iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

I seem to have made the line up for the Tabletop Gaming World Cup 😂. This is pretty cool. I've never played football in my life, but if I did, this is the team I'd want to be on! www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/features/wor...

tabletopgaming.co.uk

Tabletop Gaming - Tabletop Gaming World Cup: Game Designers Starting XI

Ever wondered who’d take to the pitch at a World Cup tournament featuring the best and brightest tabletop designers? Wonder no more as we pick our ultimate squad!

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Osprey Games 🎲 @ospreygames.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

We've shared the Threaded design diary from designer @thedarkimp.bsky.social over on our website blog 😍 Learn the story of how this crafty worker-placement game came to life: bit.ly/4sWIZqO 🧵 Available now 🪡 bit.ly/4nOJ9iz

An image with the box of the board game Threaded against a blue patterned background and wrapped in a ribbon of stitched bargello embroidery matching the cover design in the same, blue, pink, yellow and green colours. Below text reads: "2-5 Players | Worker-Placement | 45min"

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Osprey Games 🎲 @ospreygames.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Threaded designed by @thedarkimp.bsky.social is out today! 🧵🐱 Establish a thriving needlecraft studio by designing and stitching your own gorgeous bargello embroidery in this crafty worker placement game... ▶️ Pick up your copy now: bit.ly/4nOJ9iz

A photo of the game components of Threaded laid out in front of the box. There are various different small cardboard boards with different wooden pieces on them, and one with a 3D cardboard cube tower. The rulebook and a sticker sheet are to one side, alongside a cloth bag and small wooden cubes in bright colours.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

My Designer Diary for Threaded (from @ospreygames.bsky.social) is now on BGG. boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...

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Osprey Games 🎲 @ospreygames.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

🧵 In our crafty worker-placement board game Threaded from @thedarkimp.bsky.social, establish a thriving needlecraft studio! Acquire equipment cards, gather your thread cubes, take on commissions to earn points, and create stunning canvases... 23 April UK // 21 April US // bit.ly/4nOJ9iz

A photo of components from the board game Threaded: a player board with various slots for equipment cards, wooden thread and assistant cubes, and tapestry cards. All around are scattered illustrated commission cards and more wooden cubes in different colours.

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Osprey Games 🎲 @ospreygames.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

🧵 Create brilliant bargello embroidery in this crafty worker-placement game from @thedarkimp.bsky.social! Hunt for the perfect thread, fulfil intricate commissions, seek out artisan equipment, and create stunning canvases. 23rd April 2026 // 21st April 2026: bit.ly/4nOJ9iz

A photo of the box for the board game Threaded on a table, surrounded by wooden cubes from the game, and balls of thread.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

New game! Threaded from Osprey... Gorgeous art, cube tower, mini craft kit? I mean come on!

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Working on a new game. It's got a nice drafting mechanism and a satisfying tile placement puzzle, but the economy is totally broken.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Who's going to London Toy Fair next week?

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

Great to see some love for our Jane Austen Game @mandelafg.bsky.social

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

This time on BTC, I talk to @chrisbacke.bsky.social about how game designers can make use of digital tools. Chris shares his go-to programs for virtual playtesting, insights into TTS and the pros and cons of testing games online versus in person. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

New BTC episode! I talk to Chrissy Fagerholt about Chrissy’s approach to social media, balancing authenticity with strategy, and the importance of sharing both successes and failures online. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Ross 💙🎲 MoreGamesPlease @moregamesplease.com · 21/10/2025

A huge thanks to @thedarkimp.bsky.social for this wonderful chat about board game visuals and publishing. Grab a coffee and go have a listen.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

New BTC podcast! I talk to Ross Connell about the vital role of art and marketing in game design—from how visuals shape a game’s identity to what publishers expect when reviewing a pitch. Find out how art and marketing can make your games stand out. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Mandela F-G @mandelafg.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

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 · 07/10/2025

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 · 03/10/2025

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 · 27/09/2025

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 · 11/09/2025

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 · 08/09/2025

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 · 25/08/2025

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 · 20/08/2025

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 · 17/08/2025

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 · 21/07/2025

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 · 14/07/2025

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...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

I'm thrilled to be a finalist in the WIT Wonder Woman Awards. An honour! I'm nominated in the Designer/Inventor Independent category. I'm in terrific company. How brilliant! Here's a link to all the finalists: www.womenintoys.com/nominees

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Danielle Reynolds 🏳️‍🌈 🔜 UNPUB Festival & GAMA Expo @tokengaymer.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

@thedarkimp.bsky.social did a great job interviewing me about the art of pitching tabletop games. I talk about my process, the essential skills designers need, and how to approach pitching materials. Enjoy! thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

I'm so excited to receive copies of my new game - Early Bird - published by the wonderful folk at Hootenanny Games! Early Bird is a fast, frenzied family game. There's even a very cute worm in the box! Another one to add to the shelf :)

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

If you've never designed a game but are keen to try - perhaps this article will help. Today I've been writing about "First steps in board game design". I'd also love it if experienced designers have other tips for people who'd like to get started. www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/06...

thedarkimp.com

First steps in game design - The Dark Imp

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

In the latest episode of Behind the Cardboard I talk to Danielle Reynolds about Preparing for Pitches. Danielle shares what draws her to the process, the essential skills designers need, how to approach pitch decks and avoiding common prep mistakes. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Enjoying a Shirley Temple in between playtest sessions in a very sunny Southbank. Love my job 😍

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Here's a new episode of my Behind the Cardboard podcast. In the episode I talk to Dave Neale - designer of Perspectives, Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective and Animals of Baker St - about finding a publisher for your game. Do have a listen! thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

The latest episode of Behind the Cardboard has landed. In the show I talk to Isaac Vega about self-publishing. We look at both the struggles and the benefits of self-publishing. We also talk about collaboration and managing time and energy. Have a listen! thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Today I've been writing about designing games around a single mechanic. I look at why you might want to design single-mechanic games, how to choose the right mechanic and ways to experiment with mechanics. I also cover some common pitfalls to avoid. www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/05...

thedarkimp.com

Designing games with a single mechanic - The Dark Imp

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

I've just received my copies of my new game Karate Grannies from @outsetgames.bsky.social. It's looking absolutely fabulous. In this game you have to collect all of granny's favourite things - through fair means... or karate! Bring your mojo to the dojo.

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Ludology Podcast @ludologypod.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

🎲✂️ *New Episode* @senfoonglim.bsky.social and @ericabouyouris.bsky.social talk with @thedarkimp.bsky.social about her work in making corporate games. Ellie describes her process when designing games for corporate training or to improve brand recognition. ludology.libsyn.com/ludology-340...

ludology.libsyn.com

Ludology

Welcome to Ludology, an analytical discussion of the how’s and why’s of the world of board games. Rather than news and reviews, Ludology explores a variety of topics about games from a wider lens, as ...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

A new episode of BTC is here. Richard Heayes & I discuss trademarking, idea infringement, and the benefits of freely sharing your ideas. We cover trademark law, submission portals, sharing designs & why the game design community should remains free. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

I enjoyed doing this. Do have a listen. 🤩

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

A new episode of Behind the Cardboard landed last week - I'm late to share it. In the show I talk to my co-designer @mandelafg.bsky.social about co-designing! We cover the benefits & process of co-design, co-design challenges and how to get a co-designer. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

How much do you charge for your work and expertise as a game designer? It can be difficult to set prices... so here are some tips that might help. Spoiler: Focus on your worth, not their budget. www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/04...

thedarkimp.com

How much are you worth - The Dark Imp

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Had a great day today. Love working with brilliant co-designers ❤️

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

I designed a game called Adventures in Friskies World for Purina. It's not often that you get flown across the Atlantic for a launch event... complete with visiting cats, crazy well-know influencers and life-size game components, or that your game gets an article in Cosmopolitan. Quite surreal.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

I co-run the London Friday Daytime Playtest UK group. It's always a very happy and buzzy day. We are blessed with a brilliant group of regulars, lots of visitors and a wonderful venue (The National Theatre). Fridays truly are the best day. This Ellen-style selfie is from yesterday's playtest.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

The latest episode of my podcast - Behind the Cardboard - has landed. In the show I talk to the wonderful Rikki Tahta about the benefits of being part of a community of game designers. I'd love you to have a listen. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

"You are who Google says you are". At least to people who are searching for you online. Are you happy with what they will find? Here are my top four tips for board game designers for online visibility. www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/04...

thedarkimp.com

You are who Google says you are - The Dark Imp

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

I've just received my copies of my new game Roughly, from Laurence King Publishing. In this game players estimate one thing in terms of another. How high is the Eiffel Tower... in male ostriches?

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

There's a new episode of my podcast - Behind the Cardboard. In this episode I talk to @scottrogers.bsky.social about prototyping. We discuss how to build the prototype for a game & what makes a prototype attractive for publishers. thegamedesignroundtable.com/episode/btc-...

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Senet magazine @senetmagazine.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

ICYMI: Our 5th birthday issue is out now, featuring interviews with Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social and Jeremy Nguyen @jeremywins.bsky.social, plus a roundup of our fave games since we launched! (Cover art by Nick Newman.) Go to senetmagazine.com to order your copy. #boardgamesarebeautiful

The cover of Senet's Spring 2025 issue, featuring the magazine's mascot "Nubie", created by artist Nick Newman.

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Ellie Dix @thedarkimp.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Here are 8 mistakes to avoid when designing family board games. Do you have others to add to the list? Let me know! www.thedarkimp.com/blog/2025/03...

thedarkimp.com

Mistakes to avoid when designing family games - The Dark Imp

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