Integrating theme and mechanics: “The closer you can tie your core mechanics to your theme, the more your players will accept those mechanics, and the more the game will be ‘about’ what you say it’s about:

http://www.gamesprecipice.com/integrating-theme/

Lessons learned from pitching to publishers at Gen Con 2014 Speed Dating:

http://www.leagueofgamemakers.com/designerpublisher-speed-dating-at-gen-con-2014/

“If you ever want to design a game with someone, look for a co-designer that can kindly but clearly communicate their opinions of what works and doesn’t work.”

— Steven Poelzing

Some high-level advice for Kickstarting a board game:

http://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/34025/article-2-overview-key-tips

Ways to add tension to a game–a BoardGameGeek designers forum discussion:

http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1236905/building-tension

Advice for getting your game into distribution

The Meeple Syrup vidcast discusses designing microgames

“No one wants to read the rules (well, almost no one). Don’t give the reader any more reason to regret having to read them, than he or she has to begin with!”

— Dr. Lewis Pulsipher (@lewpuls)

Advice for making rules-reading less painful than it has to be

The Meeple Syrup vidcast discusses how Kickstarter is changing the process of game design

Why it’s worth entering design contests–and what to expect when you do:

http://www.leagueofgamemakers.com/game-design-contests-are-they-worth-it/

What gives a game a rewarding moment for players?

http://hyperbolegames.com/2014/09/15/pre-baking-with-dopamine/

The best opening lines for Kickstarter project updates and backer emails:

http://stonemaiergames.com/kickstarter-lesson-115-the-best-opening-lines-for-project-updates-and-backer-e-mails/

“Give yourself license to pursue your idea. Get out of your own way. Ideas don’t have to be perfect.”

— Matt Kirby, creator of Apples to Apples

6 tips for designers to make their game more replayable:

http://www.mofbg.co.uk/2014/09/lessons-on-re-playability.html

SEE ALSO: http://hyperbolegames.com/2014/09/11/designing-for-the-deep-dive/

How to do Kickstarter outreach: reviews, previews, interviews, podcasts and game stores:

http://nothingsacredgames.com/shadow-throne-kickstarter-outreach-part-i/

Hippodice Game Designer Competition 2015

Application deadline: Nov. 1, 2014

Prototype deadline: Dec. 6, 2014

http://hippodice.net/index.php/awbrules-en

A DIY guide to making a prototype game box:

http://www.leagueofgamemakers.com/diy-guide-prototype-box/

“Games that tell stories will bring people back again and again. Remember, though, that your game should merely provide the foundation for the players to be the authors.”

— Grant Rodiek (@HyperboleGrant)

The BoardGameGeek designers forum discusses what characteristics define different countries’ game design styles:

http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1234451/japanese-game-design