Blog

Bringing Friends and Family Together Through the Joy of Tabletop Gaming
In our increasingly digital world, it can be all too easy to lose touch with the people closest to us. We're constantly connected to our screens, but sometimes that connection feels superficial. That's why I believe board games hold the key to rediscovering the magic of face-to-face interaction and building meaningful relationships. Read more...
To Sleeve or Not to Sleeve: Exploring the Card Sleeve Dilemma in Board Games
For many board game enthusiasts, the decision to sleeve their cards is not one to be taken lightly. After all, these small, often beautifully designed pieces are the lifeblood of our favorite games. Protecting them from the wear and tear of repeated use is crucial, both for preserving the game's longevity and maintaining the overall aesthetic. Read more...
The Many Wondrous Uses of Dice in Board Games
Dice have been an integral part of the tabletop gaming experience for centuries. From the classic six-sided cubes to the intricate polyhedral sets, these small but mighty tools have the power to transform a simple game night into an unforgettable adventure. At Out of Play, we celebrate the versatility and excitement that dice bring to the world of board games. Read more...
How to Avoid Over-Complicating Your Board Game Design
In this blog post, we'll explore the common pitfalls of over-complicating board game design and provide strategies to help you maintain a delicate balance between depth and accessibility. Read more...
Crafting Captivating Roll and Write Games: A Guide for Board Game Designers
In the vibrant world of tabletop gaming, a new genre has captured the hearts of enthusiasts everywhere - the roll and write game. These compact, accessible titles offer a unique blend of luck, strategy, and player agency, making them a beloved staple in game nights and conventions. As a designer, crafting a truly compelling roll and write can be a thrilling challenge, one that requires a keen understanding of the core mechanics and a mastery of balancing key design elements. Read more...
Mastering the Art of Tile Placement: A Guide to Designing Captivating Board Games
In the vibrant world of tabletop gaming, tile placement games have carved out a special niche, captivating players with their strategic depth and immersive gameplay. At Out of Play, we're passionate about celebrating the art of tile placement design and empowering aspiring game creators to craft their own masterpieces. Read more...
Mastering the Art of Area Control: Designing Captivating Board Games
Welcome to Out of Play, your one-stop shop for all things tabletop gaming! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of area control board game design. Whether you're an aspiring game designer or a passionate player, understanding the core mechanics and design considerations behind these strategic masterpieces is crucial. Read more...
Mastering Resource Management: The Key to Captivating Board Game Design
In the captivating world of tabletop gaming, resource management has emerged as a cornerstone of engaging and strategic gameplay. At Out of Play, we believe that the art of managing resources is not only a fundamental aspect of board game design, but also a crucial element in crafting experiences that keep players enthralled from start to finish. Read more...
Mastering the Art of Deck Building: A Guide to Designing Captivating Board Games
Deck building games have become a beloved genre in the world of board gaming, offering players the opportunity to craft their own unique strategies and pathways to victory. From the classic Dominion to the more recent hit Clank!, these games have captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts worldwide. Read more...
Mastering the Art of Worker Placement: Designing Captivating Board Games
In the ever-evolving world of board game design, one mechanic has consistently captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts: worker placement. This strategic gem has become a staple in modern game design, offering players a delightful balance of resource management, action selection, and player interaction. As the team behind Out of Play, we're thrilled to dive into the intricacies of this captivating mechanic and share our insights on how it can elevate your tabletop game night. Read more...
Mastering Board Game Mechanics: A Guide to Popular Game Design Elements
Board games have long been a beloved pastime, offering endless hours of strategic thinking, social interaction, and pure entertainment. At the heart of these captivating experiences lie the game mechanisms – the core systems that shape the gameplay and determine the player's journey. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for both aspiring and seasoned game designers, as they form the foundation upon which truly engaging and memorable games are built. Read more...
Unlocking the Flow State: The Art of Board Game Design
In the realm of tabletop gaming, the pursuit of flow is not merely a lofty goal, but a fundamental design principle that separates the truly captivating experiences from the merely ordinary. By understanding and harnessing the power of flow, game designers can craft experiences that captivate players, fostering a sense of immersion, challenge, and pure enjoyment that transcends the physical boundaries of the game board. Read more...