Cardboard Edison’s List of Active Board Game Design Contests
November / December 2025 Bi-Monthly 24 Hour Design Challenge
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: December 31
Design restrictions: the incomplete word “_ _ _ ANKS” which designers can interpret as they wish
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: GeekGold
2026 In-Hand Game Design Contest
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: January 1
Design restrictions: games that can be played entirely in-hand
Judges: BGG community
Prizes: GeekGold and games
Host: The Game Crafter
Deadline: January 12
Design restrictions: games that can be played entirely in-hand
Judge: game designer Thom van den Hoven
Prizes: shop credit
Host: Cardboard Edison
Deadline: January 31
Design restrictions: none
Judges: industry judges
2026 Two-Player Print and Play Game Design Contest
Host: BoardGameGeek
Deadline: February 14
Design restrictions: two-player 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