“Don’t use “thematic” typefaces if they hinder readability. The final rulebook should NOT be less readable than my skeletal beta version that uses Arial or Verdana.”

— Dustin Schwartz

The 2018 Northwest LUCI Award

Deadline: May 20, 2018

http://playtestnw.com/contests/

A thread offering ways to foster ideas and innovation in your designs:

https://twitter.com/HyperboleGrant/status/986280900869566464

“Play published games featuring a mechanic you’re designing around (dice rolling, worker placement, deduction, etc.) Ideally in quick succession. Don’t stress about playing EVERY similar game, but learning a few will help you avoid common pitfalls.”

— Emma Larkins

Advice for interacting with publishers at different types of conventions (audio):

http://thegamecrafter.libsyn.com/maximizing-time-at-conventions-and-interacting-with-publishers-from-the-game-crafter-episode-171

Tips for getting the most from the playtesting process:

https://www.chitag.com/single-post/2017/11/14/Jim-Harrison---Ten-Tips-for-Testing

2018 League of Designers Workshop and Contest

A monthly virtual game design workshop followed by a contest

Deadline: Sept. 1, 2018, with the workshop portion starting in May

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1977363/league-designers-workshop-and-contest-discussion

A discussion about how simultaneous-action-selection mechanisms work (audio):

http://www.theboardgameworkshop.com/2018/04/episode-36-simultaneous-action-selection.html

Solo Game Challenge

Deadline: July 23, 2018

Prizes: The Game Crafter shop credit and more

https://www.thegamecrafter.com/contests/solo-game-design-challenge

What to put in a Kickstarter FAQ section:

https://stonemaiergames.com/kickstarter-lesson-249-the-frequently-asked-questions-to-answer-in-your-faq/

Tips for pitching using sell sheets (audio):

http://www.boardgamedesignlab.com/pitches-sell-sheets-with-jeremy-commandeur/

Advice for attending a playtesting event: before, during, and afterward:

https://mailchi.mp/2f2e3fcc0d5d/suyg4

“Be an artist, not a scientist. Avoid any fixed methodology, and don’t follow well trampled paths.”

— Reiner Knizia

What to ask players in a post-test questionnaire--a BoardGameGeek designers forum discussion:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1975599/post-play-questionnaire

The right and wrong ways of including examples in rulebooks:

https://hollandspiele.com/blogs/hollandazed-thoughts-ideas-and-miscellany/e-g

The causes of analysis paralysis, and ways of addressing them:

https://www.tricorngames.com/designer-blog/2017/12/5/breaking-the-chains-of-analysis-paralysis-the-black-box-part5-of-7-nftna-tdmbf-233ds-fb3jw-m2bhc-42l9m-ldjk7

Comparing several pledge managers that help with Kickstarter fulfillment:

http://www.jamesmathe.com/story-of-the-3-little-pledge-managers/

Advice for writing rulebooks that are understandable, consistent, and usable:

http://www.leagueofgamemakers.com/following-rules-is-hard-writing-rules-is-harder/

An overview of playtesting--what it is and how to do it:

https://geekandsundry.com/how-to-make-a-game-playtesting-advice-from-game-designers/

“The real danger with making rulebooks is that if the wrong rule is more intuitive than the right one then your players will never open the rulebook again.”

— Eric Yurko