Ellie Dix

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...

Thanks Phil :)

Thank you!

Thanks!

Thanks Luke :)

Thank you!

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

@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-...

Thanks for sharing 🤩

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 :)

Yep, these are all early prototypes of early games. Some of the first I made. I definitely agree about testing to find the fun 😁

First steps in game design - The Dark Imp

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...

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-...

Enjoying a Shirley Temple in between playtest sessions in a very sunny Southbank. Love my job 😍

Thank you for sharing 😊

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-...

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-...

Designing games with a single mechanic - The Dark Imp

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'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.

Ludology Welcome to Ludology, an analytical discussion of the how’s and why’s of the world of board games. Rather than news and reviews, Ludology explores a variety of topics about games from a wider lens, as ...

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*New Episode*

@senfoonglim.bsky.social and @ericabouyouris.bsky.social talk with @thedarkimp.bsky.social about her work in making corporate games. Ellie describes her process when designing games for corporate training or to improve brand recognition.

ludology.libsyn.com/ludology-340...

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-...

I enjoyed doing this. Do have a listen. 🤩

Thanks Rob x

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-...

How much are you worth - The Dark Imp

How much do you charge for your work and expertise as a game designer?

It can be difficult to set prices... so here are some tips that might help.

Spoiler: Focus on your worth, not their budget.

www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/04...

Had a great day today. Love working with brilliant co-designers ❤️

It was pretty cool

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.

We had 18 yesterday. Always a waiting list too.