Hey, I’m Chris Backe (rhymes with hockey). I make tabletop games and help others make games.
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Destination: Fastaval 2024, the best reason to go to Denmark
For those unfamiliar with Fastaval, consider this post required reading. Written after returning from Fastaval in 2022, it was extensively edited and corrected after the fact thanks to a number of folks I met there to help me ensure the facts correct. (There, as here,...
The Ultimate Guide to Co-Designing a Board Game
Co-designing a board game is a wonderful opportunity to bounce ideas around, work with another designer, and of course make something you can be proud of. I've worked on almost a dozen games with co-designers as of this post, and I've been privileged to tap their...
Occasionally Asked Questions, volume 1: BoardGameGeek, making cards, and end game conditions
Occasionally Asked Questions: valid questions I've heard from game designers more than once that I haven't yet answered with a blog post. Hereinafter, OAQ's. I'll be answering from my own experiences from within the world of board games, naturally. How Do I Make Cards...
Tabletop Simulator 106: optimizing for playing / playtesting
Now that your game is in Tabletop Simulator and you have some experience in the program, let's optimize the player experience. You're probably aware that playing in Tabletop Simulator is very different from playing in the real world. Our goal here in TTS is not to...
How to Write a Rulebook for Your Board Game
Rules can feel hard to write. They have to make a game feel understandable to the reader, clarify your intentions, and make sure players feel like they know what they're doing. It's a weird blend of technical writing that shouldn't sound like technical writing. In...
What I’ll be doing differently in 2024, professionalization of the industry, and more
Welcome to your weekly dose of board game design! This will be my last email post in 2023, so naturally itโs a good time to look forward to what I'll be doing differently in 2024. But first, two things: Announcing our next game at No Box Games: Around the World in...
A review of 2023, a look ahead, and a special offer
Where the heck have you been, Chris? In a word: busy! Life comes at you fast. This oneโs going to be a bit different, since weโre coming up on the end of the year and itโs been months since we last connected here. So, a bit of catchup via The Year In Review: One of my...
How To Organize Your Board Game Design Stuff Without Spending A Dime
Whether you're an experienced designer or just getting started with your first game, organizing your board game design stuff will save you a bunch of time and effort. For obvious reasons, 'getting organized' is going to look different to everyone, based on the room...
Is My Game Ready To Pitch? A checklist
To quote that famous philosopher Eminem, you only get one shot, so don't miss your chance. So it's clear, you don't have to say 'yes' to each and every one of these things... but be honest with yourself. If it's not ready, don't pitch it or get it ready. ย So... how...
8 Things Designers Should Be Doing – But Probably Aren’t
Let's just jump right in, shall we? Observe how a publisher sells themselves to the public. As just one example, Thinkfun (a puzzle brand of Ravensburger) has recently launched meshhelps.org. MESH stands for Mental, Emotional, and Social Health - three things that all...