When it comes to picking a publisher you’d like to make your game, here are some things to consider and some things that might not matter as much as you’d think (video):
The board game creation tool Tabletop Creator is running a monthly contest for designers who use and post about it online:
https://tabletop-creator.com/board-game-contest/
Monthly winners get a free prototype, and the overall winner at year’s end gets a “full production.” We asked for some additional details about that last part, and here’s what they said:
- What does "full production" of the winning game mean?
It means we’ll professionally produce the winning game (annual) not just a prototype, but a small print run made with real board game manufacturing standards. It won’t be a mass-market release, but it will be a high-quality version similar to what publishers use for promotion or early distribution.
- Will you print a certain number of copies? How is shipping (and its cost) handled?
Yes, we’ll produce a professional print run. The exact number of copies hasn’t been finalized yet it will depend on logistics and the specific needs of the final game.
Shipping is fully covered by us, and the winner will receive the final product directly, regardless of where they are in the world.
- Can the designer do whatever they want with the final product, or does Tabletop Creator retain any rights?
The designer keeps full ownership and intellectual property rights to their game. Tabletop Creator does not retain any rights over the game itself.
Tips for giving feedback as a game designer that respects your fellow designers:
https://bsky.app/profile/drawnonward.bsky.social/post/3lkw4jnnvac2z
Lessons learned from having a publisher unexpectedly cancel plans to print your game:
https://us21.campaign-archive.com/?u=1809423a36fa0a75338b77ddd&id=93f4a68fd9
A short thread about player aids and why it’s helpful to think about them even early on in your board game design process:
https://bsky.app/profile/drayerink.bsky.social/post/3lk6vqg3sek2g
A short thread with some principles for coming up with a compelling name for your board game:
https://bsky.app/profile/nickbentley.bsky.social/post/3lkdzwt7eg226
Want to design a family game? Here are some mistakes to avoid:
https://www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/03/10/mistakes-to-avoid-when-designing-family-games/
A short thread on when failure can be fun for players:
https://bsky.app/profile/carlrobinsoncrusoe.bsky.social/post/3ljd5ipohz22v
Six good habits for board game designers, to help you through the process of broadening your horizons, putting your game through its paces, participating in the industry, and contributing to the community:
https://www.meeplemountain.com/top-six/top-six-awesome-habits-for-board-game-designers/
