Tips & Resources for Board Game Designers
Quick video descriptions of some uncommon game mechanics (and variations on more common ones):
pyramid drafting: https://bsky.app/profile/fightinabox.bsky.social/post/3lryymytsss2m
I cut, you choose: https://bsky.app/profile/fightinabox.bsky.social/post/3lsfcmzsvc22z
rondels: https://bsky.app/profile/fightinabox.bsky.social/post/3lsn55mlxqs2s
deck-building endgames: https://bsky.app/profile/fightinabox.bsky.social/post/3lsphotvstk2a
Fear in games: What games can inspire some form of fear in players? A BoardGameGeek design forum discussion:
What is a game’s decision space, how can it change while playing, and how can designers use that to create the experience they want?
Why board game designers should think of the process of making games as a craft (video):
An overview of several online tools that can help with different parts of the board game design process, from prototyping to playtesting to staying organized and more:
The basics of crowdfunding for board games: how it works, pros and cons of different platforms, tips for building a successful campaign, and a rough timeframe to expect:
https://tabletop-creator.com/board-game-crowdfunding-platforms/
3 things you can do to make your game a better product that’s more appealing to publishers:
https://boardgamedesigncourse.com/the-top-3-things-you-can-do-to-make-your-game-a-better-product/
Bite-size videos on various steps involved in making a board game, from getting started to playtesting to publishing:
a simple game design exercise: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3lsbni2jyv52w
playtesting tips: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3lsgshsvyqw2p
types of playtesting: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3ls74vyc7f52l
what mass-market publishers want: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3ls4mjlr2qb2x
good box copy: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3lslpep45ek2v
Teaching your game: some principles that make explanations stick and the specific challenges facing designers during playtests:
https://www.whatifgames.co.uk/the-art-of-the-teach-a-conversation-with-will-the-board-game-wizard/
How to design a nature-themed board game (video):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xupbQ0M3Edc&pp=0gcJCdQJAYcqIYzv
Deck-building vs. bag-building: what’s the difference and which should you use in your game?
https://streamlinedgaming.com/deck-building-vs-bag-building/
Thoughts on the difference between variable player powers and asymmetric games, and the uses of both in a design:
Playtest feedback: why it's important to create an environment where playtesters are comfortable speaking their mind and how even “bad” feedback can be useful (video):
5 ways to know your game is ready to pitch or publish:
Bite-size videos laying out the basics for board game designers who want to get picked up by a publisher:
pros of licensing to a publisher: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3lrshaeg73w2v
cons of working with a publisher: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3lruxrt4pli2v
good pitching events: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3lrxiacjdwq2w
materials needed for a pitch: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3ls25sss4jt25
what sizzle reels are: https://bsky.app/profile/marygeorgescu.com/post/3ls2znsmxii2p
Cool things board game publishers are doing to serve their customers, make their games more accessible and eco-friendly, build community, and more:
https://stonemaiergames.com/your-favorite-things-publishers-are-doing-2024-2025/
The role that good cover art plays in selling a game to a publisher or to players:
5 ways to do more with less in your board game designs, though making better use of components to employing emergent complexity (video):
This printable template will let you make a foldable, no-glue cardstock box that can hold a deck of cards:
https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/5877/blogpost/175167/no-glue-cardstock-box
Drawing and playing cards: some of the many ways that different board games approach those simple player actions (video):
