Two ways to tell whether people like your game, and how game length determines which you should pay attention to:

http://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/23636/ajs-game-success-indicator-model-a-theory-or-fo

On Board Games (@OnBoardGames) discusses real-time games with Stephen Buonocore of Stronghold Games (@StrongholdGames) and designer Scott Nicholson (@snicholson):

http://onboardgames.libsyn.com/obg-117-beseiging-the-stronghold

Ways to make the most of your players’ time:

http://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/23533/the-most-precious-resource-5-tips-on-taking-time

Hippodice Game Designer Competition 2014

Application deadline: Nov. 1, 2013

Submission deadline: Dec. 6, 2013

http://www.hippodice.de/index.php/awb-en/awbrules-en

A discussion about open vs. hidden information, and following the designer’s intent:

http://opinionatedgamers.com/2013/09/27/designer-intent/

Free image files of silhouettes, good for prototyping:

http://all-silhouettes.com/

Cardboard Edison's Favorite Tips & Resources - September 2013

Our favorite links for board game designers this month include fresh looks at some age-old mechanisms, a new tool for publishers, a reminder about building a foundation of knowledge and lots more:

#featured:

• Meaningful Decisions: Corey Young on Board Game Design Choices

#theory:

• Different ways to implement simultaneous play
• Why a working knowledge of probability is important to game designers
• A look at roll-and-move games. Can the mechanic be used well?
• “Want to build a sense of drama into your game? Keep this quote in mind: ‘Drama is anticipation mingled with uncertainty.’ - William Archer” - Brett Myers (@brettspiel)

#publishing:

• KickTotal.com lets you crunch the numbers on running a board game Kickstarter campaign
• How to effectively research other Kickstarter projects
• Chris Kirkman of Dice Hate Me Games on working with designers, running Kickstarter campaigns, graphic design, the manufacturing process and more

#industry:

• Susan McKinley Ross on the board game industry, female designers, early playtesting and more

#prototyping:

• Sources for prototype cards

#playtesting:

• Beyond receiving feedback on a design, knowing how to give it properly is a useful skill

#process:

• Designers: you need to play more games

Some big-picture guidance for running a smooth playtest:

http://www.bgdf.com/node/13210

Bobby Stickel of GTS Distribution explains how distribution works on Board Game University:

http://boardgameuniversity.libsyn.com/board-game-university-episode-18-bobby-stickel

A guide to push-your-luck games:

http://www.islaythedragon.com/2013/09/a-guide-to-pressing-your-luck.html

A newbie board game designer shares 10 lessons learned so far:

http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1044947/10-things-ive-learned-while-designing-games-so-far

Tips for focusing on the foundation of your game before designing the extras:

–Build the simplest implementation of your game.
–Build with a focus to your hook.
–Build with a focus to fun.
–Don’t get caught up in the potential. Get caught up quickly in what’s real.

http://hyperbolegames.com/2013/09/25/foundationing/

A look at roll-and-move games. Can the mechanic be used well?

http://www.btgco-op.com/2013/09/26/the-devils-advocate-roll-and-move/

Places to find dice for prototypes:

http://boardsandbarley.com/2013/09/26/sourcing-game-components-dice/

What gets players emotionally involved in a game? A BoardGameGeek designers forum discussion:

http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1044477/creating-emotional-attachment-in-solo-games

Michael Coe of Gamelyn Games (@Gamelyn_Games) discusses Kickstarter, prototyping and more:

http://laboratory14.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/keep-it-coe-pacetic/

Designers: you need to play more games:

http://www.reddit.com/r/tabletopgamedesign/comments/1n1ow8/designers_you_need_to_play_more_games/

The Game Design Round Table podcast discusses theme, mechanics, and the intersection of the two:

http://thegamedesignroundtable.com/2013/09/23/episode-46/

Showing up to a playtest prepared:

http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1043322/prepping-for-playtest-tips-and-tricks?

Toy & Game Expo Young Inventors Challenge

Registration deadline: Oct. 28, 2013

Event: Nov 2, 2012

Open to children ages 6-18

http://toygameexpo.com/activities/young-inventor-challenge/