Chris Lawrence
@chris.eternalstudios.com
Board game designer, creator of Coupon Clipper and Propaganda, and avid fan of TTRPGs and indie video games. He/him
🔗 https://chrislawrence.itch.io/propaganda
🔗 https://chrislawrence.itch.io/propaganda
Pinned
Of the titles I've played from the Indie Games Night Market, none are as abrasive or unusual as Propaganda, a game about subjective presentations of the truth. My review: spacebiff.com/2025/01/09/p...
Photograph of a Battlefield
Persistent readers will be well aware that I’ve been writing about some of the titles to come out of the recent Indie Games Night Market. Three of them, High Tide, Out of Sorts, and Torchlit,…
spacebiff.com
Dan wrote a great review of my game, check it out!
I'm happy to announce my next game, Tricked Out!
Tricked Out is a card game you play simultaneously alongside an existing trick-taker, with tricks scoring you points in Tricked Out and giving you special abilities.
I'll be selling it at Game Market Vegas at Dice Tower West, so come check it out!
Tricked Out is a card game you play simultaneously alongside an existing trick-taker, with tricks scoring you points in Tricked Out and giving you special abilities.
I'll be selling it at Game Market Vegas at Dice Tower West, so come check it out!
February 3, 2026 at 12:36 AM
I'm happy to announce my next game, Tricked Out!
Tricked Out is a card game you play simultaneously alongside an existing trick-taker, with tricks scoring you points in Tricked Out and giving you special abilities.
I'll be selling it at Game Market Vegas at Dice Tower West, so come check it out!
Tricked Out is a card game you play simultaneously alongside an existing trick-taker, with tricks scoring you points in Tricked Out and giving you special abilities.
I'll be selling it at Game Market Vegas at Dice Tower West, so come check it out!
As an interesting aside, I think alpha gaming tends to crop up when players are bored.
If you've played a lot of games it's relatively easy to figure out the "perfect" move for everyone in Pandemic. So when players make a different move or take time to make a decision, it's frustrating.
If you've played a lot of games it's relatively easy to figure out the "perfect" move for everyone in Pandemic. So when players make a different move or take time to make a decision, it's frustrating.
I want to see designers avoid designing against "alpha-gaming." It limits creativity and innovation in what games could be.
At it's heart, alpha-gaming is a PERSON problem, not a game problem.
The best comparison I've heard is cheating. Not many games are designed to prevent cheating?
At it's heart, alpha-gaming is a PERSON problem, not a game problem.
The best comparison I've heard is cheating. Not many games are designed to prevent cheating?
February 1, 2026 at 10:55 PM
As an interesting aside, I think alpha gaming tends to crop up when players are bored.
If you've played a lot of games it's relatively easy to figure out the "perfect" move for everyone in Pandemic. So when players make a different move or take time to make a decision, it's frustrating.
If you've played a lot of games it's relatively easy to figure out the "perfect" move for everyone in Pandemic. So when players make a different move or take time to make a decision, it's frustrating.
Reposted by Chris Lawrence
Hey Game Designers!
A major board game publisher is looking for new dice games!
Contact Iello at [email protected]
A major board game publisher is looking for new dice games!
Contact Iello at [email protected]
February 1, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Hey Game Designers!
A major board game publisher is looking for new dice games!
Contact Iello at [email protected]
A major board game publisher is looking for new dice games!
Contact Iello at [email protected]
I 100% agree with this.
I think another part of the issue is in an RPG there's (generally) a GM who ultimately rules on everything. So people are okay thinking outside the box more. In a board game people expect rules to be thorough and unambiguous, so potential creativity gets stifled early on.
I think another part of the issue is in an RPG there's (generally) a GM who ultimately rules on everything. So people are okay thinking outside the box more. In a board game people expect rules to be thorough and unambiguous, so potential creativity gets stifled early on.
One thing about the world of indie RPGs, that I wish could magically migrate over to Board Games: all the weird punk-rock indie projects that are hugely wild swings. Games powered by 3 parts vibes to 2 parts “this could be a prank”. It’s a very specific vibe that few board games have.
January 28, 2026 at 7:32 AM
I 100% agree with this.
I think another part of the issue is in an RPG there's (generally) a GM who ultimately rules on everything. So people are okay thinking outside the box more. In a board game people expect rules to be thorough and unambiguous, so potential creativity gets stifled early on.
I think another part of the issue is in an RPG there's (generally) a GM who ultimately rules on everything. So people are okay thinking outside the box more. In a board game people expect rules to be thorough and unambiguous, so potential creativity gets stifled early on.
It is done. I've officially moved from Windows to Linux.
January 21, 2026 at 12:37 AM
It is done. I've officially moved from Windows to Linux.
Reposted by Chris Lawrence
To new & aspiring designers - the best way to approach a new design is almost always whatever gets it to the table the fastest.
Not sussing out every detail or balancing any of it ahead of time. Actually making & playing the game.
Not sussing out every detail or balancing any of it ahead of time. Actually making & playing the game.
January 19, 2026 at 7:37 PM
To new & aspiring designers - the best way to approach a new design is almost always whatever gets it to the table the fastest.
Not sussing out every detail or balancing any of it ahead of time. Actually making & playing the game.
Not sussing out every detail or balancing any of it ahead of time. Actually making & playing the game.
Got a chance to play @matthewdunstan.bsky.social's Happy Home last night! It's a sort of combination of a set collection game and a polyomino game, as you try to fill your house with the right pieces of furniture. It was fun, and felt very thematic.
(Ignore the fact my bathroom has 2 toilets.)
(Ignore the fact my bathroom has 2 toilets.)
January 17, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Got a chance to play @matthewdunstan.bsky.social's Happy Home last night! It's a sort of combination of a set collection game and a polyomino game, as you try to fill your house with the right pieces of furniture. It was fun, and felt very thematic.
(Ignore the fact my bathroom has 2 toilets.)
(Ignore the fact my bathroom has 2 toilets.)
New project coming.
January 16, 2026 at 1:54 AM
New project coming.
Post a game you remember playing that nobody else remembers
January 15, 2026 at 2:13 AM
Post a game you remember playing that nobody else remembers
Reposted by Chris Lawrence
i think i’m fully in on “the white house is run by thirtysomething chuds who think grand strategy games are real life”
January 14, 2026 at 11:33 PM
i think i’m fully in on “the white house is run by thirtysomething chuds who think grand strategy games are real life”
The D.I.C.E. awards just announced their finalists. I hesitate to rag on video game awards too much but it is nuts to me how many of the nomination categories pull from the same 6-7 games, and just list them in a slightly different order.
January 9, 2026 at 1:11 AM
The D.I.C.E. awards just announced their finalists. I hesitate to rag on video game awards too much but it is nuts to me how many of the nomination categories pull from the same 6-7 games, and just list them in a slightly different order.
I remember when Putin invaded Ukraine being blown away how a world leader would just treat geopolitics like a game of fucking Civilization, like a thing you "win".
And boy it sucks to be thinking that for a second time.
And boy it sucks to be thinking that for a second time.
January 3, 2026 at 4:47 PM
I remember when Putin invaded Ukraine being blown away how a world leader would just treat geopolitics like a game of fucking Civilization, like a thing you "win".
And boy it sucks to be thinking that for a second time.
And boy it sucks to be thinking that for a second time.
Reposted by Chris Lawrence
Took some time to unpack a few thoughts on Expedition 33.
Watching what I thought was a "pretty good" game get transformed into A Cultural Object has been disheartening.
So I have some thoughts on glitz, glamour, and respectability...
transgamerthoughts.com/post/8027631...
Watching what I thought was a "pretty good" game get transformed into A Cultural Object has been disheartening.
So I have some thoughts on glitz, glamour, and respectability...
transgamerthoughts.com/post/8027631...
The Attempt To Escape From Pain Creates More Pain
Lord forgive me, I'm blogging. I can't help it! Many years ago, I got some advice from a writer who I deeply respect, James Howell, and he told me that criticism needs to proceed confidently. Don't...
transgamerthoughts.com
December 12, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Took some time to unpack a few thoughts on Expedition 33.
Watching what I thought was a "pretty good" game get transformed into A Cultural Object has been disheartening.
So I have some thoughts on glitz, glamour, and respectability...
transgamerthoughts.com/post/8027631...
Watching what I thought was a "pretty good" game get transformed into A Cultural Object has been disheartening.
So I have some thoughts on glitz, glamour, and respectability...
transgamerthoughts.com/post/8027631...
Reposted by Chris Lawrence
We got to play This is Not a Game About a Pipe at BGG.CON thanks to @wericmartin.bsky.social. Fell in love right away so we frantically texted friends who’d be at PAXU, where it was being sold. Thanks to @panda8ngel.bsky.social and Jon H for nabbing four copies for [email protected]
December 10, 2025 at 11:26 PM
We got to play This is Not a Game About a Pipe at BGG.CON thanks to @wericmartin.bsky.social. Fell in love right away so we frantically texted friends who’d be at PAXU, where it was being sold. Thanks to @panda8ngel.bsky.social and Jon H for nabbing four copies for [email protected]
I remember in Dan's review he talked about how Superpowers often have alternative motives in helping smaller nations, and I'm really happy how Taylor's board took that idea and ran with it.
The Oil giving Superpowers an alternative consideration really does a good job in mixing up the game.
The Oil giving Superpowers an alternative consideration really does a good job in mixing up the game.
I was very excited when Chris asked if I wanted to make a new map for Propaganda.
Giving the Superpower players unique incentives was a fun puzzle to solve, and really makes me care as a Superpower. It also grounds the game as the Superpowers want to help the side that has the most Oil!
Giving the Superpower players unique incentives was a fun puzzle to solve, and really makes me care as a Superpower. It also grounds the game as the Superpowers want to help the side that has the most Oil!
The expansion includes several new boards, including one by Taylor Shuss (@drawnonward.bsky.social) and one by Neil Kimball (@neilk-design.bsky.social), and a few new cards that you can shuffle in.
I also made sure that all the expansion stuff would be pretty painless to print out and add.
I also made sure that all the expansion stuff would be pretty painless to print out and add.
December 9, 2025 at 3:00 AM
I remember in Dan's review he talked about how Superpowers often have alternative motives in helping smaller nations, and I'm really happy how Taylor's board took that idea and ran with it.
The Oil giving Superpowers an alternative consideration really does a good job in mixing up the game.
The Oil giving Superpowers an alternative consideration really does a good job in mixing up the game.
In honor of the one year-ish anniversary of the IGNM, and by extension the one year anniversary of Propaganda, I've decided to release an expansion for Propaganda!
If you didn't get a chance to grab a physical copy it also includes everything in the base version.
chrislawrence.itch.io/propaganda
If you didn't get a chance to grab a physical copy it also includes everything in the base version.
chrislawrence.itch.io/propaganda
Propaganda: Print-and-Play by Chris Lawrence
Take cropped photos to convince the Superpowers you're the one who needs points.
chrislawrence.itch.io
December 9, 2025 at 1:32 AM
In honor of the one year-ish anniversary of the IGNM, and by extension the one year anniversary of Propaganda, I've decided to release an expansion for Propaganda!
If you didn't get a chance to grab a physical copy it also includes everything in the base version.
chrislawrence.itch.io/propaganda
If you didn't get a chance to grab a physical copy it also includes everything in the base version.
chrislawrence.itch.io/propaganda
I had a great (but tiring) time at PAX Unplugged this past weekend! I pretty much spent all of Friday and Saturday running around, and then all of Saturday night at the IGNM.
It was amazing seeing everything, and being able to meet so many cool people. Hopefully next year will be just as cool!
It was amazing seeing everything, and being able to meet so many cool people. Hopefully next year will be just as cool!
November 24, 2025 at 11:51 PM
I had a great (but tiring) time at PAX Unplugged this past weekend! I pretty much spent all of Friday and Saturday running around, and then all of Saturday night at the IGNM.
It was amazing seeing everything, and being able to meet so many cool people. Hopefully next year will be just as cool!
It was amazing seeing everything, and being able to meet so many cool people. Hopefully next year will be just as cool!
The Indie Games Night Market starts in an hour! Come grab a copy of Coupon Clipper and Fold & Fly from me and @drawnonward.bsky.social.
November 22, 2025 at 11:11 PM
The Indie Games Night Market starts in an hour! Come grab a copy of Coupon Clipper and Fold & Fly from me and @drawnonward.bsky.social.
Reposted by Chris Lawrence
✨ 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
Reposted by Chris Lawrence
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 19, 2025 at 3:56 PM
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: 🧵 🎲✂️
I've been doing a lot of printing.
November 19, 2025 at 12:44 AM
I've been doing a lot of printing.
Reposted by Chris Lawrence
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 6:59 PM
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...
I'm so glad Dan liked Coupon Clipper! (And I appreciate the six-year-old's sacrifice.)
I've also played Fold & Fly! a bunch of times and can vouch for it, it's great silly fun.
Both'll have copies sold at the IGNM this Saturday at PAXU. (And yes Coupon Clipper comes with scissors!)
I've also played Fold & Fly! a bunch of times and can vouch for it, it's great silly fun.
Both'll have copies sold at the IGNM this Saturday at PAXU. (And yes Coupon Clipper comes with scissors!)
Today I'm covering three more upcoming Indie Games Night Market titles! Fold & Fly!, Coupon Clipper, and Paper Pencil Stencil are all tactile treats. My reviews: spacebiff.com/2025/11/17/t...
Paper Planes, Coupons, Stencils
We’re only a few days away from the Indie Games Night Market at Pax Unplugged. Funny how time gets away from us. Don’t worry, that’s less a plaintive cry about my fading youth tha…
spacebiff.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:44 PM
I'm so glad Dan liked Coupon Clipper! (And I appreciate the six-year-old's sacrifice.)
I've also played Fold & Fly! a bunch of times and can vouch for it, it's great silly fun.
Both'll have copies sold at the IGNM this Saturday at PAXU. (And yes Coupon Clipper comes with scissors!)
I've also played Fold & Fly! a bunch of times and can vouch for it, it's great silly fun.
Both'll have copies sold at the IGNM this Saturday at PAXU. (And yes Coupon Clipper comes with scissors!)
Reposted by Chris Lawrence
Any rule in a board game can & will be missed or forgotten by someone. So increasingly when deciding whether to add a rule, I consider whether it "fails gracefully." If you forget that rule, does the whole game halt or break? Or does it continue functioning (albeit with a minor loss in quality)?
November 14, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Any rule in a board game can & will be missed or forgotten by someone. So increasingly when deciding whether to add a rule, I consider whether it "fails gracefully." If you forget that rule, does the whole game halt or break? Or does it continue functioning (albeit with a minor loss in quality)?
All of the scissors that are going to go into copies of Coupon Clipper!
It's worth noting all of the blades are less than 4 inches, so all of the scissors are carry-on safe.
It's worth noting all of the blades are less than 4 inches, so all of the scissors are carry-on safe.
November 14, 2025 at 1:47 AM
All of the scissors that are going to go into copies of Coupon Clipper!
It's worth noting all of the blades are less than 4 inches, so all of the scissors are carry-on safe.
It's worth noting all of the blades are less than 4 inches, so all of the scissors are carry-on safe.