#363: The Social Contract

#363: The Social Contract

Author: Pickaxe June 10, 2025 Duration: 1:15:35
So Very Wrong About Games
LeisureHobbies
We generally frown on ad hominem here at SVWAG, ensconced as we are in our glass houses. In the case of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (known affectionately as "Ja-Jay" by no one), though, who wrote extensively about proper methods of childhood education, we shall report that he confessed to rather callously sandbagging his lover into abandoning their children (Rousseau claimed there were five of them, though records are tricky). Way to be a douchebag, Jay-Jay. 01:47 AYURIS: City of the Great Machine (German Tikhomirov, CrowD Games, 2023) Games Played Last Week: 03:36 -River Rats (Mathijs Jansen & Robin Stokkel, Four Suits Studio, 2025) 08:08 -The Gang (John Cooper and Kory Heath, KOSMOS, 2024) 09:47 -SCOUT (Kei Kajino, Oink Games, 2019) 11:47 -Storm Raiders (Shem Phillips, Arkus Games, 2025) 13:36 -Tigris & Euphrates (Reiner Knizia, Hans im Gluck, 1997) 16:17 -Corps of Discovery: A Game Set in the World of Manifest Destiny (Jay Cormier & Sen-Foong Lim, Off the Page Games, 2025) 21:58 -Dogs of War (Paolo Mori, CMON, 2014) 25:27 -Stroganov: Turukhan (Andreas Steding, Game Brewer, 2024) 32:48 -Veiled Fate (Max Anderson, Zac Dixon, and Austin Harrison, IV Studio, 2022) 40:29 -Jekyll & Hyde vs Scotland Yard (Gaëtan Beaujannot, Olivier Cipière, and Geonil, Mandoo Games, 2023) News (and why it doesn't matter): 43:56 SEAL Team Flix follow up Phantom Division! Stealth! Tactics! Flicking! on Kickstarter  44:29 Pacific Command, fleet miniatures game, by Osprey and Mike Hutchinson 45:41 Agricola Special Edition on Gamefound 47:43 Catacombs Alpha, new minimalist Catacombs starter, on Kickstarter 48:25 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July 27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd 49:17 Topic: The Social Contract Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Mike Walker and Mark Bigney, So Very Wrong About Games digs into the world of hobby gaming with a blend of sharp critique and genuine enthusiasm. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair at a table where two knowledgeable friends are deep in conversation, dissecting everything from the latest releases to timeless classics. They believe that a bad game deserves a thorough examination just as much as a great one, applying that same level of detailed analysis to reviews, industry news, and broader gaming topics. This isn't about following trends or generating hype; it's about thoughtful discussion that respects both the listener's time and the context in which games are made and played. The dynamic between Walker and Bigney captures a fundamental truth about the hobby-that taking games seriously and having fun with them are not mutually exclusive. You'll find their approach both refreshing and deeply engaging, whether they're championing an overlooked gem or meticulously explaining why a popular title didn't work for them. Tune in to this Pickaxe-produced podcast for honest, substantive talk that treats the medium with the depth it often deserves, but rarely receives in casual conversation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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