If players consistently forget to implement a rule, get rid of it, even if it’s super thematic.
— Shannon McDowell
Be relentless in your self-critique, ambitious in your goals, stay focused, and then have a lucky break. If the luck doesn’t come then at least you made something you can be proud of.
— Cole Wehrle
Every game should be as simple as possible, and as complex as necessary.
— Eric Lang
When asked what books to read, classes to take, and so forth, to begin game design, the ultimate best answer is to make something and learn from there. That is 100% the best and no amount of book learnin’ can replace that.
— Grant Rodiek
When you have playtested your design to perfection, let it rest some time, then play again. – Expect to be surprised!
— Reiner Knizia
If your game has a long and complicated setup procedure, it helps if you can break the steps up into labeled groups: common setup, player setup, etc.
— Dustin Schwartz
Those who do not play do not live. Those who do not playtest do not design.
— Reiner Knizia