Cardboard Edison’s List of Active Board Game Design Contests
2026 9-Card Nanogame Print and Play Design Contest
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: March 16
Design restrictions: 9 cards and a few standard bits
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: GeekGold
Fur, Feathers & Fun Game Design Contest
Host: The Game Crafter
Deadline: April 13
Design restrictions: animal-themed games
Judges: TGC community and industry judge
Prizes: $250 of TGC shop credit and more
2026 Children & Family Game Design Contest
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: April 15
Design restrictions: children and family games
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: GeekGold
2026 Swedish Annual Game design Awards
Host: SAGA
Deadline: qualifying rounds will take place January through April
Design restrictions: none
Judges: industry judges
Prizes: a prototype print run, SAZ benefits, and more
2026 Deck Hand Game Design Contest
Host: Mighty Acorn Games
Deadline: May 1
Design restrictions: a standard deck of playing cards plus 18 custom cards
Judges: industry participants
Prizes: $100 and publication consideration
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: May 15
Design restrictions: solo mode for a published game
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: winners may receive GeekGold
2026 Wargame Print and Play Game Design Contest
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: October 1
Design restrictions: wargames
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: GeekGold
Host: studiogiochi
Deadline: February 28, 2027
Design restrictions: none
Judges: industry participants
Prizes: €3,500 advance on future royalties
