Cardboard Edison’s List of Active Board Game Design Contests
45th Boulogne-Billancourt Contest
Host: Boulogne-Billancourt
Deadline: submissions are open January 6-30
Design restrictions: none
Judges: industry judges
Host: Cardboard Edison
Deadline: January 31
Design restrictions: none
Judges: industry judges
Host: PnP Bundle
Deadline: February 7
Design restrictions: print-and-play games
Judges: industry judges and a public vote
Prize: inclusion in a crowdfunded bundle and royalties on sales
2026 Two-Player Print and Play Game Design Contest
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: February 14
Design restrictions: two-player games
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: GeekGold
January / February 2026 Bi-Monthly 24 Hour Design Challenge
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: February 28
Design restriction: “culture”
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: GeekGold
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 Wargame Print and Play Game Design Contest
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: October 1
Design restrictions: wargames
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: GeekGold
