Balancing games is deceptively difficult. Even worse, there are subtle reasons why even if a game is perfectly, mathematically, demonstrably balanced, players will likely have even LESS fun. From systems like Microsoft TrueSkill or ELO rankings to everyone complaining about how overpowered Hanzo is (he's not), join GeekNights for an exploration of how and why (and sometimes why NOT) to balance games.

Balance and asymmetry in game design (video)

Three podcasts discuss what to expect when working with a publisher:

http://www.buildingthegamepodcast.com/2018/01/21/episode-295-robs-gone-and-the-worst-guest-ever/

http://www.boardgamedesignlab.com/how-a-publisher-develops-games-with-alan-emrich/

http://thegamecrafter.libsyn.com/a-publisher-perspective-with-chris-leder-and-the-game-crafter-episode-159

Matt Leacock, co-designer of Pandemic Legacy, joins Jamey Stegmaier (designer of Charterstone) to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by legacy games. This discussion may include spoilers from Pandemic Legacy Season 1 and Charterstone.

A discussion of the challenges and opportunities presented by the legacy game format (video)

Bringing an unusual game design to a playtest event? Advice for some common "uncommon" games:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1924953/and-now-something-completely-different-other-types

“If you don’t want to play your game 100 times, no one else will want to play it 10 times.”

— Peter C. Hayward

What to do before reaching out to reviewers:

http://brandonthegamedev.com/how-to-get-your-board-game-reviewed/

Things to consider when using an unusual theme for your game:

https://dzayas.com/advice/alternative-themes-andrew-russell-birkett/

Why a publisher isn't going to steal your game:

http://blog.nskn.net/we-aint-stealin-your-game/

Game Pieces Only Challenge

Design a game without any printed components

Deadline: April 20, 2018

Prizes: cash, The Game Crafter points and shop credit, and more

https://www.thegamecrafter.com/contests/game-pieces-only-challenge

“You know you’re getting close when people end your game and start discussing strategy and what they wish they’d done differently, not just what’s broken or unfun. You know you’re there when people insist on playing again. Not agree to play again; insist.”

— Peter C. Hayward

Five lessons for building a place for yourself in the board game industry:

http://brandonthegamedev.com/5-massive-mental-shifts-i-made-while-breaking-into-the-board-game-industry/

“The fewer rules that people have to remember, the more time they can spend enjoying your game.”

— Peter C. Hayward

Ben Rosset and Alex Corrao from Panda Game Manufacting presented a crash course on game manufacturing at ProtoTO on Saturday, September 30, 2017. In this insightful presentation, they offered tips on component choices, explained the production process, gave ideas for running a Kickstarter campaign, and took questions about game manufacturing.

A crash course in board game manufacturing (video)

Deep Water Games Card Game Design Competition

Design a small, thematic card game

Deadline: Feb. 10, 2018

Prize: $100 and possible publication

https://www.deepwatergaming.com/contest/

“Your card text is an extension of your rulebook. Make sure it gets the same amount of TLC in development.”

— Dustin Schwartz

Don Eskridge, designer of The Resistance, on creating a social deduction game (audio):

http://www.boardgamedesignlab.com/designing-social-deduction-games-with-don-eskridge/

Seven pieces of advice for attending playtesting events:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1914655/7-lessons-learned-unpub-midwest-game-designer

Some things that make a game un-fun, and how to turn them around:

http://makethemplay.com/index.php/2018/01/08/learning-about-interesting-choices-from-board-games-that-arent-fun/

Five high-level tips for playtesting, including taking notes, receiving feedback, and more:

https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/72469/5-things-i-have-learned-playtesting

“Your first tests don’t have to be dreadful! From the start, focus on the core of your game. Focus on the heart that will make or break your project, the thesis statement of your design. Make sure the core of the game is fun, or has the potential for fun. Make sure that it has something unique, and that the incentives to win are useful and there.”

— Grant Rodiek