We’re big fans of contests here at the League of Gamemakers – in fact, many of us know one another from participating in game design contests. We’ve been judges, participants, mentors, winners, losers, and more, all for the sake of a little (mostly) friendly competition. Today, we wanted to cover a few of our favorite contest experiences.

So happy Friday – a few of our posts to tide you over until the weekend!

SHOULD YOU EVEN BOTHER?

Slow your roll. Before we jump into the recaps, it’s time to consider the most important thing: Are game design contests even worth it?

TABLETOP DEATHMATCH RECAPS

Kelsey, Mike, Christina, Mark, Jasmine, and Peter are all former Deathbabies (that is, participants in the Tabletop Deathmatch).

First off, Kelsey destroys Cards Against Humanity, sponsors of the Deathmatch. Or does she?

Christina explains why the Deathmatch was such a great experience.

And Jasmine brings gives her perspectives as a two-timer.

COMPONENT-FIRST GAME DESIGN CONTEST

Kelsey and Jasmine participated in the DFW Nerd Night Game Design Challenge in 2015, and blogged/vlogged their way through the contest.
Part One.
Part Two.
Part Three.

AND A LINK FROM SOME FRIENDS!

Cardboard Edison keeps a list of game design contests you can enter! Are you up for it? Leave your thoughts on game design contests in the comments!