“It’s not inherently a problem if your game involving doing the same thing each turn. It’s only a problem if it doesn’t feel different as the game progresses. You can accomplish this in a few ways; the two most common are escalation and a changing game state.”

— Peter C. Hayward

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

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

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