ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture: Columns

Rolling for Initiative -- Looking Back at Four Pivotal Game Innovations Over the Past 35 Years

Column by Scott Thorne

February 17, 2025

This week, columnist Scott Thorne looks back at four pivotal game innovations that occurred over the 35 years since he founded his store, Castle Perilous Games & Books .

Rolling for Initiative -- Tariffs, Diamond Bankruptcy, and 'Aetherdrift' Prerelease; Oh, My!

Column by Scott Thorne

February 10, 2025

This week, columnist Scott Thorne gives an update on tariffs and the Diamond Comic Distributors bankruptcy, plus a look at the reaction to the Aetherdrift prerelease.

The JDS Perspective -- How Bad is TCG Shrinkflation, Actually?

Column by Jeffrey Dohm-Sanchez

February 5, 2025

There has been a lot of chatter on social media and content creator channels about the severity of TCG product shrinkflation in 2025. ICv2 Managing Editor Jeffrey Dohm-Sanchez offers his opinion on the matter.

Neil Gaiman and the Damage Done

Column by Rob Salkowitz

February 3, 2025

This week, columnist Rob Salkowitz surveys the damage done by the recent revelations about the personal life of Neil Gaiman.

Rolling for Initiative -- Watching Trouble Come in Slow Motion

Column by Scott Thorne

February 3, 2025

This week, columnist Scott Thorne looks at the slow-moving train wrecks that are the tariffs being imposed on imports, and the Diamond Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The Diamond Bankruptcy – A Sad Ending to a Long Story, and a New Beginning

World According to Griepp

February 3, 2025

In this World According to Griepp column, ICv2 CEO Milton Griepp lays out the Diamond story and looks ahead.

Rolling for Initiative -- Changes to 'Disney Lorcana' Organized Play, and 'Catan 6E' Q&A

Column by Scott Thorne

January 27, 2025

This week, columnist Scott Thorne looks at changes in Disney Lorcana organized play programs, and shares a Q&A with Catan Studios' Kevin Hovdestad about the new edition of Catan.