The Board Game Designer's Guide: The Easy 4 Step Process to Create Amazing Games That People Can't Stop Playing

I've loved games of all kinds, as a kid and all the way into adulthood. I always had ideas for games but they were always more of a "in the back of my head" sort of thing. I can say without a doubt that this book as pushed those ideas to the front.From beginning to end, from generating and focusing on that first idea, to lots of playtesting, to finding a way to get your game published, this book breaks down the process thoroughly and keeps you moving forward with a steady framework. I particularly liked the section on trademarks and copyrights, since I know how important it is when creating something like this, but it's not necessarily something that people want to think about.Now, please excuse me, I have a game to create!

Wow! I created a game and prototype last year and it’s still in the craft room! This book has so much packed value that I’m inspired to dust it off and start going at it again! I love the 4I Framework that he uses! I didn’t know of the other resources that are available. I had only looked into licensing but crowd funding and print on demand sound like some good options. The check list is helpful. Excellent resource for inspired geniuses. I love how the author also addresses mindset because that is 80% of the process!

Well written and gives good information. Doesn't go as in depth for areas besides playtesting, but that is a huge part that people will try to shave, so I understand the time spent on the subject. Just would have liked more in publishing or making a true prototype.

Might be good if you’re completely new to any creative work. No information breakdown just generic knowledge, write your ideas down. Play many games, publishing options.I didn’t like the joke about mechanics. Being that its the most important thing for the players experience it should’ve been explained in more detail.

I always loved board games. I am a homeschooling mom and I created many simple games for my daughter and realized how much she learns when I do this and never forgets what was in the game. I have thought many times how this could change the way we teach children, but I never knew what it would take to take a game to the market. Now I am inspired. This book is full of detailed information how to go from an idea to the finished product. Thank you, Joe Slack!

My kids and I love any kind of game from cards to board and of course they like video! I grabbed this book because of the cover but was so excited about how thorough the book is, it takes you from the early stages through to marketing, we already have a game already in motion so this will help with the ending, we have a few more and have already started following the easy to understand guide!!!

In my idea book I have several game ideas. I'd write out the rules and even sketch game boards but I never knew what to do next. After reading this book I feel confident I could make these game ideas or reality or at least know how to find out if they would be fun to play.

Repetitive. Joe Slack assumes you are plugged into the world of game designers. Information is pretty generic.

Excelente para quem está começanmdo na área

Libro guda per creare giochi da tavolo. Scritta in inglese semplice e comprensibile. Consigliato!

My expectations:I'm learning 4 steps that when properly followed, I will be able to make m y board game ideas a reality. I was expecting to find a discussion on mechanics, how to balance decisions, how to test/select what works better with a certain type of game, basic math for different types of tiles, mechanics, how to adjust for number of players.... Well, none of that is found in the book. I was expecting this to become "the reference book" that I would come back to over and over when in doubt.After reading the title and browsing the tab le of contents, you might be drawn to think this is the book you need to make your board games ideas a reality. Well, it is not. Let me explain:Pro's:- The book comes with an audio version read by Joe Slack himself that makes it easy for you to check it out on the go or while doing something else- It has a positive tone- Useful advice- Partial List of references at the end of the bookCon's- Every piece of information offered in the book is (abundantly) available for free all over the web- The book doesnt have very many specific details on board game design as such. For example, when it comes to mechanics, it becomes a: Just check boardgamegeek for all the mechanics available- Very repetitive. I understand that sometimes saying something a couple of times help with remembering it, but it was just over the topSummaryWhile all the advice given here is good, it is not specific. What I mean by this is that it could've been written by absolutely anybody, even people with little actual board game design knowledge, yes, it's that general. The book is a constant plug for his games (that if he would've used as a real example instead of an "apparent" example, it would've been ok). The book is also a bait to get you to his online course, where I assume, better information is given.This book is for you if you want to know, in general terms, what goes into making a board game but are bad are finding things online by yourself.This book is not for you if you want to make a board game but are lacking the knowledge to properly select and implement mechanics that work with your game. And if you want to have exact knowledge on how to approach publishers for example.I rate this book 2/5 but gave it an extra star just because of the audio version. (If you do decide to check the audio book, get ready to get spammed with emails about joining his online course, etc...)

In my mid twenties,( I am twice that now) I made a game as a project for college, showing how to run a business. It was called ' mind your own business.' It was played a few times by friends and colleagues then put in the loft and forgotten about. It has been lost now.Back in April 2020, I got to thinking that I needed a hobby, something to occupy my idle hands!! I remembered the fun I had making up a game, so I started thinking of game ideas. I was amazed at how many I thought of and needed to figure out a way of prioritising them. Hard work when you don't know what you're doing!I read this book and it has put things in order for me, especially finishing one game before starting on another.Thanks Joe, this as been a real help *****

The Board Game Designer’s Guide is an excellent resource for anyone interested in creating a board game or curious about the design process behind board game development. Informed by both theory and experience, the author successfully breaks down the daunting task of board game creation into a concise, step-by-step process and does so in a manner that is friendly and accessible.Light and conversational, the book isn’t an instruction manual in board game design and doesn’t pretend to be. Advice, instruction, and tips are supplied with anecdotal passages of the author’s personal experience in the industry, making the book a valuable source of knowledge executed in a fashion that is helpfully human. Additionally, each section ends with a prompt of action, a useful means to summarize the section and direct the reader in applying what they’ve read.This is a book by someone who is passionate about board games and wants nothing more than to help more board games be created. If you have any interest in designing board games (or any tabletop game really), picking up this book will supply you with extremely valuable insight, guidance, and friendly warnings to help you avoid mistakes, understand the industry, and drive you toward making your ideas a reality.