What Board Game Publishers Want

A game where people judge whose food is best sounds like a show from the olden days when people watched television.

I feel so validated hearing that publishers care about the moments in games!

Hey Pam. Your words ring so true and to be honest I think we all need to get our 1st few "NO's" from publishers. That fear of the 1st time pitching is the worst but after that, you start to find the groove and realize the publishers are people too. The 1st No is really a killer for some and that initial one is the one that hits right in the pain button. Thanks for sharing and getting into some more nitty gritty with us!

I’m working on a design based on a Native American legend I totally stumbled across: I like animal-themed games and also games with colors that pop. I was mulling this over and into my head popped “Rainbow Crow.” I googled it and found a legend from the Lenape Tribe. There was even a short animation on YouTube that played out the story, and I knew that it would be a wonderful theme. So I’ve been trying to translate it into a board game for a couple of years, setting it aside when I get stuck. Lots of fun. You never know where ideas will come from.

Dorfromantic, Slay the spire, the old One Deck Dungeon, and the upcoming Dead Cells, and Morta, this and next years you'll see a lot of roguelite games. I don't really care what publishers want - ask yourself if you want to be in such an oversaturated market. But for those that want to regardless- this is a good video.

Extremely helpful info. Yay!

This is awesome!

Excellent video, great points! About the hook, something I've been doing is starting with the hook and sell sheet first so that when I start making a game, I know right away whether it has something about it to make it stand out, and just as important, can I communicate that in a brief sentence. If there's no hook, or I can't communicate it succinctly, I'll set it aside. This helps me focus on the best ideas.

Points 7 and 8 apply to critics as well. The number of people who's games i decline because they are tired and boring looking themes and mechanics cannot be counted. As for the video, i think this is generally all excellent advice even if it hugely contradicts my personal experience pitching and signing games. But i understand my personal experience getting game signed is very unusual. Having the hook, the great moment and some innovation is real good. And being able to pitch the game well. I occasionally go to designer events and put my critic hat on. One question I've had to ask is "where is the fun?", its a little different to your special moment question, but it works on so many dry designs that seem perfectly functional as games, yet are utterly joyless.

I love your videos, and on a sidenote, your eyes are so pretty, wowzer

Solid advice! The most important is: how does your game stand out and above? So difficult, but so important!

Another quality video! Great insight.

This was so good. Thank you!

Very informative

Thanks! Great info!

Conclusion, making money :)

Hello Pam, I'm new here on the channel and I really enjoyed the video. Thinking about Hook or what makes your game different from others is already a great direction for your own work.

What games have you made ? Can we buy them ?

Excellent video! ( The twitter link in your bio points to an invalid account. )

Hey Pam, I'm frank holland I have 4 play perfected sports games all unique an novel ,filled with competition ,excitement .can u help .