Ellie Dix
@thedarkimp.bsky.social
810 followers 550 following 130 posts
Board game designer, author of The Board Game Family and owner of www.TheDarkImp.com.
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thedarkimp.bsky.social
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...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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-...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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-...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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-...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
I put them in features.
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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.
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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-...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
Glad you've found it useful.
thedarkimp.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-...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Ellie Dix
tokengaymer.bsky.social
@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-...
thedarkimp.bsky.social
Thanks for sharing 🤩
thedarkimp.bsky.social
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 :)
thedarkimp.bsky.social
Yep, these are all early prototypes of early games. Some of the first I made. I definitely agree about testing to find the fun 😁