What does Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game teach us about power, restraint, and focus?

In this episode of Mindful Games Lab, Clay dives into Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game from Brotherwise Games, exploring beginner-friendly strategy, when it's actually worth flaring your metals, which characters feel strongest at the table, and the ongoing tension between dealing damage and racing up the mission tracks. Along the way, he shares gentle, mindful prompts that invite you to notice not just how you play, but how you decide, react, and commit.

Whether you're new to Mistborn, curious about deckbuilding strategy, or interested in more intentional, reflective play, this episode offers insights you can bring to your next game night—and beyond. https://www.mindfulgameslab.com

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Vantage, the epic new open-world board game from Stonemaier Games and designer Jamie Stegmaier. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, Vantage offers a rich, narrative-driven experience filled with exploration, choice, and surprise.

You'll learn how the game works, what sets it apart from other storytelling games, and why the first-person perspective and artwork matter more than ever. We'll cover missions, destinies, dice mechanics, cooperative elements, and replayability — plus, I share some of my own favorite moments from the game.

If you love immersive board games with big stories and endless discovery, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Get the free Vantage player aid and more at mindfulgameslab.com

Welcome to a jam-packed guide to Gen Con — the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America! Whether it's your first time attending or you're a seasoned veteran, this episode is your ultimate prep companion.

Host Clay walks you through everything you need to know to get the most out of your Gen Con experience:

• 🧭 Tips for navigating the massive vendor hall

• 🎟️ How to plan your event schedule (even if you didn't pre-register!)

• 🛋️ Pro tips on where to find quiet spots and take breaks

• 🍕 Food hacks and how to survive the dinner rush

• 🌙 What to do after 6 p.m. when the convention nightlife kicks in

PLUS: Clay's Top 5 Most Anticipated Games at Gen Con 2025, including:

• Kinfire Council (Incredible Dreams Studios)

• Nature (North Star Game Studio)

• The Crew: Family Adventure (Kosmos)

• Solar Gardens (Darrington Press)

• Vantage (Stonemaier Games)

And don't miss Clay in person! He'll be working the Leder Games booth (#643) and making a special appearance at the Leder Hootenanny as Cap'n Clay the Pirate.

If you're heading to Indy this year, or just want to soak in the excitement, this episode will get you hyped, prepared, and inspired to make Gen Con unforgettable.

Visit mindfulgameslab.com for a blog post about Gen Con.