“That’s what separates people that are beginning and people who have been doing this for a long time; you learn that if I really want this game to be great, I might have to cut something out that I think is great, but it’s not working.”

— Gabe Barrett

“Testing and iteration are far more important than planning and inspiration.”

— Tony Miller

“If I ask ‘What makes your game different from other games of the same theme and weight?’ and you can’t answer me? don’t make the game.”

— Avonelle Wing

“If you plan on being a part of the game industry it’s important to know that you can learn more for the cost of a round of drinks than all the money you spent on college.”

— Anthony Racano

Ways of coping with Kickstarter anxiety:

http://brandonthegamedev.com/6-ways-to-cope-with-kickstarter-anxiety-as-a-board-game-dev/

What makes a box functional, fashionable, and provocative (audio):

http://www.boardgamedesignlab.com/boxes-and-packaging-that-sell-with-adam-rehberg/

Tips for organizing rulebooks: introductions, terminology, visuals, player aids and more:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/17530387

Why it's important to narrow the focus of your game's design:

https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/74721/pick-your-focus-what-it-doesnt-matter-pick-focus

Should you advertise and preview a Kickstarter campaign before launch?

https://stonemaiergames.com/kickstarter-lesson-245-should-you-advertise-and-preview-pre-launch/

What's your game's identifying feature, the thing that makes it memorable?

https://oakleafgames.wordpress.com/2018/03/12/which-one-was-it-identify-your-game/

Advice for first-time designers on navigating the publishing process, working with a publisher, using Kickstarter and more (audio):

http://gamesalute.libsyn.com/everdell-with-james-wilson

The two opposing mindsets you must have as a game designer:

http://bluecubeboardgames.com/2018/03/09/two-mindsets/

The most important questions to ask yourself when designing a board game (audio):

http://theforbiddenlimb.libsyn.com/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-designing-a-game-ep-65

What you should expect to get from a publisher when you're pitching your game to them:

https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/74579/pitch-not-playtest-demo-not-playtest-you-can-still

Pros and cons of taking a long time to develop your game:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1953339/long-development-cycles-pros-and-cons

Tips for approaching a publisher and making your best first impression:

https://mailchi.mp/0f2e937d4e07/suyg1

How a game design can let players create asymmetry for each other:

http://www.kindfortress.com/2018/03/06/design-patterns-asymmetry-and-player-interaction/

How to "overthink" a game design and prevent problems before they show up (video)

First steps in finding a board game manufacturer:

http://brandonthegamedev.com/how-to-find-a-board-game-printer/

What are the essential elements of a post-apocalyptic theme in a board game? A BoardGameGeek designer forum discussion:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1950700/post-apocalyptic-theme-essentials