Fur, Feathers & Fun

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Did you know that The Game Crafter has more than 150 animal-shaped meeples? From farm animals to dinosaurs, from beloved pets to tiny insects, animals have been sneaking onto our tables for years. And they do not have to stop at meeples. Some games, like New York Zoo, cover the table in animal figures. Others, like Flamecraft, let you be the animal, casting you as a dragon in a bustling fantasy world. Then there are games such as Moving Wild, where a simple deck of cards is enough to evoke a living, breathing ecosystem. Make it wild. Make it playful. Make it fun!

Judge

Anne-Laure Janssen, founder of FiksuFox. Avid gamer, I mostly specialize in designing accessible games for blind and low vision players. I regularly take part in The Game Crafter contests and enjoy how they push designers toward new and sometimes unexplored directions.

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• Theme: Animals

Your game may feature animals as characters, as a setting, as a mechanic, or as the heart of the story. All animals are welcome — furred, feathered, scaled, shelled, or otherwise — including extinct and mythical species.

• Component Design

We value components that communicate clearly at a glance. Minimal text, strong visual hierarchy, and readable font sizes help make information accessible to a wider range of players.

• Player Count

The minimum player count must be 1 or 2. There is no maximum player count.

• Mechanics

Any game mechanics are allowed.

• Components

Any type of components may be used.

• Play Time

The game must be playable in 60 minutes or less.

• Cost

The total production cost of your game must not exceed $99.99.

• Rulebook

The game must include a printed rulebook. A PDF of your rules must also be available for free download from your game’s shop page.

• Overview Video (Optional but Encouraged)

Though not required, a short overview video of approximately 2 minutes is highly encouraged.

• Artwork

All artwork must be your own, commissioned by you, licensed to you, or in the public domain. Please provide proper attribution where required. AI-generated artwork is allowed, but its use must be clearly disclosed on your shop page.

• Publish-ready

The game must be publish-ready (as it relates to our shop, not as it relates to being finished). This means it has a logo, backdrop, shop ad, action shots, description, and cool factors. It must also have all images proofed. You do not need to purchase or publish the game to enter.

• New game

This must be a new game created for this contest. It cannot have existed on TGC prior to the start of the contest.

• Submission

All entries must be submitted through TGC's game editor (by clicking on the "Contests" button) no later than April 13th, 2026 at 11:59PM US Central Time.

• Editing after submission

Games and their shop page should not be changed after the contest deadline, until the finalists have been announced. You can however make changes until the contest´s deadline.

• Multiple entries

Contestants may submit multiple entries to this contest. Each entry will be judged separately.

· You retain all rights to your game, and are welcome to sell it in The Game Crafter shop during and after the contest, regardless of the outcome of the contest.

· Your game does not have to be available for sale to enter the contest.

· The community voting process will be used to determine 20 semi-finalists.

· Finalists will be selected from all entries, not only semi-finalists.

The winner will receive the following:


• $250 of shop credit on thegamecrafter.com.
• Automatic Showcase status for their game on thegamecrafter.com.
• The possibility of judging a future contest.
• Induction into The Game Crafter Hall of Fame.
• Special prizes from the Judge (See below)

Semi-finalists, finalists, and the winner will all receive accolades for their achievements.

Judge's Prize

The winner will receive a copy of XO Planet, plus a physical component bag and PDF files for PhotonFinish and FracTiles.

· Gameplay

Based on the rules and description, does the game seem engaging and well structured? Do the mechanics suggest an enjoyable play experience?

· Creativity

Does the game concept feel fresh or distinctive in its theme, mechanics, or overall approach?

· Rules Clarity

Are the written rules clear, well organized, and easy to follow on a first read?

· Shop Page Presentation

Does the shop page clearly communicate what the game is, how it plays, and what makes it appealing?

· Gameplay

Is the game engaging and fun to play? Are the mechanics interesting and well suited to the experience? Does the game maintain a positive and inviting tone?

· Replayability

Do repeated plays feel varied and rewarding? Does the game invite players to return to it?

· Theme Integration

Are the animals an integral part of the game experience, or merely decorative? Does the theme meaningfully support the gameplay?

· Rulebook Quality

Are the written rules clear and unambiguous? Can a player confidently begin playing after reading the rulebook?

· X-Factor

What makes the game stand out? Is there something memorable, surprising, or particularly well executed that elevates it above the rest?