Ellie Dix

Are you coming to Essen? It would be good to see you.

Yes! And apparently now I can talk about it!

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.

Here's the link: 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...

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...

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...

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it

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-...

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-...

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-...

I put them in features.

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-...

Glad you've found it useful.

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-...

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-...