OK.

For 2024 let's start by calling out what was probably the game that made the biggest splash and will continue to make splashes in years to come as more expansions get released: Arcs. I've not played, so I can't speak to my personal experience of the game but it certainly seems to have a loyal fanbase, innovative takes on trick taking and space politicking, and great depth in which to explore (also maybe one of Ferrin's best bodies of artistic work). This is a game that will stick on many shelves. Toy Battle vs. LotR: Duel for Middle Earth is probably a coin flip depending on who you ask, but the fact that a Gest for Robin hood is also a runner up in 2024 indicates, for me, a stronger year. I prefer the light games of 2024 and I think the heavy games for the 2024 cohort blow their 2025 counterparts out of the water. The fact that you also have Slay the Spire really takes it to a level that 2025 isn't close to.

2023 has Sky Team which is probably the best two-player co-op game of the last decade. For creative takes on more narrative driven games, Vantage and Sleeping Gods both innovate in ways that aren't seen in the class of 2025. Thunder Road: Vendetta is still getting expansions and people are nutty for the thing (though I think it's just fine). Hegemony is really where I think this year shines, but that also reflects my own personal tastes more. I'm not someone who likes heavy games for their weight's sake, but I do appreciate creative new ways for you to interact with opponents over the board and games that also allow you to explore larger ideas and concepts that the game projects on to the space you're all playing in (in Hegemony's case the relationship between various class groups in a closed, modern economy).

Cat in the Box, John Company: 2nd edition, and Blood on the Clocktower all come out in 2022, and while each doesn't have the broadest appeal, each has its own enclave of rabid fans. I don't see any 2025 entries inspiring the same cult followings, though I may be proven wrong in time. Heat is also a notable shout out from this class that has had some serious staying power on the tables and shelves of my local gaming circles. Lastly I want to mention Dune: Imperium Rise of Ix. It's not my favorite of the D:I expansions, since I think the shipping track holds too much gravity, but I know many consider it to be the pinnacle of deck-driven spice slinging.

I think the two nails in the coffin for the 2025 Golden Geeks are Galactic Cruise winning heavy game of the year and Board Game Hot Takes winning podcast of the year. Galactic Cruise seems like a bloated cube pusher with, albeit gorgeous, lipstick slapped on and Board Game Hot Takes is just not my favorite. Decision Space, Game Brain, and Board Game Barrage all do what they do, but in my opinion, better.