Going to my first protospiel. What do I need to know.

It is Excellent that you are going to your first Protospiel. Is it the one in Chicago ( http://Protospiel-Chicago.org/ ) on Sept 15-17? If so, I'll see you there.

Looks like your game is in good shape! In addition to your game, I'd suggest some colored markers / pens, and some extra components to be able to try variations that maybe people will suggest. Standard components (blank cards, resource cubes, chits and tokens) will be available at Protospiel Chicago, courtesy of The Game Crafter. But if you have specialty components ( oddly shaped plastic pieces, etc), bring a few extras of those.

I found Edo talk about protospiel while looking for general advice about DESIGN:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTvzaHf8h70

Hope this helps.

Ugur

I went to my second Michigan Protospiel this past July. Here is what I learned:

1. Take a large water bottle and DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!! And then drink some more...(and take some quick snacks as well.)

2. If you can, stay at the hotel. Protospiel is surprisingly exhausting. And the breakfast conversation is great!

3. Take a walk, even for just 10 minutes every few hours. The fresh air will help keep your energy up, stretch your legs, clear your mind, and let you process your playtests. Ideally walk with a friend or two.

4. Don't be afraid to talk to anybody. Everyone at Protospiel is so friendly and loves what you love: game design. Just a great group of people.

5. Spread the love: ideally playtest equally as much as you have designers play your game.

6. Have your explanation of the rules down cold.

7. Take any criticism with a smile. Don't get defensive. Just take the notes. Sure, explain if there was a misunderstanding, but don't worry if someone doesn't like your game. There is no game in existence liked by everyone. After the weekend is over, go back and look at your notes when you are not in the emotion of the moment and take in the criticism.

8. Make connections! Have a sheet ready to take down emails. And don't eat lunch or dinner alone.

9. If someone has a long game, don't be afraid to say. "I'd love to play, but I can only play for an hour." That may be only one turn, but it will still be enough to give some meaningful feedback.

10. Try not to play your game. Try to be in a position where you are teaching the game and observing the play.

11. The day will go fast--like time travel fast. You will get there at 9am, start playing and discussing games. Next thing you know it's 2pm in the afternoon. It's crazy.

12. Give honest feedback. This is not the time to blow sunshine. Constructive criticism is the key. Also, try to suggest a possible solution to any issues with the game. The post-game discussions are the best part of Protospiel.

I will also be at Protospiel-Chicago for the first time. This is all great info. Thanks so much and I look forward to seeing y'all there. :)

One more thought...

Don't be afraid or embarrassed to pull out a game that is very early in its development or one that you are having trouble with and is maybe unplayable as is.

Once I got to know some of the designers, I asked a few to look at a game that I was having trouble with. And WOW! In 20 minutes the game went from going in the bin to the head of the queue.

Being able to talk with people who don't mind if a game is polished, or even playable, is a HUGE benefit of Protospiel. So take full advantage of it. Unfortunately, right now it's my once a year retreat for this type of experience. :(

I did not imply that Protospiel > BGDF.
Each has its strengths. You listed many for this site.

But what happened at Protospiel with my game never would have happened on this site in just twenty minutes. Nothing could have replaced two designers sitting face to face, manipulating and interchanging physical components and cards, and riffing in real time off one another's ideas. Most would agree that this is the ideal setting. So BGDF offers a bridge to design due to the demands and responsibilities of the real world so that designers can keep up progress, stay sharp, and stay connected. This is a great benefit to the community because not every day can be a con.

Also, it may not be fear that prevents someone from posting a game idea, but rather an inability to communicate the nature of a game whose direction of development is unclear. Board games live in a dynamic 3D visual medium and, for some, they don't translate well to static 2D text...which is why rules are so difficult to write well.

I recall when Tom Vasel started, he was writing all his reviews. Then he moved to a podcast. And now, he does his reviews through video--a visual medium. Why? It's easier to explain a game when your audience can see the game. When a game is presented with all the components in front of you, it is easier to understand the game. Explaining a game, teaching a game, and playtesting a game is a hell of lot easier to do when the game is in front of you. And that is definitely a strength of Protospiel.

I think BlueSea pretty much said it all... :-) Mostly, I think just knowing that Protospiels are really fun might help with any nerves you might have. I can almost guarantee you will meet some great people and learn A LOT. Congratulations on getting out there, and be ready to be worn out from all the fun gameplay!