In this special live episode recorded at Gen Con 2024, I share key lessons from my 20 years in the game industry, including insights from working with industry legends like Richard Garfield and designing major games like Ascension, Shards of Infinity, Bakugan, and SolForge Fusion. Here are some key takeaways:
Emotional Impact: Pay close attention to how games make players feel. Player experience is the most important metric for a game.
Set Deadlines: Setting deadlines and doing your best to hit them will change your life—deadlines are magic.
Core Design Loop: Focus on regular iteration and refining ideas.
Community: Building solid relationships with other creators is essential for growth. Always ask what value you can add, and you’ll be headed in the right direction.
If these ideas resonate with you, join my Think Like A Game Designer Mastery Course to receive hands-on guidance and turn your game ideas into reality. You'll have the opportunity to pitch your game to real publishers, work with a creative community, and receive expert feedback as you bring your designs to life. Sign up now!
Design Games With Justin Gary!
The Think Like A Game Designer Mastery Course is a comprehensive, hands-on program led by Justin Gary, designed to take aspiring and experienced game designers to the next level. It includes over 40 video lessons, monthly mastermind calls with Justin, access to a private game design community, playtesting opportunities, and the chance to pitch your game to real publishers. The course offers structured guidance through every stage of game design, from concept to publication. Enrollment is limited, and the course starts on September 4, 2024.
Students will even have the opportunity to pitch their games to real publishers, just like last year's Pitch Day, which featured Brotherwise Games, AEG, Renegade Games, and Stoned Blade Entertainment.
Students can join exclusive monthly mastermind sessions with me, Justin Gary. In these sessions, I’ll personally guide you through your game design journey. These sessions will also feature guest designers and members of the Stone Blade team, giving you direct access to invaluable insights from industry experts.
As a special bonus, use code JG24 for 20% off tuition if you sign up now.
Classes Start September 4th. Spots are Limited.
Scholarship Program
We understand that the cost of the Think Like A Game Designer Mastery Course can be a barrier for many aspiring designers. That’s why we’re excited to offer the Think Like A Game Designer Scholarship Program. This initiative provides significant discounts to passionate students who demonstrate a desire to learn and grow as game designers.
To apply, simply fill out the scholarship application form, sharing your passion for game design and your goals for the course. While prototypes and sell sheets are optional, they can help showcase your progress. Our team will carefully review all applications, and we reserve spots specifically for scholarship recipients to ensure they have a chance to join the program.
Winners will be notified via email by August 30th, and the course kicks off on September 4th with a special Mastermind call led by me, Justin Gary. If you're ready to take your game design dreams to the next level but need some financial help, we encourage you to apply!
The Last Day to Apply is August 28th—Spots are Limited.
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