Matthew Dunstan
@matthewdunstan.bsky.social
Australian game designer and former research chemist. One half of Postmark Games. Expect science and game based posts! He/him.
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewDunstan
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewDunstan
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
Pandemic creator Matt Leacock on fighting for designers’ rights, working with developers effectively and his publisher ‘pet peeves’:
boardgamewire.com/index.php/20...
@mattleacock.bsky.social
boardgamewire.com/index.php/20...
@mattleacock.bsky.social
February 11, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Pandemic creator Matt Leacock on fighting for designers’ rights, working with developers effectively and his publisher ‘pet peeves’:
boardgamewire.com/index.php/20...
@mattleacock.bsky.social
boardgamewire.com/index.php/20...
@mattleacock.bsky.social
Does the world of Youtube education feel a lot like a Pyramid scheme? The moment any creator in the space gets a bit of traction, they immediately launch a course to teach others. Often these are so expensive the only way for those who get the course is to then set up courses themselves! And so on.
February 11, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Does the world of Youtube education feel a lot like a Pyramid scheme? The moment any creator in the space gets a bit of traction, they immediately launch a course to teach others. Often these are so expensive the only way for those who get the course is to then set up courses themselves! And so on.
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
No one should be creating partnerships with HP at this point given the ways JK Rowling is spending her money to actively harm our trans friends.
Hopefully Avalon Hill, a game studio within Hasbro, will steer free of this nonsense. I'll reach out to them and put in my 2 cents.
Hopefully Avalon Hill, a game studio within Hasbro, will steer free of this nonsense. I'll reach out to them and put in my 2 cents.
February 10, 2026 at 6:18 PM
No one should be creating partnerships with HP at this point given the ways JK Rowling is spending her money to actively harm our trans friends.
Hopefully Avalon Hill, a game studio within Hasbro, will steer free of this nonsense. I'll reach out to them and put in my 2 cents.
Hopefully Avalon Hill, a game studio within Hasbro, will steer free of this nonsense. I'll reach out to them and put in my 2 cents.
Today I delve into the topic of balance in games, and discuss why there might be some much more important things to do than optimising for a perfectly balanced game. I also look at feelings that players might ascribe to imbalance, but that are actually caused elsewhere.
youtu.be/7fpbTsZI3EI
🎲✂️
youtu.be/7fpbTsZI3EI
🎲✂️
Game balance is overrated - do this instead
YouTube video by Matthew Dunstan
youtu.be
February 9, 2026 at 8:19 AM
Today I delve into the topic of balance in games, and discuss why there might be some much more important things to do than optimising for a perfectly balanced game. I also look at feelings that players might ascribe to imbalance, but that are actually caused elsewhere.
youtu.be/7fpbTsZI3EI
🎲✂️
youtu.be/7fpbTsZI3EI
🎲✂️
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
I've wrapped up 11/25 reviews in @cardboardedison.com contest judging, and I'll add to @jeffgrisenthwaite.bsky.social's running list of 🎲✂️ advice with my own:
SHOW, don't just tell.
Yes, give an overview of the game and mechanics.
Yes, give me the vibes.
Then walk me through a turn and
1/▶️
SHOW, don't just tell.
Yes, give an overview of the game and mechanics.
Yes, give me the vibes.
Then walk me through a turn and
1/▶️
February 8, 2026 at 3:02 AM
I've wrapped up 11/25 reviews in @cardboardedison.com contest judging, and I'll add to @jeffgrisenthwaite.bsky.social's running list of 🎲✂️ advice with my own:
SHOW, don't just tell.
Yes, give an overview of the game and mechanics.
Yes, give me the vibes.
Then walk me through a turn and
1/▶️
SHOW, don't just tell.
Yes, give an overview of the game and mechanics.
Yes, give me the vibes.
Then walk me through a turn and
1/▶️
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
Today's 🎲✂️ observation after judging 10 @cardboardedison.com entries:
Strive for high coherence across your components, mechanics, and theme.
When all 3 align, the mechanics are easier to learn, it's satisfying to use the components, and players feel immersed in the world.
Strive for high coherence across your components, mechanics, and theme.
When all 3 align, the mechanics are easier to learn, it's satisfying to use the components, and players feel immersed in the world.
February 4, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Today's 🎲✂️ observation after judging 10 @cardboardedison.com entries:
Strive for high coherence across your components, mechanics, and theme.
When all 3 align, the mechanics are easier to learn, it's satisfying to use the components, and players feel immersed in the world.
Strive for high coherence across your components, mechanics, and theme.
When all 3 align, the mechanics are easier to learn, it's satisfying to use the components, and players feel immersed in the world.
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
I'm a judge for Cardboard Edison this year. After every 5 entries that I review, I'll post an observation. Here's the first:
Get specific with your theme. Set your game in a particular time, place, and/or culture (which may be fictional) and give it an overarching tone.
Get specific with your theme. Set your game in a particular time, place, and/or culture (which may be fictional) and give it an overarching tone.
February 3, 2026 at 5:39 PM
I'm a judge for Cardboard Edison this year. After every 5 entries that I review, I'll post an observation. Here's the first:
Get specific with your theme. Set your game in a particular time, place, and/or culture (which may be fictional) and give it an overarching tone.
Get specific with your theme. Set your game in a particular time, place, and/or culture (which may be fictional) and give it an overarching tone.
No video today as I've just finished moving house...
In the meantime, if you have a topic for a video you would like me to cover, let me know!
In the meantime, if you have a topic for a video you would like me to cover, let me know!
February 2, 2026 at 6:28 AM
No video today as I've just finished moving house...
In the meantime, if you have a topic for a video you would like me to cover, let me know!
In the meantime, if you have a topic for a video you would like me to cover, let me know!
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
Lessons Learned from Making Seventeen Board Games
A talk I gave for @graemedevine.com's Game Design class at California State University, Monterey Bay
🎲✂️
A talk I gave for @graemedevine.com's Game Design class at California State University, Monterey Bay
🎲✂️
Mike Berg - We Heart Games Talk at CSUMB
YouTube video by Graeme Devine
www.youtube.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Lessons Learned from Making Seventeen Board Games
A talk I gave for @graemedevine.com's Game Design class at California State University, Monterey Bay
🎲✂️
A talk I gave for @graemedevine.com's Game Design class at California State University, Monterey Bay
🎲✂️
In this week's video, I answer game design questions from my viewers, including how to stay motivated with a design, pros and cons of self publishing, and why I don't design complex games.
youtu.be/dDHXlHvcAEU
🎲✂️
youtu.be/dDHXlHvcAEU
🎲✂️
Considering component cost, motivation & self-publishing | Ask Matthew
YouTube video by Matthew Dunstan
youtu.be
January 26, 2026 at 7:51 AM
In this week's video, I answer game design questions from my viewers, including how to stay motivated with a design, pros and cons of self publishing, and why I don't design complex games.
youtu.be/dDHXlHvcAEU
🎲✂️
youtu.be/dDHXlHvcAEU
🎲✂️
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
It’s incredible how the supposed center of the industry chooses to celebrate games with such um…. *challenging* histories in their “hall of fame”…
We should be celebrating the people who make games first. We already talk about games enough with our celebrations of the industry.
We should be celebrating the people who make games first. We already talk about games enough with our celebrations of the industry.
Given the history of transphobic takes and enthusiastic embrace of AI generated illustrations, it's enormously disappointing to see @boardgamegeek.com celebrate and reward the work of FryxGames in their Hall of Fame.
January 24, 2026 at 2:07 AM
It’s incredible how the supposed center of the industry chooses to celebrate games with such um…. *challenging* histories in their “hall of fame”…
We should be celebrating the people who make games first. We already talk about games enough with our celebrations of the industry.
We should be celebrating the people who make games first. We already talk about games enough with our celebrations of the industry.
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
All I’m saying about the BGG Hall of Fame discussion is:
They could have picked Wingspan, a great game by a wonderful person, and had the side benefit of finally not having the HoF be all dude-designed games
But instead they went with a big slog designed by a bigoted dude.
That’s a choice.
They could have picked Wingspan, a great game by a wonderful person, and had the side benefit of finally not having the HoF be all dude-designed games
But instead they went with a big slog designed by a bigoted dude.
That’s a choice.
January 24, 2026 at 2:15 PM
All I’m saying about the BGG Hall of Fame discussion is:
They could have picked Wingspan, a great game by a wonderful person, and had the side benefit of finally not having the HoF be all dude-designed games
But instead they went with a big slog designed by a bigoted dude.
That’s a choice.
They could have picked Wingspan, a great game by a wonderful person, and had the side benefit of finally not having the HoF be all dude-designed games
But instead they went with a big slog designed by a bigoted dude.
That’s a choice.
@boardgamegeek.com For an award you say acknowledges artistry, why are you choosing to highlight a game:
- That uses AI art (which surely is anti-artistry if anything)
- Designed by a person whose transphobic views have no place in our industry (artist = artistry)
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
- That uses AI art (which surely is anti-artistry if anything)
- Designed by a person whose transphobic views have no place in our industry (artist = artistry)
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
The BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame 2026 - Day 5 Inductee | BoardGameGeek News
boardgamegeek.com
January 24, 2026 at 7:55 PM
@boardgamegeek.com For an award you say acknowledges artistry, why are you choosing to highlight a game:
- That uses AI art (which surely is anti-artistry if anything)
- Designed by a person whose transphobic views have no place in our industry (artist = artistry)
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
- That uses AI art (which surely is anti-artistry if anything)
- Designed by a person whose transphobic views have no place in our industry (artist = artistry)
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
Today's video is about approaching game design in a new way - trying to design a bad game from the start!
youtu.be/wj3IZtxw_PI
🎲✂️
youtu.be/wj3IZtxw_PI
🎲✂️
Stop trying to design good games
YouTube video by Matthew Dunstan
youtu.be
January 19, 2026 at 10:47 AM
Today's video is about approaching game design in a new way - trying to design a bad game from the start!
youtu.be/wj3IZtxw_PI
🎲✂️
youtu.be/wj3IZtxw_PI
🎲✂️
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
HEY BOARD GAME DESIGNERS! We're updating our reports on publishing contracts! If you've signed a game with a publisher in the past 5 years, let us know (our Gmail is our name) and we'll send you the anonymous survey. See our past reports here: cardboardedison.com/reports And please spread the word!
January 17, 2026 at 7:21 PM
HEY BOARD GAME DESIGNERS! We're updating our reports on publishing contracts! If you've signed a game with a publisher in the past 5 years, let us know (our Gmail is our name) and we'll send you the anonymous survey. See our past reports here: cardboardedison.com/reports And please spread the word!
My Melbourne Lego #Brickvention haul - some amazing pieces to add to the collection! #90s #vintage #pirates #adventurers
January 17, 2026 at 5:19 AM
My Melbourne Lego #Brickvention haul - some amazing pieces to add to the collection! #90s #vintage #pirates #adventurers
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
THREE WEEKS LEFT to get your board game design submitted to the 2026 Cardboard Edison Award! cardboardedison.com/award
January 11, 2026 at 8:44 PM
THREE WEEKS LEFT to get your board game design submitted to the 2026 Cardboard Edison Award! cardboardedison.com/award
In my first video of 2026, I look at what to do if you're stuck trying to design your first game, and what types of games are best to try first.
youtu.be/TbhiLMrE3Ig
🎲✂️
youtu.be/TbhiLMrE3Ig
🎲✂️
Stuck trying to design your first game? Watch this.
YouTube video by Matthew Dunstan
youtu.be
January 12, 2026 at 7:21 AM
In my first video of 2026, I look at what to do if you're stuck trying to design your first game, and what types of games are best to try first.
youtu.be/TbhiLMrE3Ig
🎲✂️
youtu.be/TbhiLMrE3Ig
🎲✂️
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
JUST ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL.
These guys are so genuinely curious and open and kind. Love how they talk with the servers/owners and pull out their stories and enjoy the food (and drink).
I just watched every ep (there's only 8 so far) and am headed back to re-watch Bhutan now.
These guys are so genuinely curious and open and kind. Love how they talk with the servers/owners and pull out their stories and enjoy the food (and drink).
I just watched every ep (there's only 8 so far) and am headed back to re-watch Bhutan now.
Best TikTok thing going is the two dudes trying food from every country without leaving NYC. If you haven’t seen them yet, it’s incredible. My favorite so far is last week’s. Legit got me emotional.
January 9, 2026 at 4:30 AM
JUST ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL.
These guys are so genuinely curious and open and kind. Love how they talk with the servers/owners and pull out their stories and enjoy the food (and drink).
I just watched every ep (there's only 8 so far) and am headed back to re-watch Bhutan now.
These guys are so genuinely curious and open and kind. Love how they talk with the servers/owners and pull out their stories and enjoy the food (and drink).
I just watched every ep (there's only 8 so far) and am headed back to re-watch Bhutan now.
Happy 2026 everyone! I'm starting to work on new game design videos for the year, and I'd love to hear from you!
Do you have a topic you would like me to cover, or a question you want me to answer?
Let me know and I will either make standalone videos for them, or include them in a Q and A video :)
Do you have a topic you would like me to cover, or a question you want me to answer?
Let me know and I will either make standalone videos for them, or include them in a Q and A video :)
January 9, 2026 at 2:43 AM
Happy 2026 everyone! I'm starting to work on new game design videos for the year, and I'd love to hear from you!
Do you have a topic you would like me to cover, or a question you want me to answer?
Let me know and I will either make standalone videos for them, or include them in a Q and A video :)
Do you have a topic you would like me to cover, or a question you want me to answer?
Let me know and I will either make standalone videos for them, or include them in a Q and A video :)
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
Here's a look back at my game design journey in 2025. Happy new year!
Peter McPherson - News
2025 Wrap-up and Looking Ahead
www.petermcpherson.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Here's a look back at my game design journey in 2025. Happy new year!
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
The PnP Bundle Contest is seeking print-and-play games that will be included in a crowdfunded bundle. Deadline: February 7. Prize: Royalties on crowdfunding sales. pnpbundle.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:07 AM
The PnP Bundle Contest is seeking print-and-play games that will be included in a crowdfunded bundle. Deadline: February 7. Prize: Royalties on crowdfunding sales. pnpbundle.com
I am so appreciative of any designer that is so open and transparent about the financial side of designing - thank you Clarence! Definitely give the thread a read and see what it is like in the industry.
It's time for a 2025 Retrospective on my board game design journey! Read along for some insight (including some detailed numbers) into a semi-professional who makes money from design, but not quite enough to be a full-time job that supports a family. 🧵
a happy new year greeting card for 2025
ALT: a happy new year greeting card for 2025
media.tenor.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:31 AM
I am so appreciative of any designer that is so open and transparent about the financial side of designing - thank you Clarence! Definitely give the thread a read and see what it is like in the industry.
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
It's time for a 2025 Retrospective on my board game design journey! Read along for some insight (including some detailed numbers) into a semi-professional who makes money from design, but not quite enough to be a full-time job that supports a family. 🧵
a happy new year greeting card for 2025
ALT: a happy new year greeting card for 2025
media.tenor.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:07 AM
It's time for a 2025 Retrospective on my board game design journey! Read along for some insight (including some detailed numbers) into a semi-professional who makes money from design, but not quite enough to be a full-time job that supports a family. 🧵
Reposted by Matthew Dunstan
If players touch the pieces too much in a game, it'll often feel fiddly.
It'll also add cognitive burden: using our hands requires surprising brain power (I was once a neurobiologist).
Protip: count touches-per-turn in tests
🎲✂️(1/4)
It'll also add cognitive burden: using our hands requires surprising brain power (I was once a neurobiologist).
Protip: count touches-per-turn in tests
🎲✂️(1/4)
January 4, 2026 at 5:07 PM
If players touch the pieces too much in a game, it'll often feel fiddly.
It'll also add cognitive burden: using our hands requires surprising brain power (I was once a neurobiologist).
Protip: count touches-per-turn in tests
🎲✂️(1/4)
It'll also add cognitive burden: using our hands requires surprising brain power (I was once a neurobiologist).
Protip: count touches-per-turn in tests
🎲✂️(1/4)