DVC Games 🔜 PAXU #3827
@dvcgames.bsky.social
games that come alive at dvc.games | queer fem + enby game design collective & publisher | tabletop, rpg, digital, immersive, intersectional, accessible | account co-run by jono & sometimes ben and jess
When we played an earlier version of Pacts (then called Spirit Split), we felt like we were being tricked into an ancient fae-like deal by Rumplestiltskin. That is how the game got its name as well as its theme.
This is a rad write-up about the mechanism. Please give it a read.
This is a rad write-up about the mechanism. Please give it a read.
Fair (and fairy) cake-cutting in Pacts! 🧚
Exploring how the divide and choose ("I cut. You choose.") mechanism in Pacts from @dvcgames.bsky.social combines with area control to create tough choices and meaningful decisions: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/pacts-cut-...
#boardgames #gamedesign 🎲✂️
Exploring how the divide and choose ("I cut. You choose.") mechanism in Pacts from @dvcgames.bsky.social combines with area control to create tough choices and meaningful decisions: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/pacts-cut-...
#boardgames #gamedesign 🎲✂️
Fair (and fairy) cake-cutting in Pacts
Exploring how the divide and choose ("I cut. You choose.") mechanism in Pacts from DVC combines with area control to create tough choices and meaningful decisions.
www.skeletoncodemachine.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:02 PM
When we played an earlier version of Pacts (then called Spirit Split), we felt like we were being tricked into an ancient fae-like deal by Rumplestiltskin. That is how the game got its name as well as its theme.
This is a rad write-up about the mechanism. Please give it a read.
This is a rad write-up about the mechanism. Please give it a read.
This is highly specific, but I think my favorite moment of the con was when Rob taught Corvids to a group that was primarily ASL, and I watched as the interpreter suddenly made a bunch of violent pecking motions with their hand and everyone nodded and I thought "Ah yes that is the vibe of the game."
November 24, 2025 at 7:43 PM
This is highly specific, but I think my favorite moment of the con was when Rob taught Corvids to a group that was primarily ASL, and I watched as the interpreter suddenly made a bunch of violent pecking motions with their hand and everyone nodded and I thought "Ah yes that is the vibe of the game."
Reposted by DVC Games 🔜 PAXU #3827
Every Pax U, I like to name my Game Of The Con™️!
This year easily goes to Pacts by Ben Brin @dvcgames.bsky.social
Pacts is elegant, wickedly fast, and filled to the brim with tortuous decisions!
If you like the sound of Tussie Mussie-meets-The King Is Dead—this one is for you!
This year easily goes to Pacts by Ben Brin @dvcgames.bsky.social
Pacts is elegant, wickedly fast, and filled to the brim with tortuous decisions!
If you like the sound of Tussie Mussie-meets-The King Is Dead—this one is for you!
November 24, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Every Pax U, I like to name my Game Of The Con™️!
This year easily goes to Pacts by Ben Brin @dvcgames.bsky.social
Pacts is elegant, wickedly fast, and filled to the brim with tortuous decisions!
If you like the sound of Tussie Mussie-meets-The King Is Dead—this one is for you!
This year easily goes to Pacts by Ben Brin @dvcgames.bsky.social
Pacts is elegant, wickedly fast, and filled to the brim with tortuous decisions!
If you like the sound of Tussie Mussie-meets-The King Is Dead—this one is for you!
Y’all that was amazing. Good PAXU. Good friends. Everything went super well.
So tired. Must lay on floor.
So tired. Must lay on floor.
November 24, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Y’all that was amazing. Good PAXU. Good friends. Everything went super well.
So tired. Must lay on floor.
So tired. Must lay on floor.
INDIE GAME NIGHT MARKET
We already sold over half of the copies of Medusa’s Garden designed by @mistergross.bsky.social and Jono from Team Jasper! Super exciting!
We already sold over half of the copies of Medusa’s Garden designed by @mistergross.bsky.social and Jono from Team Jasper! Super exciting!
November 23, 2025 at 1:04 AM
INDIE GAME NIGHT MARKET
We already sold over half of the copies of Medusa’s Garden designed by @mistergross.bsky.social and Jono from Team Jasper! Super exciting!
We already sold over half of the copies of Medusa’s Garden designed by @mistergross.bsky.social and Jono from Team Jasper! Super exciting!
Reposted by DVC Games 🔜 PAXU #3827
✨ Reminder!! ✨
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Pax Unplugged is right around the corner!!
Looking back at all the IGNM coverage—I’m so proud and impressed at how much our community came together to promote these awesome indie works!
There’s a game for everyone in this lot!
Here’s a thread of all the incredible coverage of IGNM 2025: 🧵 🎲✂️
Looking back at all the IGNM coverage—I’m so proud and impressed at how much our community came together to promote these awesome indie works!
There’s a game for everyone in this lot!
Here’s a thread of all the incredible coverage of IGNM 2025: 🧵 🎲✂️
November 22, 2025 at 1:20 PM
✨ Reminder!! ✨
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Thank you so much!!!
November 21, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Thank you so much!!!
Reposted by DVC Games 🔜 PAXU #3827
Played Pact and Thing Thing, and I think it bares repeating:
DVC is making some of the coolest experimental games that are of such high quality production for their weirdness. We live in a great time in boardgames!
Also Rude Hat Man was dead wrong about Thing Thing!!
HBD @dvcgames.bsky.social !!!
DVC is making some of the coolest experimental games that are of such high quality production for their weirdness. We live in a great time in boardgames!
Also Rude Hat Man was dead wrong about Thing Thing!!
HBD @dvcgames.bsky.social !!!
November 21, 2025 at 5:14 AM
Played Pact and Thing Thing, and I think it bares repeating:
DVC is making some of the coolest experimental games that are of such high quality production for their weirdness. We live in a great time in boardgames!
Also Rude Hat Man was dead wrong about Thing Thing!!
HBD @dvcgames.bsky.social !!!
DVC is making some of the coolest experimental games that are of such high quality production for their weirdness. We live in a great time in boardgames!
Also Rude Hat Man was dead wrong about Thing Thing!!
HBD @dvcgames.bsky.social !!!
All set up and then chill birthday vibes with so many good folks! @marcelineleiman.bsky.social @tokengaymer.bsky.social @bobbywest.bsky.social @nickeldoodle.bsky.social @galens-games.bsky.social and many more! Thank you!!
November 21, 2025 at 4:49 AM
All set up and then chill birthday vibes with so many good folks! @marcelineleiman.bsky.social @tokengaymer.bsky.social @bobbywest.bsky.social @nickeldoodle.bsky.social @galens-games.bsky.social and many more! Thank you!!
Come check out the cutting edge of the art of game design, unrestrained by the expectations of the capitalist market. I promise you’ll walk away with a treasure you’d find nowhere else.
Threw together a quick poster / flyer for the event this Saturday. Come check out some cool indie games!
#paxunplugged #pax #indiegamesnightmarket
#paxunplugged #pax #indiegamesnightmarket
November 20, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Come check out the cutting edge of the art of game design, unrestrained by the expectations of the capitalist market. I promise you’ll walk away with a treasure you’d find nowhere else.
Aight be there or be square.
November 19, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Aight be there or be square.
Reposted by DVC Games 🔜 PAXU #3827
If you’re gonna be at PAX Unplugged this weekend come try out the Playthings demo by @dvcgames.bsky.social !!
November 19, 2025 at 4:15 PM
If you’re gonna be at PAX Unplugged this weekend come try out the Playthings demo by @dvcgames.bsky.social !!
It may not be an 'official' DVC creation, but Medusa's Garden is some real silly nonsense that came out of our friend group and game nights. Phil also did a ton of the best work here... if you are at PAXU, come play a round with us.
Today I investigate three more indie games, all of which are ambitious and explorative of what games can accomplish. These are good'uns. spacebiff.com/2025/11/18/h...
Nebulae, Medusae… Crownae?
Yesterday on BlueSky, Marceline Leiman asked a great question. Using only one or two extremely vague words, how would I describe the titles on offer at this year’s Indie Games Night Market? N…
spacebiff.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:05 PM
It may not be an 'official' DVC creation, but Medusa's Garden is some real silly nonsense that came out of our friend group and game nights. Phil also did a ton of the best work here... if you are at PAXU, come play a round with us.
Playing some Ren Park prototype today!
November 17, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Playing some Ren Park prototype today!
Gathering treasures for PAXU.
November 16, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Gathering treasures for PAXU.
Made a very strange party game with @mistergross.bsky.social and we hope you at least come and laugh about the fact that it comes with a hand mirror.
Medusa’s Garden @ IGNM PAXU
Medusa’s Garden @ IGNM PAXU
We’re thrilled to share our Special Presentation; Indie Games Night Market Preview!
It was a privilege to be part of this & share these games with you all~
youtu.be/HA_u8oxU0kc?...
See the games that will be at the IGNM in exactly 1 week at #PAXunplugged!
#boardgames #ignm
#cardgames #indiegames
It was a privilege to be part of this & share these games with you all~
youtu.be/HA_u8oxU0kc?...
See the games that will be at the IGNM in exactly 1 week at #PAXunplugged!
#boardgames #ignm
#cardgames #indiegames
November 16, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Made a very strange party game with @mistergross.bsky.social and we hope you at least come and laugh about the fact that it comes with a hand mirror.
Medusa’s Garden @ IGNM PAXU
Medusa’s Garden @ IGNM PAXU
Pacts for PAXU arrived today.
November 12, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Pacts for PAXU arrived today.
Reposted by DVC Games 🔜 PAXU #3827
Friday 11/14 6PM ESTour Indie Games Night Market Special Preview goes up~
I’ll be active on here & on YouTube so feel free to ask any questions; I’d love to engage & chat about it~
Huge thanks to all of the lovely folks who contributed to make this happen~
(tagged below)
@officialpax.bsky.social
I’ll be active on here & on YouTube so feel free to ask any questions; I’d love to engage & chat about it~
Huge thanks to all of the lovely folks who contributed to make this happen~
(tagged below)
@officialpax.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Friday 11/14 6PM ESTour Indie Games Night Market Special Preview goes up~
I’ll be active on here & on YouTube so feel free to ask any questions; I’d love to engage & chat about it~
Huge thanks to all of the lovely folks who contributed to make this happen~
(tagged below)
@officialpax.bsky.social
I’ll be active on here & on YouTube so feel free to ask any questions; I’d love to engage & chat about it~
Huge thanks to all of the lovely folks who contributed to make this happen~
(tagged below)
@officialpax.bsky.social
Proud of local designer and friend Ben Brin for bringing us Pacts. It has been a pleasure to beautify and build on.
Check out his words on creating the game here, particularly an uncertainty about making a small game as a big-game designer.
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
Check out his words on creating the game here, particularly an uncertainty about making a small game as a big-game designer.
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
Designer Diary: Pacts | BoardGameGeek News
boardgamegeek.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Proud of local designer and friend Ben Brin for bringing us Pacts. It has been a pleasure to beautify and build on.
Check out his words on creating the game here, particularly an uncertainty about making a small game as a big-game designer.
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
Check out his words on creating the game here, particularly an uncertainty about making a small game as a big-game designer.
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
Got some nice shots of Medusa’s Garden to toss around leading up to Indie Game Night Market. Built and tested in the Team Jasper game night kitchen, it is fun to have made some copies to share with the world.
Pictured: ‘Statues’ posed to hide Medusa from Perseus and his mirror
Pictured: ‘Statues’ posed to hide Medusa from Perseus and his mirror
November 11, 2025 at 5:25 AM
Got some nice shots of Medusa’s Garden to toss around leading up to Indie Game Night Market. Built and tested in the Team Jasper game night kitchen, it is fun to have made some copies to share with the world.
Pictured: ‘Statues’ posed to hide Medusa from Perseus and his mirror
Pictured: ‘Statues’ posed to hide Medusa from Perseus and his mirror
A conversational deduction game?
You can only talk one-on-one at a time, where you either show a card, give a card, or use a card each. Players are either good guys trying to kill Dracula before he turns them, or vampires trying to kill Van Helsing. It’s wild.
Does this click as cool for anyone?
You can only talk one-on-one at a time, where you either show a card, give a card, or use a card each. Players are either good guys trying to kill Dracula before he turns them, or vampires trying to kill Van Helsing. It’s wild.
Does this click as cool for anyone?
November 10, 2025 at 12:39 AM
A conversational deduction game?
You can only talk one-on-one at a time, where you either show a card, give a card, or use a card each. Players are either good guys trying to kill Dracula before he turns them, or vampires trying to kill Van Helsing. It’s wild.
Does this click as cool for anyone?
You can only talk one-on-one at a time, where you either show a card, give a card, or use a card each. Players are either good guys trying to kill Dracula before he turns them, or vampires trying to kill Van Helsing. It’s wild.
Does this click as cool for anyone?
Reposted by DVC Games 🔜 PAXU #3827
"I'm not a fan of gory movies."
- person who hasn't seen Psycho Goreman, probably
- person who hasn't seen Psycho Goreman, probably
November 9, 2025 at 12:10 AM
"I'm not a fan of gory movies."
- person who hasn't seen Psycho Goreman, probably
- person who hasn't seen Psycho Goreman, probably
Reposted by DVC Games 🔜 PAXU #3827
"Game designers will routinely fail at making something fun. When the game of making games is played right, it is always right outside the edge of what the designers know how to do."
Incredible quote from an amazing article. Something I'm only beginning to understand 10+ years in to designing.
Incredible quote from an amazing article. Something I'm only beginning to understand 10+ years in to designing.
Game design is simple, actually. Except when it isn't. Here are the 12 things you need to know.
Game design is simple, actually
So, let’s just walk through the whole thing, end to end. Here’s a twelve-step program for understanding game design. One: Fun There are a lot of things people call “fun.” But most of them are not useful for getting better at making games, which is usually why people read articles like this. The fun of a bit of confetti exploding in front of you, and the fun of excruciating pain and risk to life and limb as you free climb a cliff are just not usefully paired together.
www.raphkoster.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:40 PM
"Game designers will routinely fail at making something fun. When the game of making games is played right, it is always right outside the edge of what the designers know how to do."
Incredible quote from an amazing article. Something I'm only beginning to understand 10+ years in to designing.
Incredible quote from an amazing article. Something I'm only beginning to understand 10+ years in to designing.
Big day of testing mats and getting some new photos to throw around social media.
First up: Scream Park. Jerry and I had to break a tie of 68 points each.
First up: Scream Park. Jerry and I had to break a tie of 68 points each.
November 3, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Big day of testing mats and getting some new photos to throw around social media.
First up: Scream Park. Jerry and I had to break a tie of 68 points each.
First up: Scream Park. Jerry and I had to break a tie of 68 points each.
I rarely get a new phone. I try to run whatever I own into rags before thinking of getting a new one.
But this new phone auto-screens political spam texts. I wish I knew this sooner.
But this new phone auto-screens political spam texts. I wish I knew this sooner.
November 3, 2025 at 4:24 PM
I rarely get a new phone. I try to run whatever I own into rags before thinking of getting a new one.
But this new phone auto-screens political spam texts. I wish I knew this sooner.
But this new phone auto-screens political spam texts. I wish I knew this sooner.