“Pay attention to point differentials and their psychological impact. In a zero sum game, you losing 1 point is the same as your opponent gaining 1 point. The latter feels more fair, though.”

— Daniel Solis

What it takes to maintain a full-time job as a freelance board game designer:

https://subsurfacegames.ca/2020/01/17/on-the-viability-of-game-design-as-a-full-time-job/

“Being part of a design community is about investing in the success of that community. Be giving of your time and talents.”

— John Brieger

“‘I don’t want to submit my game til it looks nice’
I have literally received a prototype in a macaroni cheese box. I’ve watched pitches where the bits were simply sharpie drawings on the backs of used printer paper. Don’t let perfection get in the way of your design’s progress!!”

— AnnaMaria Jackson-Phelps

“If you think your game needs to look nice, it probably means it’s just not good enough yet. Focus on the game.”

— Bruno Faidutti

“Negative points are big, loud alarm bells. Ring them wisely.”

— Daniel Solis

Design diary followed by discussion of the highs and lows of an active Kickstarter campaign (audio)

http://www.boardgamedesignlab.com/the-making-of-dungeon-ball-with-gabe-barrett/

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