Episode 234: Top Games of 2025

Summary

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reviews the top games of 2025, discussing games played throughout the year. The episode is structured into tiers based on how often games made it to the table, with a focus on both new and returning games. James shares insights on his gaming experiences, project planning, and the importance of empirical data in ranking the games. The conversation culminates in a countdown of the top 25 games, highlighting the favorites and the reasons behind their popularity.

Keywords

tabletop games, sports games, game reviews, top games 2025, tabletop sportcast, gaming community, board games, game rankings, tabletop gaming

Takeaways

The list of top games is based on empirical data.

115 different games were played throughout the year.

Games are categorized into tiers based on play frequency.

New games often get fewer plays initially due to project planning.

Returning games tend to have more consistent playtime.

The top 25 games are those that made it to the table more than three times.

Project planning is crucial for maximizing game play.

Non-sport games also made it into the top rankings.

History Maker Baseball remains the top game for multiple years.

Future plans include refining the game list for next year.

Titles

Top Games of 2025 Countdown

The Best Tabletop Games Reviewed

Sound bites

"This tier is called I gave it a shot."

"It's always gonna be in there."

"That's my list for 2025."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Top Games of 2025

03:04 Recap of Recent Events and Game Preparations

05:29 Methodology for Ranking Games

08:09 Overview of the Top Games List

09:05 Tier 5: I Gave It a Shot

15:45 Tier 4: Made It to the Table

20:55 Tier 3: Came Back for More

27:10 Tier 2: Project Worthy

30:38 Exploring Superstar Pro Wrestling and Digital Gaming

31:33 Top 25 Games: The Go-To List

32:31 New Entries: Truckin' 76 and Aviatrix 37

34:51 Real Time Pro Fishing and Breakaway Football

36:56 New Game of the Year: Play at the Races

38:20 Dodgeball and Second Season: Tournament Highlights

40:33 Legends of Boxing and Highlight Maker Hoops

42:46 Dungeons and Dragons: The Non-Sports Game of the Year

44:16 Dice United and Face to the Mat: Tiebreakers Explained

46:44 Soccer Blast and History Maker Golf: Sports Games in Focus

49:16 Red, White and Blue Racing and Fast Drive Football

52:21 Legends of Boxing and Hockey Blast: The Top Contenders

55:29 Grid Zone: The Premier Fictional Sports Game

56:34 History Maker Baseball: The Undisputed Champion

58:24 Wrapping Up: Reflections on the Top Games of 2025

01:02:03 NEWCHAPTER