humorous take on the quest for game mastery and the desire to play more games.

Season 4, Episode 7

 

Shelf of Shame

 

News and Notes

CMON is in trouble & other game companies are going bankrupt. Let's talk.
Episode #460. SEE PROFESSOR DM LIVE AT GENCON: Deathbringer Sneak Peek: https://www.gencon.com/events/288885 How to Run a Kick Ass Youtube Channel in 2025: https://www.gencon.com/events/286937 Less Exposition, More Demolition: https://www.gencon.com/events/286935 Conqueror Worm! https://www.gencon.com/events/286941 DEATHBRINGER RPG Newsletter: https://deathbringerrpg.com DEATHBRINGER'S DUNGEON STORE: https://ebay.us/m/QYb3mR DUNGEONCRAFT PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/DungeonCraftYouTube DEATHBRINGER Quickstart Rules RPG https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/396879/Deathbringer-RPG?src=fp_u5 DEATHBRINGER'S DUNGEON STORE:https://ebay.us/m/QYb3mR GET THE DEATHBRINGER MINI BY MAMMOTH FACTORY MINIS: https://only-games.co/products/deathbringer-on-scenic-display-base-or-25mm-resin-base DEATHBRINGER TEE!! https://dungeoncraft.creator-spring.com DUNGEONCRAFT FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1620296361377654/ THEME MUSIC: "Fury of the Dragon's Breath" by Peter Crowley Bandcamp: http://petercrowley.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6A7REliJfk
Tariff Update: Legality, Lobbying, and Local Stores
Tomorrow, prominent members of the game industry and GAMA (the Game Manufacturers Association) will lobby against the tariffs in Washington, DC. The current tariff tax that a company must pay the U…
https://stonemaiergames.com/tariff-update-legality-lobbying-and-local-stores/
Update 59: AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DMDAVE · Badge Quest RPG Campaign Book
Hey everyone, We’ve got big news, and we want to take the time to walk you through what’s happening and what you can expect next. After much reflection, both Hit Point Press and Dave have mutually agreed that the integrity of Badge Quest as it was originally intended should be preserved, and that the best path towards making that happen is to return it to Dave. This means that, going forward, Hit Point Press will no longer be involved in creation, delivery, or backer support. Additionally, they will not be retaining any customer information—no email addresses or other data are being kept. Everything is being passed back to Dave.So what now, and when? Going forward, Dave will be taking the lead on full completion and delivery. The vision remains the same—he’s committed to bringing you the product exactly as originally described. That said, we want to be transparent: Things will move slowly. This transition is a big one, and it’s going to take time to rebuild momentum. For that reason, we won’t be setting or providing specific delivery dates. Instead, we’ll keep you updated whenever there’s meaningful progress to share.What products are coming next? Minis have been manufactured! They’re currently sitting in a US warehouse, ready to ship - we’re just waiting on patches and badges to go out with them. Quickstart guides are also complete, so we’ll kick off the next phase by getting those into your hands! One final note going forward: We won’t be processing any refunds from this point on. The focus now is on fulfilling the project and getting products into backers’ hands. We understand that’s a big ask, especially after everything this project has been through, and we truly appreciate the trust you're continuing to place in us. We know this journey hasn’t been straightforward. There have been twists and turns, and we understand how frustrating and confusing that’s been. Your continued support and patience through it all means more than we can say. Seriously—thank you. If you have any questions or concerns about anything, I’m here to help. You can reach me directly via email at help@dmdave.com, or DM us here. As part of this transition, Dave’s presence on Discord will be limited, so email and Kickstarter messages will be the two primary methods for communication going forward. If you’d still like to join the community, use https://discord.gg/awuP6eDj.Thanks again for being here with us. More updates soon. — Aubrey, CS
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidhamrick/badge-quest-expanded-gamebook/posts/4393102
Game Toppers 5.0 Game Table System, Game Mats & Accessories
Game Toppers is a Game Table that is affordable, versatile, portable, durable, heirloom quality proven & owned by thousands worldwide
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/burky/game-toppers-5th-edition-game-tables-mats-and-accessories?ref=ksr_email_mktg_auto_user_new_project_from_creator_youve_backed

How to play what is on our tables

James

deck-building in MayX

Dominion

Dominion
Acquire the most valuable lands by building your deck with treasure and power cards.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/36218/dominion

Clank!

Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure
Claim your treasures but don't attract the dragon in this deck-building dungeon race.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/201808/clank-a-deck-building-adventure

Mycelia

Mycelia
Attract help from forest dwellers to remove dewdrops from your field.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/392023/mycelia

Joe

Shelf of Shame

Bear Mountain Camping Adventure
Explorers race to be the first to reach the coveted Bear Mountain Campsite.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/394201/bear-mountain-camping-adventure
Hamlet: The Village Building Game
Grow a humble hamlet into a bustling town.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/276086/hamlet-the-village-building-game
Hamlet: By the Lake
Lakeside fishing, boating and village building.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/389384/hamlet-by-the-lake
Pest
Fight against a cataclysmic plague and rebuild the fallen empire.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/353572/pest
Serengeti Sanctuary
Conservationists work to expand their wildlife reserves in Africa's Serengeti.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/388409/serengeti-sanctuary
Henchmania: Second Edition
Contending Lords compete ruthlessly sacrificing their loyal servants!
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/366012/henchmania-second-edition
Pendragon: The Fall of Roman Britain
Britons and Barbarians struggle for political and military control over Britannia.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/193728/pendragon-the-fall-of-roman-britain

Notable

Geek Group

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