Discussion on the role of theme in a game (audio)

http://tgdrt.libsyn.com/-229-round-table-on-the-essence-of-a-theme

“There are certain things you absolutely want to have in a game design contract, such as full reversion of rights a.) if they don’t make the game and b.) if they stop making/selling the game. Don’t get your game stuck in limbo!”

— Emma Larkins

“Designing a game is a much easier process than chipping away at a game that works and making it great.”

— Ben Pinchback

Designers share pictures of what their prototypes looked like when they pitched them to publishers:

https://twitter.com/stuffByBez/status/1214943595918217216

Modern tenets of good game design—a BoardGameGeek designers forum discussion:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2344424/what-secret-creating-good-choicesdecisions-game-de

Tips for better, faster playtesting sessions—a BoardGameGeek designers forum discussion:

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2346314/tips-power-testing-protospiel

How to use math to balance and develop your designs (audio)

https://indieboardgamedesigners.com/eric-alvarado/

More and more therapists are using games in their sessions, which is another reason to design inclusive games (audio):

https://playability.fireside.fm/36

Tips on how to make your games retail-friendly and what makes a retailer interested in backing your Kickstarter (audio)

http://thegamecrafter.libsyn.com/bryan-winter-and-retail-friendly-games-episode-220

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