The Board Game Design Lab

In another BGDL community spotlight, Jeff Turner, founder of Skip Work Play Games, dives into how to use InDesign to do data merge and speed up your prototyping process.Data merge makes it easy to edit or change hundreds of cards with one click, and we get into both high-level concepts and technical how-to. The post (Community Spotlight) Using InDesign and Data Merge with Jeff Turner appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.

Anthony Howgego, developer at Osprey Games, what goes into developing a game and nearly everything else surrounding development.We talk about taking games from good to great, how to work with a developer effectively, how to become a developer, and more. The post Developing Games and Working with Developers with Anthony Howgego appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.

Dave Beck, designer of Distilled, talks about improving games through experiential graphic design.Dave did a TON of research for his latest game, hired experts, and dove as deeply into the theme as he could. So, he’s got a lot of advice for anyone wanting to make a super thematic game. And be sure to check out Dave’s game, Distilled, on Kickstarter HERE. The post How to Make a Super Thematic Game and Do Research with Dave Beck appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.

Kate Otte, designer of First Ascent, talks about improving games through experiential graphic design.Kate is a professional graphic designer, and we get into how to make games more accessible, understandable, and fun using excellent graphic design techniques. And be sure to check out Kate’s game, First Ascent, on Kickstarter HERE. The post Experiential Graphic Design with Kate Otte appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.

Nick Murray, founder of Bitewing Games, discusses how you can evaluate your game and ideas using SWOT analysis. This is a common technique in the business world to analyze ideas, products, companies, etc., and it can really help with game design as well. The post (Community Spotlight) Evaluating Your Game with SWOT Analysis with Nick Murray appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.

Dan Hundycz, founder of DPH Games, discusses layered victory conditions. In his latest game, Usurp the King, there’s a hierarchy of ways to win, and Dan breaks down how it came together. And be sure to check out Usurp the King on Kickstarter HERE. The post (Community Spotlight) Layered Victory Conditions with Dan Hundycz appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.

Justin Gary, designer of Ascension, talks about his personal process for designing and publishing games.Justin has designed and released a ton of hit games over the years and worked in lots of different segments of the gaming industry, so he has a ton of great tips and advice. The post How to Design and Publish Games with Justin Gary appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.

Andrew Lowen, designer of Deliverance, talks about going through the process of deciding between traditional publishing and self-publishing.We talk about the pros and cons on both sides along with how to make things work if you go the self-publishing route. And be sure to check out Andrew’s game, Deliverance, on Kickstarter HERE. The post Why to Self Publish…or Not with Andrew Lowen appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.

Janice Turner, designer of Assembly, talks about designing puzzle games.We talk about player experience, designing during nap times, how to make puzzles fun and not tedious, and more! And be sure to check out Janice’s game, Pilfering Pandas, on Kickstarter HERE. The post Designing Puzzle Games with Janice Turner appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.

Ben Downton, designer of Micro Dojo, talks about designing micro-micro games – games so small they can fit in a regular-sized envelope.We talk about component constraints, focus, player expectations, and more! And be sure to check out Ben’s game, Micro Dojo, on Kickstarter HERE. The post Designing Games that Fit in an Envelope with Ben Downton appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.