There are lots of lists of useful resources on the subject of game design, and I make no apologies for having found some of those listed here through the work of others. Nevertheless I often find myself directing people to stuff that I have found useful so I felt that listing them here in one place would save me having to go find them every time.
Industry Mentors
James Mathe of Minion Games died unexpectedly in June 2019. Quite why James Mathe spent so much time and effort supporting other designers rather than promoting his own company and his own games always intrigued me, but the special interest Facebook groups he founded and moderated have been continued as his lasting legacy. Have a look below for some of the Facebook Groups, or visit his site to see the myriad of blog posts advising designers and independent publishers.
And a neat segway from James was this acknowledgement by another designer who has also shared his experience of the industry in general.
https://stonemaiergames.com/an-ode-to-james-mathe/
Jamey Stegmaier literally wrote the book on taking board games to Kickstarter. While the KS platform has continued to evolve and Stonemaier Games has left the platform behind, the book remains a valuable resource for those considering publishing through Kickstarter. Jamey’s blog provides additional insight into all aspects of the board game industry.
Some people are not big fans of Stonemaier’s games or of their business model, but there is little doubt that whatever it was that Jamey Stegmaier did to grow his company, he has done it exceptionally well.
Facebook Groups
If you are in need of specific advice then I have found Facebook and the communities around various special interest groups to be remarkably valuable. Here are some of the Facebook Groups that I am a member of…
The Board Game Design Lab is the Facebook group associated with Gabe Barret’s Podcast of the same name.
Playtest UK is the group around the Playtest groups across the UK which coordinate through the Meetup Platform.
Designer/Publisher Speed Dating is a great place to get advice on creating a sell sheet for your game.
Card and Board Game Designers Guild and the Tabletop Game Publisher’s Guild were both moderated by James Mathe before his untimely death.
Tabletop Simulator Playtesters
Board Game and Card Game Design and Graphics
Art & Graphic Design for Tabletop Games
Board Game Design Concepts, Mechanics and Prototyping
Other Forums
Board Game Geek has a number of different threads under the Board Game Design forum.
And the Board Game Design Forum has threads on everything from Design Theory to Playtesting to Publication.
Podcasts
You can likely find any of these podcasts wherever you subscribe to your podcasts.
Ludology – has been running since 2011 with a series of hosts. Gil Hova and Emma Larkins are currently at the helm.
The Board Game Design Lab podcast interviews a different designer weekly, usually exploring a specific aspect of their work.
Breaking into Board Games features a designer, publisher and developer, exploring their different perspectives on the industry.
Designer Blogs and Websites
Board Game Design Competitions
Board Game Design competitions can be a great way to get more eyes on your work. The feedback received, often from industry professionals, while interesting and sometimes useful can be difficult to action due to the lack of connection with the person providing the feedback.
The Board Game Design Lab Challenge
The Board Game Workshop Design Contest
Board Game Geek Design Competitions
Playtesting
Other Resources (or Lists Compiled by Others)
Board Game Design Lab (again) a great list with lots of resources.
Teaching
Kathleen Mercury’s Resources to Teach Strategy Game Design