Discover How to Create a Memorable Board Game

  • Generate game ideas quickly
  • Playtest your game like a pro
  • Discover whether self-publishing or pitching to a publisher is right for you

You CAN create your own amazing game. I can help.

Hi, my name is Joe Slack.  

I've been designing board games since 2014 and I have helped over 1,300 game designers just like you through:  

  • My #1 international best-selling book, The Board Game Designer's Guide  
  • Teaching Game Design and Development at Wilfrid Laurier University  
  • My online Board Game Design Course and Creation to Publication Program, and
  • Coaching and mentoring programs 

A little more about me and my game design experience:  

  • 4 games published with established publishers (Zoo Year’s Eve, Kingdom's Candy: Monsters, Four Word Thinking, and King of Indecision)
  • Successful Kickstarter campaign (over 660% of funding goal) for self-published game (Relics of Rajavihara).
  • Written and published 2 more game design books that were both #1 new releases   

Some people are amazing game designers.  

Some people are amazing teachers.  

Learn from someone who is recognized as both.  

I've helped many other designers turn good games into great games and I want to help you.  

Here are just some of the publishers I have connections to:

“Without a doubt, if I had read Joe’s book back in 1989, it would have accelerated my progress and potential as a game designer by decades.” Jamey Stegmaier Designer of Scythe, one of the top 10 board games of all time

Get clarity about the next step you need to take with your game 

You don't need to read hundreds of blogs or attend every game design panel session at all the big Cons.

You just need clarity.

Once you understand the process of designing a game the right way, you'll see that it doesn't have to be that hard.

Introducing

I'm committed to helping you move your game forward

Here's what you'll experience in The Board Game Design Course:

  • Understand how to continuously improve your game 
  • Ask a question, get an answer. You’ll never be stuck again. 
  • Discover what questions the pros ask when playtesting their game to ensure you're always moving forward
  • Examples, templates, checklists, and other helpful resources you won't find anywhere else
  • Engage with and learn from other game designers just like you


Here's exactly what you get when you join The Board Game Design Course

When you join The Board Game Design Course you'll get:

  • All 31 lessons in the Board Game Design Course, which will take you from “Inspiration to Creation” and help you get started faster - includes video, audio MP3s, and written transcripts (Originally $499)  
  • A wealth of resources to help you create and develop your game
  • Lifetime access to all the lessons
  • 4 free weeks of access to the Private Members Only Community where you'll interact with other new game designers just like you
  • 2 group Q&A calls with me (twice per month for members of the community)
  • Expert advice and guidance from an experienced board game designer and instructor


Here are all the lessons we'll cover

  • Lesson 1 - How to think like a game designer and avoid the #1 mistake that puts rookie designers months behind
  • Lesson 2 - Create a compelling vision for your game so that it doesn't get stuck in your head and never makes it to the table
  • Lesson 3 - Make the first version of your game lightning-fast even if you don't know where to start
  • Lesson 4 - How to ask the right questions and get meaningful feedback so that your game doesn't end up becoming someone else's game 
  • Lesson 5 - How to use the 4 I's Framework to design your game like a pro  
  • Lesson 6 - Fail fast, find the fun, and reap the rewards  
  • Lesson 7 - Taking your game from good to great (while avoiding the bad and the ugly) 
  • Lesson 8 - How to get your game out there into the world without losing your shirt

But don't just take it from me. Here's what others have to say. 

“The course really helped me understand the process involved in designing a board game. Joe is a great instructor. He is able to ask probing questions that help to draw out answers so he can assist you with your game design.” David Neal, Board Game Design Course student  

“In board game design, there's a limit to how much you can learn just from reading books and blogs; Joe has a firm grasp on industry trends, important networks to follow, and knows what it takes to get a game published.” 

Patrick Hardy,  

Mentorship Program student 

"The course was helpful in creating a support system for me. It created a community of fellow designers that were experiencing the same difficulties that I was having. I have already recommended the Board Game Design Course to others getting into game design." Chris Cormier, Board Game Design Course student

“It doesn't matter if you’re working on game number 1 or game number 100. Joe takes you through all the steps so you don't miss anything." Juan Becerril, Telomander Games

"Joe really cares and wants to help. He is fully genuine in wanting everyone to succeed. He is constantly putting out content and the course continues to get better. Wherever you are on the journey, I know you’ll benefit from Joe's experience." Neil Baker, Board Game Design Course student

“I would definitely recommend working with Joe. He has a lot of experience to share.”  

Amelie Le-Roche,  

Mentoring Program student 

Join Now

Join the Board Game Design Course Now!


You can also email me if you have any questions: joe@boardgamedesigncourse.com