Australian tabletop game creators share tips for getting started

A ScreenHub feature explores the Australian tabletop game creation scene through interviews with several designers. Phil Walker-Harding, creator of Sushi Go! and founder of Sydney-based Joey Games, began designing in 2005 after discovering European games like Catan and Carcassonne. He notes the community has grown significantly in 20 years, with more networks, resources, crowdfunding via Kickstarter, and local manufacturing. Jonathon Cheung of Quokka Games started with his brother during the pandemic by gamifying packing; their games Yum Cha, Hot Pot, and Boba Master showcase Asian heritage. Vee Hendro and Hayley Gordon of Storybrewers Roleplaying, creators of Good Society (a Jane Austen RPG), began with small one-page adventures and emphasize starting small. Brian Holland, Chaosium Executive Producer, started by playing Vampire: The Masquerade and says all you need is paper and pencil. All highlight the importance of community, with events like PAX Aus, Play Con, and TableTopCon, and online groups like the Australian Incubator. Self-publishing is now more accessible due to manufacturing in China and crowdfunding. The article concludes that passion and determination are key, and the biggest hurdle is simply starting.