Thank you for helping judge the Cardboard Edison Award!
You can use the search bar below to find the submissions you were assigned, then watch the video and review the rulebook, before submitting your feedback. Enter feedback using the judging form below.
IMPORTANT: Please read the FAQs at the bottom of the page CLOSELY before you start judging!
Remember: We need all judges’ feedback no later than Monday, February 17.
Pro tip: To keep track of which games you have judged, select “Send me a copy of my responses” before hitting Submit.
Thank you for your help judging the Cardboard Edison Award! We couldn’t do it without you!
~ Chris & Suzanne
Submissions Portal
Use the search box to find a game, including its submission info, video, and rulebook.
Judging Form
Use this form to judge the submissions you’ve been assigned.
FAQs
What qualities should I look for when I’m judging the games?
1: Engagement: How fun and interesting does the game seem? Is there a hook or dynamic that will keep players involved?
2: Originality: How unique and interesting does the game seem, on two levels: theme and mechanics?
How do I submit my scores and feedback?
1: Check your email for the names of the games you’ve been assigned.
2: Find each game in the directory of submissions above. Then read the description, watch the video, and look over the rulebook.
3: Submit your scores and feedback using the judging form embedded above.
How much feedback should I write?
In most cases, a few sentences for each question will suffice. Judges’ feedback is one of the biggest selling points for designers submitting to the award, so let’s not disappoint them! Just as important is your tone: Be professional and helpful.
What is the deadline for this again?
We need all of your scores and feedback by end of day Monday, Feb. 17. Having done this a lot, we strongly suggest that you judge a few submissions at a time, rather than waiting until the deadline.
How can I see which of my assigned submissions I’ve already judged?
Before hitting Submit, you can select “Send me a copy of my responses” to receive an email confirmation of each judging you’ve submitted. But if you aren’t sure, you can email us, and we’ll check to see which ones we’ve received from you.
What if I finish my assigned submissions and would like to judge more?
First, you rock! Second, if you want to take on more, let us know, and we’ll send you some. It might be tempting to jump in and judge the ones that interest you from the directory of submissions, but we want to make sure all submissions are looked at by roughly the same number of judges.
Something urgent came up, and I won’t be able to complete the submissions I was assigned.
Hopefully you’re OK! Let us know as soon as possible.
What if I’m friends with the designer?
If you’re friends with the designer or otherwise don’t feel that you can objectively judge a game, let us know and we will swap out that submission for a different one.
What if I was assigned a game that I helped develop?
Let us know and we will swap out that submission for a different one.
What if I was assigned a game in a genre I hate?
We ask that you try to be objective when you write your feedback. Even if you aren't a fan of a particular style of game, do your best to judge each game on its own merits, i.e., avoid saying things like, "I don't like this kind of game" or "This isn't really my style." Instead, ask yourself whether the game would appeal to fans of its genre.
What if I was assigned a game in a genre I reeeally hate?
If you don’t feel that you can objectively judge a game because of the game’s genre, let us know and we will swap out that submission for a different one.
The video won't play!
Try clicking the link in the submission’s card in the submission portal above. If it still doesn't work, let us know!
What if the video is more than three minutes long?
Don’t feel obligated to continue past the three-minute mark.
What if the video quality or prototype is really bad?
Yeah, that happens. Do your best to evaluate the game being pitched, and try as much as possible to avoid judging the presentation. We’re looking for a great game design, first and foremost.
What if the video quality or prototype is really good?
Same as above. Try and focus on the game itself. But also: Don’t hold it against the designer either. High production quality could indicate they plan to self-publish, which is fine!
What if I notice a problem with a submission?
Let us know!
Can I post online about the games I’m judging?
We absolutely encourage you to talk in general about what you’re seeing, but we ask that you don’t post about specific games you’ve judged.
I see a game that I might want to publish or notify a publisher about. Can I approach the designer?
Yes, but we ask that you wait. Under the contest's terms, designers are asked not to engage in publication discussions until their involvement in the award is over.
I can take bribes from designers, right?
No. We know you’re joking, but no.
What if I have more questions?
Email us: cardboardedison@gmail.com, or call or text us: Suzanne 973-906-0476 and Chris 201-780-0422. Thank you again for your help!