MindWare has partnered with toy and game inventors for decades and takes submissions through MarketBlast. It asks for clear images of a real prototype. Qwirkle came to it as a pitch from Susan McKinley Ross.
Where pitches like these are made: Spielwarenmesse, the Nuremberg toy fair · Spielwarenmesse eG, CC BY-SA 3.0
What it says
“For over 30 years, we've partnered with toy and game inventors around the world and scoured the globe for the most engaging assortment of building sets, toddler toys, board games, science kits, crafts, puzzles, pretend play, STEM, and more.”
What you agree to by sending something
“By submitting Content, you represent and warrant that you have all rights and authority necessary to grant, and do hereby grant to us and our affiliates, representatives, and assigns a non-exclusive, fully-paid, royalty-free, transferable, perpetual, worldwide license to display, publicly perform, distribute, broadcast, transmit, reproduce, edit, modify, create derivative works, and otherwise use and reuse your…”
What it says it looks for
“• Family friendly strategy board games with unique designs such as interestingly formatted boards, dimensionality, motion, or tactility.”
“• You must include clear images of your prototype or idea.”
“Please do NOT submit AI generated images or text; we want to see real prototypes that have been thoughtfully developed and tested in the real world!”
What it has bought from outside
2006
Qwirkle from Susan McKinley Ross
“After a few days, she had simplified her idea to use abstract shapes and colors and added the six-component bonus, calling the concept Abstrackle when she pitched it to MindWare, who gave it the final name. [ 4 ]” en.wikipedia.org
2026
World of Eric Carle collaboration from World of Eric Carle
“Additional 2026 launches include new collaborations with World of Eric Carle and other beloved partners, inventors, and game designers, bringing over 45 all-new items—from games and crafts to activities, books, cards, and more.” globaltoynews.com
