I've been talking to Matthew Dunstan about building and maintaining relationships with publishers. We discuss: 📬 Making first contact 🔁 Balancing persistence & pressure 💬 Positive publisher experiences 🧩 When publisher ties still matter in self-publishing thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

I've been talking to April Mitchell about the power of sizzle reels in pitching games. April looks at what makes a great sizzle reel and we discuss the dos and don’ts of showcasing your game on video & practical tips for making your reel stand out. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

On Behind the Cardboard, I talked to Fertessa Allyse, designer of Cascadia Junior, about Sell Sheets. We talk about why sell sheets matter, what to include, & how to craft one that grabs attention. Have a listen! thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

Doing a (solo) 4-player test of a new game to work out how many cards are needed... while on a narrowboat... Space is challenging.

I had a brilliant conversation with Dominic Crapuchettes from North Star Games. It's a BTC special episode! We cover capturing a game’s intended experience, the role of playtesting & the creative tension between fun vs. marketability. Listen here: thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

Very helpful discussion about sell sheets by @thedarkimp.bsky.social and @fertessa.bsky.social 🎲✂️

New podcast! In this episode of Behind the Cardboard I talk to Sydney Engelstein about delivering a winning pitch. We talk about what separates good pitches from bad and how designers can present themselves with confidence. Have a listen! thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

This year's family holiday was very different. It was inspired by the TV show Race Across the World and organised by my sister. We didn't know where we were going at any step. There were points to be won each day... so who won the holiday?? www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/07...

I'm thrilled to be a finalist in the WIT Wonder Woman Awards. An honour! I'm nominated in the Designer/Inventor Independent category. I'm in terrific company. How brilliant! Here's a link to all the finalists: www.womenintoys.com/nominees

@thedarkimp.bsky.social did a great job interviewing me about the art of pitching tabletop games. I talk about my process, the essential skills designers need, and how to approach pitching materials. Enjoy! thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

I'm so excited to receive copies of my new game - Early Bird - published by the wonderful folk at Hootenanny Games! Early Bird is a fast, frenzied family game. There's even a very cute worm in the box! Another one to add to the shelf :)

If you've never designed a game but are keen to try - perhaps this article will help. Today I've been writing about "First steps in board game design". I'd also love it if experienced designers have other tips for people who'd like to get started. www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/06...

In the latest episode of Behind the Cardboard I talk to Danielle Reynolds about Preparing for Pitches. Danielle shares what draws her to the process, the essential skills designers need, how to approach pitch decks and avoiding common prep mistakes. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

Enjoying a Shirley Temple in between playtest sessions in a very sunny Southbank. Love my job 😍

Here's a new episode of my Behind the Cardboard podcast. In the episode I talk to Dave Neale - designer of Perspectives, Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective and Animals of Baker St - about finding a publisher for your game. Do have a listen! thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

The latest episode of Behind the Cardboard has landed. In the show I talk to Isaac Vega about self-publishing. We look at both the struggles and the benefits of self-publishing. We also talk about collaboration and managing time and energy. Have a listen! thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

Today I've been writing about designing games around a single mechanic. I look at why you might want to design single-mechanic games, how to choose the right mechanic and ways to experiment with mechanics. I also cover some common pitfalls to avoid. www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/05...

I've just received my copies of my new game Karate Grannies from @outsetgames.bsky.social. It's looking absolutely fabulous. In this game you have to collect all of granny's favourite things - through fair means... or karate! Bring your mojo to the dojo.

🎲✂️ *New Episode* @senfoonglim.bsky.social and @ericabouyouris.bsky.social talk with @thedarkimp.bsky.social about her work in making corporate games. Ellie describes her process when designing games for corporate training or to improve brand recognition. ludology.libsyn.com/ludology-340...

A new episode of BTC is here. Richard Heayes & I discuss trademarking, idea infringement, and the benefits of freely sharing your ideas. We cover trademark law, submission portals, sharing designs & why the game design community should remains free. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

I enjoyed doing this. Do have a listen. 🤩

A new episode of Behind the Cardboard landed last week - I'm late to share it. In the show I talk to my co-designer @mandelafg.bsky.social about co-designing! We cover the benefits & process of co-design, co-design challenges and how to get a co-designer. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

How much do you charge for your work and expertise as a game designer? It can be difficult to set prices... so here are some tips that might help. Spoiler: Focus on your worth, not their budget. www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/04...

Had a great day today. Love working with brilliant co-designers ❤️

I designed a game called Adventures in Friskies World for Purina. It's not often that you get flown across the Atlantic for a launch event... complete with visiting cats, crazy well-know influencers and life-size game components, or that your game gets an article in Cosmopolitan. Quite surreal.

I co-run the London Friday Daytime Playtest UK group. It's always a very happy and buzzy day. We are blessed with a brilliant group of regulars, lots of visitors and a wonderful venue (The National Theatre). Fridays truly are the best day. This Ellen-style selfie is from yesterday's playtest.

The latest episode of my podcast - Behind the Cardboard - has landed. In the show I talk to the wonderful Rikki Tahta about the benefits of being part of a community of game designers. I'd love you to have a listen. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

"You are who Google says you are". At least to people who are searching for you online. Are you happy with what they will find? Here are my top four tips for board game designers for online visibility. www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/04...

I've just received my copies of my new game Roughly, from Laurence King Publishing. In this game players estimate one thing in terms of another. How high is the Eiffel Tower... in male ostriches?

There's a new episode of my podcast - Behind the Cardboard. In this episode I talk to @scottrogers.bsky.social about prototyping. We discuss how to build the prototype for a game & what makes a prototype attractive for publishers. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

ICYMI: Our 5th birthday issue is out now, featuring interviews with Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social and Jeremy Nguyen @jeremywins.bsky.social, plus a roundup of our fave games since we launched! (Cover art by Nick Newman.) Go to senetmagazine.com to order your copy. #boardgamesarebeautiful

Here are 8 mistakes to avoid when designing family board games. Do you have others to add to the list? Let me know! www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/03...

Issue 18 is out now! Including an interview with independent British designer Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social. (Portrait by Romy Blümel). Go to senetmagazine.com to order your copy or subscribe. #boardgamesarebeautiful

Our 5th birthday issue is out now, featuring interviews with Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social and Jeremy Nguyen @jeremywins.bsky.social, plus a roundup of our fave games since we launched! (Cover art by Nick Newman.) Go to senetmagazine.com to order your copy or subscribe. #boardgamesarebeautiful

It’s an honour to have Ellie in our pages!

A new episode of my podcast - Behind the Cardboard - has landed. This week talk to Peter Hayward about naming games. We discuss the process of naming games and how the name can affect the way a game is received by publishers in pitch meetings. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

My son Alfie's game - That's Crypto Bro - has been nominated for a Gift of the Year Award. Part of the process includes the 'People's Choice' Award. That's where you come in! I'd love it if you could vote for him. Just enter & verify your email. www.giftoftheyear.co.uk/categories/g... Thanks ❤️

There's a big interview with me in current issue of Senet Magazine. It's a bit of a 'pinch me' moment. Thanks @danjolin.bsky.social and @dustytulip.bsky.social

There's a common phrase in the business world - Always Be Pitching. But what does this mean as a game designer? And is pitching always appropriate? Always be pitching... but not always. www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/02...

My son, Alfie, has been interviewed by Mojo Nation about his game, That's Crypto Bro! The interview has come about because the game is nominated for Gift of the Year in the games and puzzles category. I am a very proud Mum. www.mojo-nation.com/thats-crypto...

Look! Here's the second episode of Behind the Cardboard. In this show I talk to @senfoonglim.bsky.social about the motivation behind getting games published. Do listen! thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

I'm busy judging Cardboard Edison competition entries. I really wish people wouldn't put music as backing to their videos. It makes it sooo hard to concentrate on what is being said. I can't be the only person who struggles when two sounds are being played at once.

Oooh look. A video review of A Midsummer Night's Fayre. A Midsummer Night's Fayre is my family dice game with Gamewright. It's all about playing mini games at a fairy carnival and hoping that you can manipulate them to your advantage! www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6R3...

What is your personal brand as a game designer? A clear personal brand helps you to attract and choose the right sort of opportunities and makes you more recognisable in the industry. Here's the article: www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/02...

Cardboard Edison Award Judge: Ellie Dix is an independent board game designer specializing in mass market family games. She is owner of The Dark Imp, which houses her blog and self-published games. cardboardedison.com/award

So many interesting topics for 🎲✂️ in "BtC - @boardgame.bsky.social on Generating Ideas": ~ Ideas are bubbles ~ Posture of playfulness ~ Keep the heart or throw it out? ~ Tell a granny. Or the dog! ~ Come up with 100 ideas, not one.

I'm excited to announce that I have a new podcast series called Behind the Cardboard, under the banner of The Game Design Round Table. Episodes will be going out every other week on TGDRT feed. In each episode I speak to a guest about the business & practicalities of being a board game designer.

Found Roughly in German!

Some things I found in my walk around the halls at Spielwarenmesse yesterday that I liked.

Visiting my friends on the Ginger Fox stand... And seeing Bangarang and Topp Secret Briefs on display