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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 13h

Are you coming to Essen? It would be good to see you.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 1d

Yes! And apparently now I can talk about it!

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Reposted by Ellie Dix

Mandela F-G @mandelafg.bsky.social · 2d

Co-design with @thedarkimp.bsky.social tested above. The man in the blue shirt leapt over the table to where I'm standing to grab a die and win the game. I had to catch him to soften the landing.

Not a metric I'd usually rely on, but it feels like a good sign for the game. Was a highlight for me.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 8d

Here's the link: thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

thegamedesignroundtable.com

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 8d

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...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 12d

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...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 18d

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...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Sep 12

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it

Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Sep 11

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-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Sep 8

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-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Aug 25

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-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Aug 20

I put them in features.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Aug 20

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.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Aug 17

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-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Aug 17

Glad you've found it useful.

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Reposted by Ellie Dix

Haole Boy Games 🔜 SpielMas @haoleboygames.com · Aug 16

Very helpful discussion about sell sheets by @thedarkimp.bsky.social and @fertessa.bsky.social 🎲✂️

BtC – Fertessa Allyse on Sell Sheets – The Game Design Roundtable

thegamedesignroundtable.com

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Jul 21

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-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · Jul 14

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...