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-...
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-...
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-...
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
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 :)
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-...
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.
In this game you have to collect all of granny's favourite things - through fair means... or karate!
Bring your mojo to the dojo.
May 12, 2025 at 3:57 PM
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.
In this game you have to collect all of granny's favourite things - through fair means... or karate!
Bring your mojo to the dojo.
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-...
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
May 8, 2025 at 7:39 AM
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-...
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
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-...
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
April 30, 2025 at 9:55 AM
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-...
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
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.
April 15, 2025 at 7:52 AM
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.
April 12, 2025 at 7:37 AM
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-...
I'd love you to have a listen.
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...
April 11, 2025 at 8:59 AM
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-...
I'd love you to have a listen.
thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...