Our monthly roundup of links and quotes for board game designers is here! This month features some important information for first-time designers, a useful tool for making grid paper, a valuable list of things that should be in a licensing contract and more:

#industry:

#process:

“You want to design games? You should be playing games. If you have not experienced great games it is doubtful that you will create one.”–Don Lloyd (@knightworks)

#prototyping:

Make and print your own grid paper

#playtesting:

The Impressions Vidcast discusses attending unpublished-games events, and setting one up yourself

#licensing:

What to look for when signing a contract with a publisher

#theory:

March 31, 2014 March 31, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

Know what to expect before going into a playtesting event:

http://www.buildingthegamepodcast.com/2014/03/30/episode-96-milwaukee-blues-and-another-hailstorm/

March 31, 2014 March 31, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

Ways to add complexity to enhance a game for experienced players without increasing the difficulty for new ones:

http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/mm/293

March 30, 2014 March 30, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

The merits and limitations of using icons on cards:

http://kevingnunn.com/2014/03/28/icons-vs-text-part-2/

March 28, 2014 March 28, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

What causes analysis paralysis, and how can you limit it in your designs?

http://hyperbolegames.com/2014/03/28/analysis-paralysis/

March 28, 2014 March 28, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

“While many designers may not want to admit it, the theme, art, and setting of a game can really add to the fun factor. Players have a much easier time getting into and enjoying a game when there’s strong thematic consonance.”

— Seth Jaffee (@sedjtroll)

March 27, 2014 March 27, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

“Dear playtester, the more negative your feedback, the more I need to hear it. Don’t sabotage my game to spare my feelings. That hurts more.”

— Jay Treat (@jtreat3)

March 26, 2014 March 26, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

“Development is working with people who teach you things about your own game that you never would have noticed or were incapable of seeing.”

— Ben Pinchback (@pinchback21)

March 26, 2014 March 26, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

Using mechanics that enhance the world your game creates for players:

http://www.leagueofgamemakers.com/the-world-of-the-play/

March 26, 2014 March 26, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

The Game Design Round Table discusses playtesting and the challenges of getting good feedback:

http://thegamedesignroundtable.com/2014/03/25/episode-72-playtesting-2/

March 26, 2014 March 26, 2014/ Cardboard Edison

Kickstarter lessons in humility: reminders about setting your goal, defining the target audience, offering add-ons and more:

http://www.albinodragon.com/blog/too-big-to-fail-a-kickstarter-lesson-in-humility/