Thanks so much for this conversation, Gabe! If anyone has any questions for me about what Gabe and I discussed, feel free to reply to this comment so I can get an alert and respond promptly. :)
Hi Jamey. Firstly, thanks to both of you for doing this interview, it's great to get an insight into the industry from those who have been there and done it. One question I have (for both of you really) is: I've found that I move my time between ideas and I have a few games in various stages of development, which from hearing other developers talk is quite normal. What I'd be interested in asking you is: Does there come a time in the process when you should focus on just one design? And if so, how have you motivated yourselves to stick with it, especially if you have a mechanic or other design aspect that you just can't seem to get right?
@@saxongames895 My pleasure! I like these questions. I always try to have two games in the works at the same time, ideally at different stages. That way if I do get stuck on one (your second question), you can let the problem bounce around while you switch over to the other game for a little while. Also, when I get stuck, I often find that a good time to refresh the research process (play other games with similar mechanisms or learn about them) to see how other designers have solved the same problem.
Really good to see this back up and running! This topic really speaks to me as I am venturing into publishing. Starting small (began with print on demand) and want to be wise about my decisions. Looked at many options and ultimately chose to bypass the crowdfunding. Would be great if either of you can take a look at my project and give your insights 🙏
Great talk. Kind of a strange question….what camera are you using? I am starting a TH-cam channel to celebrate game design and illustration but hate how old my camera makes me look. In all fairness it’s not the camera’s fault. I’m 62. You are quite a bit younger than me but the soft focus of your setup gives me hope. Thanks.
Wow, your humanity and advice is so rare, i salute you!! I have been afraid to start my game design yourney for 17 years. And i believe you just pushed me over the edge! Hats off, i wish you all the best and success!
Great talk. Love to design games and create the art, but find the business side intimidating. Whenever I start thinking of monetizing my craft I seize up and my creativity dries up. I appreciate your thoghtful and inspiring videos and will use them to overcome the obstacles I have been creating for myself.
A lot of great information here. Gabe, when you described how creativity is pulled from us, I think you really hit the mark. I think it ties in with the fear of failing. It is easier to laugh at creative things and call it “kid stuff” than to put it out there, and see what happens. Funny thing is, the older I get, the less I care about being laughed at. 😎
Being a talented artist isn't the same as being an artist who makes things that people are willing to pay money for. There are things that you look at and impulsively desire and want to buy. Then there are things that you look at with a sense of awe or respect for but don't have the desire to own or purchase (or can't afford the cost the artist is asking). The 'artist's artist' doesn't always make money and desirability isn't just about artistic talent.
The key to any campaign or retail sales package! Offer add ons and pre order bonuses. Creating levels in the sales process is key to increasing sales. It’s the economy stupid. Let’s say you offered a pre order promo: offer 3 promos and let them choose one, give them the free promo at the time of the pre order, (when paying for the pre-order), offer the other two promos for upgraded components and expansion pre order at the date of pickup of the base game. At minimum you have to reinvest 70% of profits into the business.
Thank you for this video... It is extremely motivating and insightful. As I am currently working on my first game and hoping to release early 2024, I find these types of videos extremely helpful in every aspect - art, expectations, monetizing, asset management etc....
I have an idea I came up with for a board game. Sort of a game of thrones type idea. Not sure how to start cuz there are a lot of themes we want to throw in. It’s a game that I want and I’ve been looking for and can’t find. So we thought let’s just make one ourselves. Any ideas on where to start if anyone has ideas. Was just thinking take a piece of paper with some lego pieces as stand ins and just make up the rules (based on how we want the game to work) as we go
Hey Jamey! I have a question. I'm in the making of a boardgame since 2 years back and I've started to realise I might have to protect my product when I do boardgame testing with other people, including my friends. So I'm wondering, which ways can I do that? I'm starting my own boardgaming company in about 1-2 years but before that, is there any good way I can do it, protect my product?
I disagree with this conversation in principle even if its reality. People should expect to earn well if they create well. Why should a talented person create something people love but not expect a fair return from it. People should have to be a builder on the side to support themselves.
Thanks so much for this conversation, Gabe! If anyone has any questions for me about what Gabe and I discussed, feel free to reply to this comment so I can get an alert and respond promptly. :)
Hi Jamey. Firstly, thanks to both of you for doing this interview, it's great to get an insight into the industry from those who have been there and done it.
One question I have (for both of you really) is: I've found that I move my time between ideas and I have a few games in various stages of development, which from hearing other developers talk is quite normal. What I'd be interested in asking you is: Does there come a time in the process when you should focus on just one design? And if so, how have you motivated yourselves to stick with it, especially if you have a mechanic or other design aspect that you just can't seem to get right?
@@saxongames895 My pleasure! I like these questions. I always try to have two games in the works at the same time, ideally at different stages. That way if I do get stuck on one (your second question), you can let the problem bounce around while you switch over to the other game for a little while. Also, when I get stuck, I often find that a good time to refresh the research process (play other games with similar mechanisms or learn about them) to see how other designers have solved the same problem.
@Stonemaier Games thanks Jamey, great answers. 😀
Really good to see this back up and running!
This topic really speaks to me as I am venturing into publishing. Starting small (began with print on demand) and want to be wise about my decisions. Looked at many options and ultimately chose to bypass the crowdfunding. Would be great if either of you can take a look at my project and give your insights 🙏
Great talk. Kind of a strange question….what camera are you using? I am starting a TH-cam channel to celebrate game design and illustration but hate how old my camera makes me look. In all fairness it’s not the camera’s fault. I’m 62. You are quite a bit younger than me but the soft focus of your setup gives me hope. Thanks.
Awesome interview. Some really encouraging content for a new designer like myself. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
I'm glad you found it helpful. Lots more like this to come!
Wow, your humanity and advice is so rare, i salute you!! I have been afraid to start my game design yourney for 17 years. And i believe you just pushed me over the edge! Hats off, i wish you all the best and success!
Thank you both for sharing your insights and experiences with us all ❤
Thank you both for just being down to earth good people.
this was phenomenal. Thank you both sincerely
Great talk. Love to design games and create the art, but find the business side intimidating. Whenever I start thinking of monetizing my craft I seize up and my creativity dries up. I appreciate your thoghtful and inspiring videos and will use them to overcome the obstacles I have been creating for myself.
A lot of great information here. Gabe, when you described how creativity is pulled from us, I think you really hit the mark. I think it ties in with the fear of failing. It is easier to laugh at creative things and call it “kid stuff” than to put it out there, and see what happens. Funny thing is, the older I get, the less I care about being laughed at. 😎
Huge fan of this show. I listen all and enrich my life as boardgame designer
Very insightful interview! You two have inspired me over the last few years and this was a real treat to hear both of you 'talking shop'. THANKS!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Being a talented artist isn't the same as being an artist who makes things that people are willing to pay money for.
There are things that you look at and impulsively desire and want to buy. Then there are things that you look at with a sense of awe or respect for but don't have the desire to own or purchase (or can't afford the cost the artist is asking).
The 'artist's artist' doesn't always make money and desirability isn't just about artistic talent.
Another great addition to your channel of insight and optimism for table top designers. Thanks Jamey.
I'm working on making my first game (maybe my only game), and your videos have been such a great resource. Thank you very much.
Jamey is GOAT!
Wonderful! 2 voices of acquired wisdom through experience! Thank you so very much for letting us eavesdrop your conversation.
The key to any campaign or retail sales package! Offer add ons and pre order bonuses. Creating levels in the sales process is key to increasing sales. It’s the economy stupid. Let’s say you offered a pre order promo: offer 3 promos and let them choose one, give them the free promo at the time of the pre order, (when paying for the pre-order), offer the other two promos for upgraded components and expansion pre order at the date of pickup of the base game.
At minimum you have to reinvest 70% of profits into the business.
This is a great conversation!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Great intro! Definitely got me hooked in the first 45 seconds!
Ha, I thought that might reach out and grab people 😁
Thank you for this video... It is extremely motivating and insightful. As I am currently working on my first game and hoping to release early 2024, I find these types of videos extremely helpful in every aspect - art, expectations, monetizing, asset management etc....
Fantastic information here. Love the philosophical side of this.
Awesome BGDL new season, I was already finish listenning a second time the podcast... =)
Thank you, gentlemen. Some very good thoughts and reflections!
Really in detail conversation and some great viewpoints.
Loving the video format!
Glad to hear it!
Fantastic insights.🤘
Thanks a lot for this video.
I have an idea I came up with for a board game. Sort of a game of thrones type idea. Not sure how to start cuz there are a lot of themes we want to throw in. It’s a game that I want and I’ve been looking for and can’t find. So we thought let’s just make one ourselves. Any ideas on where to start if anyone has ideas. Was just thinking take a piece of paper with some lego pieces as stand ins and just make up the rules (based on how we want the game to work) as we go
Jamey trying to beat around the bush that he's a millionaire, lol.
Starting it back off right
YESSSSS!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
i wonder how you'd distribute a tcg...
Everything you do has an opportunity cost.
Hey Jamey! I have a question. I'm in the making of a boardgame since 2 years back and I've started to realise I might have to protect my product when I do boardgame testing with other people, including my friends. So I'm wondering, which ways can I do that? I'm starting my own boardgaming company in about 1-2 years but before that, is there any good way I can do it, protect my product?
I disagree with this conversation in principle even if its reality. People should expect to earn well if they create well. Why should a talented person create something people love but not expect a fair return from it. People should have to be a builder on the side to support themselves.