Whose responsibility is blind playtesting--the designer or the publisher? A BoardGameGeek designers forum discussion:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2030973/increasing-publisher-expectation-blind-testing

The various kinds of research that go into making a board game:

https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/79187/what-research-context-boardgames

A more nuanced look at different kinds of feedback loops and their role in board games:

http://makethemplay.com/index.php/2018/07/23/in-game-economics-more-feedback-loops/

The basics of using BoardGameGeek as a designer or publisher:

http://www.jamesmathe.com/how-to-bgg/

When to write the rules--a Board Game Design Forum discussion:

https://www.bgdf.com/forum/game-creation/design-theory/start-rulebook-first-change-my-mind

Industry veterans offer advice to designers at Dice Tower Con 2018 (video)

CinCityCon Game Pitch & Design Contest

Deadline: Aug. 25, 2018

Those who make it through the first round must have a CinCityCon badge

https://cincitycon.com/game-design-contest/

Ways to get people to playtest your prototype: from designer groups to print-and-plays to conventions and more (audio):

http://theforbiddenlimb.libsyn.com/getting-more-prototype-plays

“If you’re testing for an hour with 4 other people, that’s 4 hours of designer time you’ve used. Give as much time as you can back to your fellow designers.”

— Emma Larkins

“It’s natural for players to want have discussions or make comments midgame as issues emerge. Develop a sense as a moderator for when to cut off those conversations and refocus players back to gameplay.”

— John Brieger

“For those creating co-op games, create uncertainty. That way each player feels they are making their best decision for themselves rather than solving an equation. Each player should feel that they are the hero when it is their time to act. Create interactivity, otherwise, it is just a group of people playing solitaire.”

— Michael Lipton

Ideas aren't worthless: the important role they play in making a game:

https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/79032/ideas-are-important

The "magic circle" and its role in a game design:

https://remptongames.com/2018/07/14/welcome-to-the-magic-circle/

Five ways that games can change during the course of play:

http://makethemplay.com/index.php/2018/07/16/5-ways-of-changing-gameplay-in-your-board-game-design/

2019 Hippodice Competition

Deadline: Oct. 6, 2018

https://hippodice-competition.net/en/info-participation/dates-and-short-info/

Tips for writing a press release about your board game:

http://brandonthegamedev.com/why-how-to-make-press-releases-for-your-board-game/

How to remain encouraged after getting a "no" from a publisher:

http://www.hoopcatgames.com/blog/encouragement-after-hearing-no-no-no-no-no-yes-part-4

On the dangers of chasing a game-design fad:

https://twitter.com/KevinWilson42/status/1018693077005987840

Answers to a wide range of questions about playtesting (video)

Designing games for four different kinds of players and the experience that connects with each type (video)