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Marimar Patron's avatar

I really appreciate a best of 2025 list that is about when you experience things, not when they were released. A best of 2025 always give me a sense of being late at things! However we experience things at our time and pace. Gracias

Kurt Wootton's avatar

Yes definitely. It's really hard to keep up with all the "new stuff" so just reflecting on what we experienced last year seems like the best we can do.

Tommaso Iskra's avatar

Loved this! What a cool way to share your best of 2025.. also shocked about the amount of board games you played.. I am also curious about music, top song or album?!

Kurt Wootton's avatar

I think the reason is there are so many is sometimes during a social evening with a lot of people we might play 6-7 quick games. They aren't all 4 hour epic ones! I thought about that but realized most of the music I listen to is jazz from the 50s and 60s so although I have listened to a few new releases I'm not really caught up enough to offer something useful. My most listened to album was Olivia Belli's album Intermundia which I listen to when I'm working most mornings, but not the most exciting!

Jenna Vandenberg's avatar

112 different board games!?! That is super impressive. Scythe is my favorite :)

Kurt Wootton's avatar

Yes! Love Scythe, it's definitely one of my top games. Also big fan of Apiary and Viticulture and Stonemaier games in general.

Jenna Vandenberg's avatar

I love Viticulture too! And Wingspan (I think that's Stonemaier?) I haven't tried Apiary yet.

Kurt Wootton's avatar

Yes Wingspan!! . . . and Wyrmspan (haven't tried Finspan - I think I'm "spaned" out). I like both but we don't end up playing them very often. Apiary is a really wonderful game that plays fairly quickly and smoothly. Highly recommended!

Adrian Neibauer's avatar

Kurt, thanks for the mention! I'm honored that you include me with Holly Korbey! I, too, love reading about how other educators are taking ideas and putting them into a practice. Field testing pedagogy is a sure-fire way to see what work with students and what doesn't.

My family and I are all fans of a great board game. Harmonies looks fun! I'm adding it to my To-Be-Played list for 2026. Thanks!

Kurt Wootton's avatar

I think it was Holly who sent me in your direction. Also give ITO a try! Perfect for family and friends. All the best!