Some might say you should never call yourself a “wannabe” because it sounds unsure or inexperienced. In my case, that’s actually true—I’ve never published a game, and I’m still at the beginning of my journey. I’ve been dabbling in board game design as a hobby for about four years, but I haven’t completed or released anything. So while I could technically call myself a board game designer (because I’m designing games), I still feel like a wannabe.

And that’s not a bad thing.

There’s a well-known idea that it takes about 10,000 hours to become a true expert at something. That’s roughly ten years of full-time effort. I’m nowhere near that mark. I haven’t studied game theory in depth, I’m still experimenting with mechanics, and I’ve only just begun to build prototypes and get serious about playtesting. I’m not aiming to fake experience or status—I’m a wannabe because I want to be a board game designer. And I’m okay with that.

A Learning Journey Worth Sharing

What really matters is that I’m learning and creating. That’s what being a “wannabe” means to me: not that I’m faking it or falling short, but that I’m on the path. It means I’m motivated, curious, and invested in growing. I believe it’s possible to be proud of being a beginner. And I think others should feel that pride too.

I also want to encourage anyone else who’s interested in board game design to start their journey—regardless of where they’re starting from. You don’t have to wait until you’ve been published to be a designer. If you’re designing games, you’re a board game designer.

Wannabe = Real Designer

No matter what your goal is—whether it’s to design games just for fun, to share with friends and family, to get published, or to build a company—you’re still a real board game designer. Calling myself a wannabe doesn’t mean I’m not serious. It just means I haven’t finished learning (and probably never will). It’s a badge of humility and enthusiasm, not a sign of failure.

Even those who’ve published games still keep learning, failing, and growing. The journey never really ends. So whether you’re a total beginner or someone with years of experience, embracing a “wannabe” mindset can be freeing. It lets you experiment, take risks, and improve without the pressure of perfection.

Why This Site Exists

That’s why I created this website. I want to collect and share information, tools, and ideas that help people who are interested in board game design—especially those just starting out. I want to document what I’m learning, reflect on what works (and what doesn’t), and build a resource that’s approachable for other “wannabes” like me.

This site is, in many ways, a learning diary. My views might change. My knowledge will (hopefully) grow. But everything I share here is honest, practical, and grounded in my current experience. I’ll also refer to other great resources when it makes sense, because there’s a huge amount of wisdom out there.

If you find something useful here, or if it inspires you to take the first step on your own design journey, then this site is doing its job.

So let’s wear that “wannabe” title proudly. Let’s keep learning, keep designing, and keep having fun.

Let’s be proud board game designers—whether we’re wannabes, professionals, or anything in between.