Notes on tracks, tokens and score pads, and when one is better than another:

https://subsurfacegames.ca/2020/01/06/tracks-tokens-score-pads/

Reducing players’ cognitive load through good component design:

https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/96699/components-are-avatars-concepts

An overview of what to do once you have a brilliant idea for a board game:

https://bigpotato.com/blog/what-to-do-with-your-brilliant-board-game/

“A strong negative reaction to an individual gameplay event is sometimes a good sign — generally means the player was invested in some aspect of the game.”

— John Brieger

The Biodiversity Heritage Library has thousands of free-to-use nature-themed illustrations

“As important as balance is to the designer’s craft - and it is crucial - it’s often the perception of balance that matters once the game gets out into the world.”

— Mary Russell

Before you sign your next contract, listen to this episode that offers tips and insights (audio):

http://www.buildingthegamepodcast.com/2019/12/15/episode-394-comprehending-contracts-and-riding-rainbows/

The importance of having a print-n-play version of your game and some tips on making the print-n-play files (audio):

http://www.boardgamedesignlab.com/designing-an-awesome-print-n-play-with-martin-gonzalvez/

“Every game designer has dozens (if not hundreds) of ideas, and I bet every designer has several perfectly functional designs. The ability to look at all of those functional designs, pick only the best one, and make it 10x better is something that takes dedication, patience, and humility.”

— Jamey Stegmaier

The basics of blind playtesting:

https://boardgamedesigncourse.com/blind-playtesting-your-game/

How designers split their time between prototypes and just-for-fun play—a Twitter discussion:

https://twitter.com/tableflipsyou/status/1206366981865328640

Statistics for what makes an “evergreen” game:

https://stonemaiergames.com/the-magic-formula-for-publishing-an-evergreen-tabletop-game/

Designers share their thoughts on making great “hooks” for games:

https://design100.org/46-hooked/

Instagram strategies for board game publishers:

https://stonemaiergames.com/20-instagram-strategies-and-my-recommendations/

Convention strategies for board game publishers:

https://www.alderac.com/2019/12/12/unconventional-convention-thoughts/

Game designers share which software tools they use to make prototypes:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2328726/what-software-are-you-using-making-proto-cards-pla

How to find playtesters even if you live in the middle of nowhere:

https://boardgamedesigncourse.com/how-to-find-new-playtesters-even-if-you-live-in-the-middle-of-nowhere/

How to form good game-design habits:

http://www.justingary.com/how-to-10x-your-game-design-abilities/

Misconceptions about game design:

https://design100.org/45-misunderstood/#

“I still have to constantly remind myself that when playtesting, it’s more important to identify and describe issues than brainstorm possible solutions.”

— Jeff Tidball