Jay
@jay-au.bsky.social
*Very* slowly up and coming board game designer from Australia. Designer of à la food cart, Shades of Ink, Psychic Links (I & II), and some content for Battlecrest.
Reposted by Jay
#Crownfell is an asymmetric, abstract, 2-player strategy card game that is live on @thegamecrafter.bsky.social!
No stretch goals, except for this: The more people get it, the lower the price goes *for everyone*.
Add-ons include a playmat & solo expansion.
www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/cr...
No stretch goals, except for this: The more people get it, the lower the price goes *for everyone*.
Add-ons include a playmat & solo expansion.
www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/cr...
November 18, 2025 at 2:47 PM
#Crownfell is an asymmetric, abstract, 2-player strategy card game that is live on @thegamecrafter.bsky.social!
No stretch goals, except for this: The more people get it, the lower the price goes *for everyone*.
Add-ons include a playmat & solo expansion.
www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/cr...
No stretch goals, except for this: The more people get it, the lower the price goes *for everyone*.
Add-ons include a playmat & solo expansion.
www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/cr...
Reposted by Jay
The crowd sale for #Crownfell has been approved for November 18! Add-ons include a neoprene playmat and a solo expansion.
This 2-player asymmetric chess-like has 17 cards unique movement and abilities.
Sign up to be notified here (shares appreciated!) 🧡 www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/cr...
This 2-player asymmetric chess-like has 17 cards unique movement and abilities.
Sign up to be notified here (shares appreciated!) 🧡 www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/cr...
October 3, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The crowd sale for #Crownfell has been approved for November 18! Add-ons include a neoprene playmat and a solo expansion.
This 2-player asymmetric chess-like has 17 cards unique movement and abilities.
Sign up to be notified here (shares appreciated!) 🧡 www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/cr...
This 2-player asymmetric chess-like has 17 cards unique movement and abilities.
Sign up to be notified here (shares appreciated!) 🧡 www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/cr...
Reposted by Jay
Trans lives matter.
I understand if maybe CGE can’t say anything critical about JKR or the HP license
They *can* say that trans lives matter. But they haven’t.
I understand if maybe CGE can’t say anything critical about JKR or the HP license
They *can* say that trans lives matter. But they haven’t.
August 4, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Trans lives matter.
I understand if maybe CGE can’t say anything critical about JKR or the HP license
They *can* say that trans lives matter. But they haven’t.
I understand if maybe CGE can’t say anything critical about JKR or the HP license
They *can* say that trans lives matter. But they haven’t.
Great 🎲✂️ article about decision space!
That said, I think it's useful to go further and note the impact of *information horizon* on decision space.
Decisions aren't just about this turn, they affect future turns too. So knowledge of future game states directly impact your decision space now. 🧵 1/?
That said, I think it's useful to go further and note the impact of *information horizon* on decision space.
Decisions aren't just about this turn, they affect future turns too. So knowledge of future game states directly impact your decision space now. 🧵 1/?
What is a game's decision space?
Exploring increasing and decreasing decision spaces in tabletop games, and how they can be manipulated to create the best player experience: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/decision-s...
#boardgames #ttrpg #gamedesign 🎲✂️
Exploring increasing and decreasing decision spaces in tabletop games, and how they can be manipulated to create the best player experience: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/decision-s...
#boardgames #ttrpg #gamedesign 🎲✂️
What is a game's decision space?
Exploring increasing and decreasing decision spaces in tabletop games, and how they can be manipulated to create the best player experience.
www.skeletoncodemachine.com
July 2, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Great 🎲✂️ article about decision space!
That said, I think it's useful to go further and note the impact of *information horizon* on decision space.
Decisions aren't just about this turn, they affect future turns too. So knowledge of future game states directly impact your decision space now. 🧵 1/?
That said, I think it's useful to go further and note the impact of *information horizon* on decision space.
Decisions aren't just about this turn, they affect future turns too. So knowledge of future game states directly impact your decision space now. 🧵 1/?
I tried a new game design exercise recently and it's been such a great process, I wanted to share it and encourage other people to give it a go. 🎲✂️ 🧵 1/6
April 16, 2025 at 2:14 PM
I tried a new game design exercise recently and it's been such a great process, I wanted to share it and encourage other people to give it a go. 🎲✂️ 🧵 1/6
As an Aussie with no access to cons, I'm *super* excited & grateful to be pitching Vertical Village to 9(!) publishers at the @unpub.bsky.social virtual speed pitching event this week! 🤞🥳
(Realising I'll need to talk for 90mins straight at 2am local time *slightly* tempers that excitement... 😅)
(Realising I'll need to talk for 90mins straight at 2am local time *slightly* tempers that excitement... 😅)
March 11, 2025 at 4:34 AM
As an Aussie with no access to cons, I'm *super* excited & grateful to be pitching Vertical Village to 9(!) publishers at the @unpub.bsky.social virtual speed pitching event this week! 🤞🥳
(Realising I'll need to talk for 90mins straight at 2am local time *slightly* tempers that excitement... 😅)
(Realising I'll need to talk for 90mins straight at 2am local time *slightly* tempers that excitement... 😅)
🎲✂️ question:
Is it safe to assume the majority of publishers would be just as happy printing bridge-sized cards as poker-sized? Or would I be limiting my chances of getting signed? (Obviously ignoring niche publishers like Button Shy that hyper focus on a very specific product model.)
Is it safe to assume the majority of publishers would be just as happy printing bridge-sized cards as poker-sized? Or would I be limiting my chances of getting signed? (Obviously ignoring niche publishers like Button Shy that hyper focus on a very specific product model.)
March 9, 2025 at 6:34 AM
🎲✂️ question:
Is it safe to assume the majority of publishers would be just as happy printing bridge-sized cards as poker-sized? Or would I be limiting my chances of getting signed? (Obviously ignoring niche publishers like Button Shy that hyper focus on a very specific product model.)
Is it safe to assume the majority of publishers would be just as happy printing bridge-sized cards as poker-sized? Or would I be limiting my chances of getting signed? (Obviously ignoring niche publishers like Button Shy that hyper focus on a very specific product model.)
Reposted by Jay
I've finished off the sellsheet for World's Edge! This game won a design competition a while back, has seen a bunch of development since then, and I'll be looking for a publisher real soon!
(if anyone knows any pubs looking for small-box flip-and-writes, I'm all ears 😅)
🎲✂️
(if anyone knows any pubs looking for small-box flip-and-writes, I'm all ears 😅)
🎲✂️
February 28, 2025 at 3:40 AM
I've finished off the sellsheet for World's Edge! This game won a design competition a while back, has seen a bunch of development since then, and I'll be looking for a publisher real soon!
(if anyone knows any pubs looking for small-box flip-and-writes, I'm all ears 😅)
🎲✂️
(if anyone knows any pubs looking for small-box flip-and-writes, I'm all ears 😅)
🎲✂️
Reposted by Jay
Kurt is one of my favorite people and designers, and Sock Puppets is the Kurtiest game imaginable.
That is to say: it’s whimsical, funny, artful, elegant, insightful, and suffused with loving reverence for all the quirks and foibles that make us human.
Go check it out on Kickstarter now!
That is to say: it’s whimsical, funny, artful, elegant, insightful, and suffused with loving reverence for all the quirks and foibles that make us human.
Go check it out on Kickstarter now!
i made a tabletop RPG about puppets. naturally, this required making a puppet.
it took 3 years for a tiny game, but i learned forbidden knowledge. it turns out everyone has a wretched little puppet voice inside them. also, muppets are really hard to make (but i did it anyway).
live now, 🔗 in 🧵.
it took 3 years for a tiny game, but i learned forbidden knowledge. it turns out everyone has a wretched little puppet voice inside them. also, muppets are really hard to make (but i did it anyway).
live now, 🔗 in 🧵.
February 4, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Kurt is one of my favorite people and designers, and Sock Puppets is the Kurtiest game imaginable.
That is to say: it’s whimsical, funny, artful, elegant, insightful, and suffused with loving reverence for all the quirks and foibles that make us human.
Go check it out on Kickstarter now!
That is to say: it’s whimsical, funny, artful, elegant, insightful, and suffused with loving reverence for all the quirks and foibles that make us human.
Go check it out on Kickstarter now!
Reposted by Jay
Over the last few years, I've learned a lot about game design (and I still have a ton more to learn!). In the interest of helping others, I wanted to share a few key concepts that I've picked up. Note that this is geared toward pitching to publishers, and as with any wisdom, YMMV. A thread. 1/ 🎲✂️
November 28, 2024 at 5:11 AM
Over the last few years, I've learned a lot about game design (and I still have a ton more to learn!). In the interest of helping others, I wanted to share a few key concepts that I've picked up. Note that this is geared toward pitching to publishers, and as with any wisdom, YMMV. A thread. 1/ 🎲✂️
Reposted by Jay
🎃 Haunted Yard Builder is now live! 👻
This all-new version of Yard Builder is available exclusively by donation to the local children's hospital, until Oct 31.
Check it out here, thanks! Shares appreciated. 🧡 weheartgames.itch.io/haunted-yard...
This all-new version of Yard Builder is available exclusively by donation to the local children's hospital, until Oct 31.
Check it out here, thanks! Shares appreciated. 🧡 weheartgames.itch.io/haunted-yard...
Haunted Yard Builder: A spooky roll-n-write that's to die for by weheartgames
A printable yard-decorating game for 1 or more players.
weheartgames.itch.io
September 23, 2024 at 3:59 PM
🎃 Haunted Yard Builder is now live! 👻
This all-new version of Yard Builder is available exclusively by donation to the local children's hospital, until Oct 31.
Check it out here, thanks! Shares appreciated. 🧡 weheartgames.itch.io/haunted-yard...
This all-new version of Yard Builder is available exclusively by donation to the local children's hospital, until Oct 31.
Check it out here, thanks! Shares appreciated. 🧡 weheartgames.itch.io/haunted-yard...
Reposted by Jay
🎲✂️ If any publishers are interested in looking at a light-medium weight game of engine building and dice manipulation, I'd love to demo Bot Builders for you! It's been well received by play testers over the last few years, and has some aspects that I think are pretty distinct.
September 18, 2024 at 6:43 PM
🎲✂️ If any publishers are interested in looking at a light-medium weight game of engine building and dice manipulation, I'd love to demo Bot Builders for you! It's been well received by play testers over the last few years, and has some aspects that I think are pretty distinct.
Reposted by Jay
On Button Shy's Discord, we used to post the Merriam-Webster Word of the Day, and we'd discuss how that word/concept could apply to a game mechanic, idea, or theme. I have a lot of notes for game ideas because of it.
It died out, but I'm bringing it back on my own server...!
1/2
It died out, but I'm bringing it back on my own server...!
1/2
August 26, 2024 at 2:22 PM
On Button Shy's Discord, we used to post the Merriam-Webster Word of the Day, and we'd discuss how that word/concept could apply to a game mechanic, idea, or theme. I have a lot of notes for game ideas because of it.
It died out, but I'm bringing it back on my own server...!
1/2
It died out, but I'm bringing it back on my own server...!
1/2
Another question for the 🎲✂️ gurus:
A publisher is evaluating your prototype, what's the etiquette on pitching your game to other publishers at the same time?
A) super rude, don't do it
B) ask and get their ok first
C) tell them you're doing so
D) just do it, you owe them nothing
E) other...?
A publisher is evaluating your prototype, what's the etiquette on pitching your game to other publishers at the same time?
A) super rude, don't do it
B) ask and get their ok first
C) tell them you're doing so
D) just do it, you owe them nothing
E) other...?
August 7, 2024 at 11:56 AM
Another question for the 🎲✂️ gurus:
A publisher is evaluating your prototype, what's the etiquette on pitching your game to other publishers at the same time?
A) super rude, don't do it
B) ask and get their ok first
C) tell them you're doing so
D) just do it, you owe them nothing
E) other...?
A publisher is evaluating your prototype, what's the etiquette on pitching your game to other publishers at the same time?
A) super rude, don't do it
B) ask and get their ok first
C) tell them you're doing so
D) just do it, you owe them nothing
E) other...?
Alright game design 🎲✂️ gurus, you've pitched to a publisher, they liked what they saw, asked for (and received) a prototype... How long do you wait before following up?
July 17, 2024 at 12:50 PM
Alright game design 🎲✂️ gurus, you've pitched to a publisher, they liked what they saw, asked for (and received) a prototype... How long do you wait before following up?
Soon I'll be starting and dropping new projects so fast I can actually abandon ideas before I even have them and finally attain game design enlightenment. 🎲✂️🧘
July 15, 2024 at 1:19 AM
Soon I'll be starting and dropping new projects so fast I can actually abandon ideas before I even have them and finally attain game design enlightenment. 🎲✂️🧘
Reposted by Jay
Our first game of World's Edge was lots of fun!
Here are some of the play sheets. If you want to play the next game, join us on Discord: discord.gg/QEQGR6uMsx
Here are some of the play sheets. If you want to play the next game, join us on Discord: discord.gg/QEQGR6uMsx
March 16, 2024 at 3:16 PM
Our first game of World's Edge was lots of fun!
Here are some of the play sheets. If you want to play the next game, join us on Discord: discord.gg/QEQGR6uMsx
Here are some of the play sheets. If you want to play the next game, join us on Discord: discord.gg/QEQGR6uMsx
Reposted by Jay
🦋 Bluesky is open; we want to meet more solo players, so we're celebrating by giving away a copy of ExoShip! 🚀
Follow this account & share this post to enter.
Optional: Reply with a character you'd be on a huge generation ship. It could be included as part of future ExoVerse games or stories!
Follow this account & share this post to enter.
Optional: Reply with a character you'd be on a huge generation ship. It could be included as part of future ExoVerse games or stories!
February 20, 2024 at 3:50 PM
🦋 Bluesky is open; we want to meet more solo players, so we're celebrating by giving away a copy of ExoShip! 🚀
Follow this account & share this post to enter.
Optional: Reply with a character you'd be on a huge generation ship. It could be included as part of future ExoVerse games or stories!
Follow this account & share this post to enter.
Optional: Reply with a character you'd be on a huge generation ship. It could be included as part of future ExoVerse games or stories!
Reposted by Jay
The ExoShip crowd sale has about 30 hours left and the discount is a massive 42% off. Thanks to everyone that got it to that point!
Get on board:
www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/ex...
Get on board:
www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/ex...
January 8, 2024 at 8:31 PM
The ExoShip crowd sale has about 30 hours left and the discount is a massive 42% off. Thanks to everyone that got it to that point!
Get on board:
www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/ex...
Get on board:
www.thegamecrafter.com/crowdsale/ex...
Reposted by Jay
🎲✂️ New Button Shy design challenge just dropped! "Create an 18-card game about a holiday (any holiday)"
buttonshygames.com/blogs/news-1...
buttonshygames.com/blogs/news-1...
October 31, 2023 at 3:06 PM
🎲✂️ New Button Shy design challenge just dropped! "Create an 18-card game about a holiday (any holiday)"
buttonshygames.com/blogs/news-1...
buttonshygames.com/blogs/news-1...
Way behind in GameTek but this was a timely reminder as I think about "simple" game design 🎲✂️: gametek.substack.com/p/take-it-away
TL;DR: humans tend to solve problems by adding, even if removing would have significantly better results.
What have you removed from your current game design today?
TL;DR: humans tend to solve problems by adding, even if removing would have significantly better results.
What have you removed from your current game design today?
Take It Away
Our bias against simplification
gametek.substack.com
October 12, 2023 at 1:04 AM
Way behind in GameTek but this was a timely reminder as I think about "simple" game design 🎲✂️: gametek.substack.com/p/take-it-away
TL;DR: humans tend to solve problems by adding, even if removing would have significantly better results.
What have you removed from your current game design today?
TL;DR: humans tend to solve problems by adding, even if removing would have significantly better results.
What have you removed from your current game design today?
Going to slowly build a thread celebrating (and taking inspiration from) what I call "invisible elegance" in game design 🎲✂️. Those genius little design choices that solve a problem or make a game smoother without it being obvious to the player as to why/how... (Feel free to add your own.)
October 7, 2023 at 5:20 AM
Going to slowly build a thread celebrating (and taking inspiration from) what I call "invisible elegance" in game design 🎲✂️. Those genius little design choices that solve a problem or make a game smoother without it being obvious to the player as to why/how... (Feel free to add your own.)