A reminder to write rules in the active voice:

https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/76421/boardgame-rulebooks-be-active

“Be prepared for a long iterative process. Going forward, going backward, taking many detours along the way.”

— Reiner Knizia

Phase Shift Dimensions Challenge

Design a game that exists in non-standard dimensions, such as 3D, multiple rooms or across time

Deadline: Sept. 17, 2018

Prizes: cash, The Game Crafter shop credit and more

https://www.thegamecrafter.com/contests/phase-shift-dimensions-challenge

“Playtesting is the lifeblood of game design. No matter how experienced you are, you must feel the fun.”

— Reiner Knizia

Two threads outlining the economics of board game publishing:

https://twitter.com/TheOneTAR/status/989351776661848065

https://twitter.com/TheOneTAR/status/989642207874318337

A list of some good game design habits to adopt:

https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/76291/aqs-what-are-some-game-design-habits-i-should-cons

A database of business consultants for areas including design, playtesting, Kickstarter, social media, marketing, law, accounting and more:

http://www.jamesmathe.com/hitchhikers-guide-to-business-consultants/

How many of your ideas should you throw away? A BoardGameGeek designers forum discussion:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1982697/how-many-your-ideas-should-you-throw-away

Triangular scoring and its uses in game designs:

http://www.kindfortress.com/2018/04/24/design-patterns-triangular-scoring/

Phoenix Comic Fest – 18 Card Challenge

Deadline: May 26, 2018

http://www.protoaz.com/2018/04/23/phoenix-comic-fest-18-card-challenge/

Inside Game Design with Tyson Mertlich is a series where I interview board game and tabletop designers about their process.

A discussion about designing and testing games with a theme or player experience in mind (video)

What are the differences between games, activities, and toys? (audio)

http://podbay.fm/show/580709168/e/1524233100

How to use arcs in a board game design:

http://makethemplay.com/index.php/2018/04/22/how-to-use-arcs-in-board-game-design/

Board Game Design Challenge

Deadline: May 4, 2018

Prizes: cash

http://www.boardgamedesignlab.com/contest/

Not sure which design to work on? Here's your chance to poll the community:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1978225/game-design-sanity-check-thread-post-five-design-i

“Be human to the people you want to do business with. Be a friend. Care about what makes them & their business tick. Yeah, we’re all super busy and focused on our own projects, but taking some time to really connect is the secret success sauce!”

— Emma Larkins

“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