The Game Crafter

10/30/2026

10/30/2026

The Game Makers Guild is New England’s largest group of indie board game designers, and its mission is simple: Make Games. Better. Whether you’re deep into your third prototype or just curious how game design works, they’ve built a welcoming place to learn and grow. That includes:

-An online community to share ideas and swap advice
-In-person playtesting events, where you can bring your game or help test someone else’s
-Curation, where you can get expert feedback on your design

Great games are made better by playtesters, feedback, and a community that cheers you on, and that’s what the Guild does. We’re thrilled to support them. The next one is a coming up, Saturday 11/7.

Curious? Learn more and join in: https://www.gamemakersguild.org/about

10/29/2026

Got a game in the works? Come play it with other gamers and designers!

Protospiel Madison is back Nov 13th-15th at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Madison, WI. It’s a weekend of tabletop game design, playtesting, and feedback from designers, publishers, and players.

Bring your prototype, from napkin sketch to nearly finished. Playtest other designers’ games and swap feedback. Play Mad Bingo for a prize from our sponsors. Meet other designers who know exactly what it’s like to rewrite the rulebook for the fifth time

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned designer, there’s a seat at the table for you.

Register at https://tabletop.events/conventions/protospiel-madison-2026

10/28/2026

Horizons Fellowship Applications Are Open Until November 6, 2026

The GAMA Horizons Fellowship is an eight-month accelerator program designed to support aspiring and emerging tabletop game publishers. Established by GAMA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the fellowship aims to expand opportunities and provide meaningful support for individuals from communities historically underrepresented in the tabletop gaming industry.

Apply at https://www.gama.org/page/Horizons

Now in its fifth year, the Horizons Fellowship connects participants with industry professionals who will serve as mentors and peer coaches, and will provide access to grants and resources essential to developing and sustaining successful business relationships. This year’s program will include travel and accommodations for GAMA Expo in Baltimore, MD from April 25-29, 2027.

10/27/2026

Cardboard Edison's latest reports on board game publishing contracts is out now. See what the current trends are, what to expect or what to ask for when signing with a publisher. https://cardboardedison.com/reports

10/19/2026

Heading to Protospiel Madison? Skip the shipping and pick up your order in person with will-call.

Where: Registration Desk where you claim your badgeWhen: Any day and time Protospiel is open.Order ready by: Wednesday Nov 11th, 2026Add Order Note: For Protospiel Madison Pick-UpAt checkout: Select Will-Call as your shipping methodAt pickup: Bring your order number & photo ID

When checking out, you need to ensure that the estimated ship date listed is on or before Nov 11th. Sooner is better. Anything that is not finished in time, will not be available for pickup. This may require Urgent Processing

Happy Gaming.

-The Game Crafter Team

10/07/2026

Did you know you can import your game from Tabletop Simulator into Playtest Parlor?

Read the docs: https://playtestparlor.com/docs/interface/table/Web...

09/30/2026

Protospiel Madison is right around the corner, coming up on Nov 13th, 2026.

If you are a game designer looking to get professional level feedback from other designers there is no better place to get that feedback.

If you're a gamer who likes to try out new things, then Protospiel is also likely the best experience you'll have.

If you are ready for a weekend of fun, head over and get your badge before they are sold out: https://tabletop.events/conventions/protospiel-madison-2026

09/22/2026

Get a month of advertising for your game over at FatherGeek.com! Bid here: https://tgc.link/fathergeek_auction_92126