“At some point, you’ll hate your own game. Keep testing through that valley – but be willing to shelve it.”

— John Brieger

“If a game engaged testers, they’ll usually have a lot to say afterward. Worry when they are quiet, not critical.”

— John Brieger

How to deal with rejection from publishers, playtesters, or contest judges:

https://boardgamedesigncourse.com/dealing-with-rejection-and-using-this-to-make-your-game-better/

Four ways of vetting your game’s core ideas before jumping onto Kickstarter:

https://brandonthegamedev.com/4-ways-to-vet-your-board-game-before-launching-a-kickstarter/

Notes on solo-testing your design:

https://twitter.com/peterchayward/status/1119684600039481344

Designers discuss how to make their game more accessible to more players:

http://design100.org/12-accessibility/

Related:

http://jtreat.tumblr.com/post/184367319147/accessibility-approachability-and-axes-of

“Making players responsible for rules enforcement can test easily forgotten or fiddly rules in your #gamedesign”

— John Brieger

How to get your foot in the board game industry:

https://dzayas.com/breaking-into-board-games-101/

“At conventions, having multiple games at different weights / times / player counts helps keep your table full.”

— John Brieger

Important terms and numbers to know in board game publishing:

http://www.jamesmathe.com/by-the-numbers/

Things to consider if you are planning your first Kickstarter (audio):

https://www.buzzsprout.com/4646/1006923

How one person turned their hobby into their career (audio):

http://breakingintoboardgames.libsyn.com/breaking-into-board-games-episode-91-jt-smith-the-gamecrafter

How a multi-employee publisher rolls out a new game:

https://level99games.tumblr.com/post/184209278066/stages-of-a-games-lifecycle

“You can’t sit around waiting for inspiration to happen. Certain parts of the creative process involve moments of epiphany, but most of the hard work is gluing your creation together with consistent development.”

— Emma Larkins

Two views of how to succeed after failing to fund a Kickstarter campaign:

https://stonemaiergames.com/try-try-try-again-how-to-fund-after-failing-twice-ks-lesson-265/

https://tompetgames.wordpress.com/2019/04/15/movie-empire-learning-from-failure-and-relaunching-for-success/

Examples of different tax systems that have been used in board games:

http://www.mechanics-and-meeples.com/2019/04/15/tax-taking-mechanics-in-games/

“At the end of the day you can do as much theorizing in your head as you want, but the players are where the rubber meets the road. No matter how much you like something, if the players have an issue it is your job to figure out why, and to correct it.”

— Caleb Compton

A look at trends in the industry from one of its top leaders (audio):

https://www.buzzsprout.com/4646/1024743

“Watch body language during play. Players leaned in toward the the game signals engagement. Leaned out = bored.”

— John Brieger

How to do research for a game and why your local library is one of your best resources (audio):

https://indieboardgamedesigners.com/brian-compter/