# Game Submissions

## Overview

Submit your game via [this form](https://forms.gle/z38WpjXAwwCPyGKL8). We will review your game against the criteria below. We will respond within 30 days.

Possible outcomes include:

1. **Independent distribution.** Not every game is a fit for the Board Game Store, but we encourage developers to share and monetize their projects independently through platforms like itch.io and other distribution channels.
2. **Community Game.** Your game will be published in the Community Games section of the Board Game Store, making it available for Board players to discover and download free.
3. **Board Game.** For select titles, Board may pursue a deeper publishing partnership. These games are featured in the Board Game Store and may be monetized. Partnership models could include game-specific Pieces, revenue share, development funding, or acquisition.

## Great Games for Board

The criteria below outline the qualities we look for in games that are a strong fit for Board.

### Physical meets Digital Magic

The use of Pieces is where we find the most value to players. That moment where players experience a blending of the physical and digital world is where we find true wonder.

- All games require use of physical Pieces.
- Physical Pieces should meaningfully affect gameplay and not simply be tokens.
- Games should acknowledge physical actions clearly (placing a Piece, rotation, sliding, etc). When a Piece is placed on Board, there should always be a reaction.
- Piece interactions should not feel gimmicky. If a finger tap could be better used for an action, use the finger instead (e.g., don’t use a Piece as a stylus).
- Be mindful of the screen. Don’t use Pieces in a way that would damage the screen such as dropping them or slamming them.
- Games are often best with 4-12 Pieces. Each player should regularly use a Piece when playing, but too many Pieces can be overwhelming and cost-prohibitive.

### Accessible yet Deep

Games on Board are meant to be played by a wide range of skill sets and age groups. We want games where parents have genuine fun playing with their kids but also have fun playing together as a group of adults.

- New players should be able to start playing quickly.
- No external instructions should be required (PDFs, videos, Discord explanations, etc).
- Rules should be understandable without prior gaming knowledge.
- Games should be appropriate for all audiences. Themes, language, and visuals should be broadly accessible.
- Difficulty should scale or accommodate mixed age groups or skill levels.
- Games should be infinitely replayable or have at least 10+ hours of content.

### Unique to Board

The best games on Board are those that could only exist on Board. This means games that would not be possible as traditional video games using a controller or mouse and keyboard but also not possible as a board game with dice and tokens. Ports of existing games without significant changes to account for the unique features of Board do not work.

- Games should follow all the best practices for creating physical meets digital magic.
- Games should use the unique placement of a tabletop screen with players sitting around it. Consider this when designing UIs and interactivity.
- Games should utilize the digital aspect of Board to enforce rules but also do things like simulation or visualization not possible in other games.
- Games should use the Pieces and multitouch to be the most intuitive way for players to control and interact with the game.
- Games should consider the other aspects of the hardware, like the speakers and microphone, and take advantage of them.
- Games should not be direct ports of any existing games, but be truly new and native to Board.

### Made to Play Together

We want players to gather around Board together to invest quality time with each other. The goal is to bring people closer, not simply entertain them.

- Design games for 2+ people around one Board, but solo mode is a bonus.
- Allow up to 6 or even unlimited players to play together.
- Encourage conversation and interaction, not heads-down focus.
- Games can last as short as 60 seconds or as long as a few hours. Keep active (lean in) session times short, typically under 8-10 minutes, to ensure players can be social and not too much time is spent leaning over Board.