Ellie Dix
@thedarkimp.bsky.social
Board game designer, author of The Board Game Family and owner of www.TheDarkImp.com.
This time on BTC, I talk to @chrisbacke.bsky.social about how game designers can make use of digital tools.
Chris shares his go-to programs for virtual playtesting, insights into TTS and the pros and cons of testing games online versus in person.
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
Chris shares his go-to programs for virtual playtesting, insights into TTS and the pros and cons of testing games online versus in person.
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
November 11, 2025 at 4:45 PM
This time on BTC, I talk to @chrisbacke.bsky.social about how game designers can make use of digital tools.
Chris shares his go-to programs for virtual playtesting, insights into TTS and the pros and cons of testing games online versus in person.
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
Chris shares his go-to programs for virtual playtesting, insights into TTS and the pros and cons of testing games online versus in person.
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
New BTC episode! I talk to Chrissy Fagerholt about Chrissy’s approach to social media, balancing authenticity with strategy, and the importance of sharing both successes and failures online.
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
November 3, 2025 at 11:28 AM
New BTC episode! I talk to Chrissy Fagerholt about Chrissy’s approach to social media, balancing authenticity with strategy, and the importance of sharing both successes and failures online.
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
Reposted by Ellie Dix
A huge thanks to @thedarkimp.bsky.social for this wonderful chat about board game visuals and publishing. Grab a coffee and go have a listen.
New BTC podcast! I talk to Ross Connell about the vital role of art and marketing in game design—from how visuals shape a game’s identity to what publishers expect when reviewing a pitch. Find out how art and marketing can make your games stand out. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
October 21, 2025 at 10:14 AM
A huge thanks to @thedarkimp.bsky.social for this wonderful chat about board game visuals and publishing. Grab a coffee and go have a listen.
New BTC podcast! I talk to Ross Connell about the vital role of art and marketing in game design—from how visuals shape a game’s identity to what publishers expect when reviewing a pitch. Find out how art and marketing can make your games stand out. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
October 21, 2025 at 8:23 AM
New BTC podcast! I talk to Ross Connell about the vital role of art and marketing in game design—from how visuals shape a game’s identity to what publishers expect when reviewing a pitch. Find out how art and marketing can make your games stand out. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
Reposted by Ellie Dix
Co-design with @thedarkimp.bsky.social tested above. The man in the blue shirt leapt over the table to where I'm standing to grab a die and win the game. I had to catch him to soften the landing.
Not a metric I'd usually rely on, but it feels like a good sign for the game. Was a highlight for me.
Not a metric I'd usually rely on, but it feels like a good sign for the game. Was a highlight for me.
October 13, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Co-design with @thedarkimp.bsky.social tested above. The man in the blue shirt leapt over the table to where I'm standing to grab a die and win the game. I had to catch him to soften the landing.
Not a metric I'd usually rely on, but it feels like a good sign for the game. Was a highlight for me.
Not a metric I'd usually rely on, but it feels like a good sign for the game. Was a highlight for me.
New episode of BTC! I talk to @stuffbybez.bsky.social about the importance of building & embracing your brand as a game designer. We discuss tailoring games to resonate with an audience, defining a clear creative purpose, and leaning into that vision to strengthen your work.
Link in comments...
Link in comments...
October 7, 2025 at 2:15 PM
New episode of BTC! I talk to @stuffbybez.bsky.social about the importance of building & embracing your brand as a game designer. We discuss tailoring games to resonate with an audience, defining a clear creative purpose, and leaning into that vision to strengthen your work.
Link in comments...
Link in comments...
How exciting! My game Early Bird, published by Hootenanny Games just won the "Best for Fast Paced Fun" award from Parents Best Toys for 2025.
Hootenanny have done a fabulous job with the production of this game. I'm excited for people to play it.
www.parents.com/parents-best...
Hootenanny have done a fabulous job with the production of this game. I'm excited for people to play it.
www.parents.com/parents-best...
October 3, 2025 at 8:12 PM
How exciting! My game Early Bird, published by Hootenanny Games just won the "Best for Fast Paced Fun" award from Parents Best Toys for 2025.
Hootenanny have done a fabulous job with the production of this game. I'm excited for people to play it.
www.parents.com/parents-best...
Hootenanny have done a fabulous job with the production of this game. I'm excited for people to play it.
www.parents.com/parents-best...
I've just published a guest blog post from Chris Backe on The Dark Imp Blog. In this post, Chris talks about TabletopPublishers.com and how it can support designers with the pitching process.
www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/09...
www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/09...
September 27, 2025 at 10:48 AM
I've just published a guest blog post from Chris Backe on The Dark Imp Blog. In this post, Chris talks about TabletopPublishers.com and how it can support designers with the pitching process.
www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/09...
www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/09...
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-...
📬 Making first contact
🔁 Balancing persistence & pressure
💬 Positive publisher experiences
🧩 When publisher ties still matter in self-publishing
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
September 11, 2025 at 11:06 AM
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-...
📬 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-...
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
September 8, 2025 at 8:18 AM
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-...
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-...
We talk about why sell sheets matter, what to include, & how to craft one that grabs attention.
Have a listen!
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
August 25, 2025 at 6:55 AM
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-...
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.
August 20, 2025 at 2:15 PM
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-...
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-...
August 17, 2025 at 1:52 PM
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-...
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-...
Reposted by Ellie Dix
Very helpful discussion about sell sheets by @thedarkimp.bsky.social and @fertessa.bsky.social 🎲✂️
BtC – Fertessa Allyse on Sell Sheets – The Game Design Roundtable
thegamedesignroundtable.com
August 16, 2025 at 9:39 PM
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-...
July 21, 2025 at 12:11 PM
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...
www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/07...
July 14, 2025 at 1:41 PM
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...
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
Here's a link to all the finalists: www.womenintoys.com/nominees
July 8, 2025 at 8:26 PM
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
Here's a link to all the finalists: www.womenintoys.com/nominees
Reposted by Ellie Dix
@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-...
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
June 29, 2025 at 1:57 PM
@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-...
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 :)
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 :)
June 24, 2025 at 8:29 AM
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 :)
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...
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...
First steps in game design - The Dark Imp
www.thedarkimp.com
June 23, 2025 at 6:17 PM
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...
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-...
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-...
June 23, 2025 at 8:02 AM
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-...
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 😍
June 20, 2025 at 11:47 AM
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-...
Do have a listen!
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
June 10, 2025 at 12:39 PM
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-...
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-...
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
May 21, 2025 at 1:36 PM
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-...
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 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...
Designing games with a single mechanic - The Dark Imp
www.thedarkimp.com
May 12, 2025 at 5:19 PM
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 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...