Cardboard Edison’s List of Active Board Game Design Contests
2026 Canadian Game Design Award
Host: FallCon
Deadline: May 15
Design restrictions: open to Canadian citizens
Judges: industry participants
Prizes: winner receives $200 and a plaque
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: May 15
Design restrictions: solo mode for a published game
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: winners may receive GeekGold
2026 1-Card Print and Play Contest
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: May 31
Design restrictions: one card and a few bits
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: GeekGold
18 Card Challenge: No Shuffling
Host: Button Shy Games
Deadline: May 31
Design restrictions: no shuffling either during the game or setup
Judges: Button Shy
Prizes: The winner receives $100. All entries may be considered for publication.
Host: Malaysia Boardgame Design
Deadline: May 31
Restrictions: open to Malaysian board game designers; games must use only cards and dice, and have a Malaysian theme
Judges: industry participants
Prizes: publishing contract or cash
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: June 30
Design restrictions: cozy family games
Judges: Bad Comet
Prizes: cash and publication consideration
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
