How to pitch a board game to Stonemaier Games

In its own words

“We are tentatively open for submissions.”

“In return for your commitment to excellence, we offer a $10,000 advance on royalties whenever we sign a new game.”

What you agree to by sending something

“We do not co-publish games, as we seek the full rights to the games we publish, with royalties paid monthly only to the designer and Automa Factory.”

What it says it looks for

“We’re looking for event games–the featured main course at game night, not the appetizer or side salad–that play in 1-2 hours.”

“We’re looking for unique games–your game must feature something that has not been done before.”

“Fully Created, Not Just an Idea: Ideas are important but largely worthless.”

What it has bought from outside

1. 2019

   Wingspan (published) from designer Elizabeth Hargrave

   “Wingspan is a board game designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and published by Stonemaier Games in 2019.” en.wikipedia.org

Other companies that take a board game

• 

  Czech Games EditionReads unsolicited workCzech Games Edition reads game pitches sent through the form on its Submissions and Pitches page, and replies when it can.

• 

  Exploding KittensHas a submission portalExploding Kittens takes game ideas through the Game Submissions page on its site.
• Big Potato GamesHas a submission portalBig Potato takes game ideas through the submission form on bigpotato.com, and promises to take a look.
• Goliath GamesHas a submission portalGoliath takes inventions through its form at inventors.goliathgames.com, under a confidentiality agreement that lasts two years.

• 

  RavensburgerHolds open callsRavensburger no longer reads game proposals sent in unasked.
• University GamesHolds open callsUniversity Games takes original designs from students in a college or university design program, one each, and they must own the rights.
• Wizards of the CoastOnly through an agentWizards of the Coast does not review game or card submissions it did not ask for, and sends inventors to an agent, broker or experienced…

• 

  Fantasy Flight GamesDoes not take outside ideasFantasy Flight Games does not accept game design, development or writing submissions it did not ask for.

All of them, open doors first