The Offline Gamer

In this episode of The Offline Gamer, Matt and Karen step into the immersive audio-driven world of Sound Realms for a playthrough of the dark and dramatic Fortress of Death. Guided by narration, sound effects, and a whole lot of dice rolls, they navigate traps, solve puzzles, and fight for survival—all in real time. It’s part dungeon crawl, part radio drama, and fully chaotic. Can they escape the fortress unscathed? (Spoiler: doubtful.)

In this episode of The Offline Gamer, Matt and Karen return from UK Games Expo 2025 and dive into part one of their two-part wrap-up! Sadly, Rai couldn't join them this year due to illness, so it's just the two of them sharing first impressions, con highlights, and a few mild grumbles (spoiler: air conditioning is important).They discuss how the new hall layout at the NEC added space and accessibility—but also a bit of navigational chaos—and whether the bigger floor plan made it easier or harder to explore everything. There’s also some thoughtful reflection on whether UKGE has outgrown its three-day format.

In Episode 101, Matt and Karen return for a slightly shorter show ahead of their big UKGE preview. They share highlights from recent game days with friends, discussing a mix of new and favourite titles, including Rebirth, Restless Spirits, Trio, Castle Combo, Explorers of Navoria, and more.Matt also interviews the team behind Minor Disaster Games, creators of the upcoming Kickstarter for Trouble on the Tempus—a co-op, time-travelling disaster management game. The team dives into the game's origins, inspirations, and what sets it apart in the crowded co-op space.

In Episode 99, Matt and Karen recount their jam-packed weekend at AireCon 2025 in Harrogate. From the ups and downs of the Bring & Buy to an epic quest for food through the convention’s labyrinthine layout, they dive into the highlights, including games played, exhibitors visited, and surprise finds.They also preview exciting upcoming releases, share some fun raffle moments, and thank everyone involved in recording their milestone 100th episode.

In this episode, Matt, Karen, and Rai take a deep dive into their gaming highlights of 2024, reflecting on favourite titles, standout events, and exciting moments shared with friends and listeners. They also discuss their gaming plans for 2025, including conventions and anticipated releases. Rai returns as a guest co-host. The team shares updates on various Kickstarter projects, discusses upcoming conventions like AireCon and UKGE, and reminisces about the joy of connecting with the gaming community. Plus, they explore their favourite games of the year and their most memorable gaming sessions.

In this special Halloween episode, Adam from the Die Rollin' YouTube channel helms a thrilling three-hour journey through The Lost Ship, a bone-chilling adventure from the SHIVER RPG. Set in the icy Arctic Circle, this story follows a military team investigating a lost vessel, only to discover terrifying secrets lurking below deck. With SHIVER’s unique system for horror-inspired tales, prepare for a frightfully good time full of suspense, strategy, and a few ghostly surprises. Don’t drift off—this is one adventure you’ll want to brave from start to finish!

In this episode, Matt is joined by special guest Mill from Dissent Games. Mill shares the journey of creating board games with her co-designer Jess, including their successful Kickstarter campaign for Library Labyrinth and the upcoming Loose in the Library. Mill talks about her background in board gaming, starting with Small World and jumping into Twilight Imperium, and how the COVID-19 pandemic helped her dive into board game design. They also discuss the process of designing Library Labyrinth, balancing mechanics, and how historical women and mazes became a central part of the game. The conversation touches on playtesting at conventions, challenges with running a board game café, and the evolution of Loose in the Library, a quicker, competitive version of Library Labyrinth. Finally, Mill highlights upcoming conventions, including AireCon and her own event, Paradice, while reflecting on how board gaming has built lasting friendships and community connections. Links: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dissentgames/library-0 https://dissentgames.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dissentgames https://www.x.com/dissentgames https://paradice.uk

In this episode, hosts Matt and Karen dive into their experiences at the recent UK Games Expo. They share highlights from their interactions with other gaming enthusiasts, exhibitors, and designers, and reflect on the community spirit that makes such events special. Join them as they recount memorable moments, offer insights on the latest trends in the board game industry, and provide a glimpse into their gaming haul from the expo.