Invent a Game

INVENT THE NEXT DARK CITIES GAME

Do you think you have what it takes to make the next game in our Dark Cities Series? Let's see what you've got!

Our Dark Cities games (Salem 1692, Tortuga 1667, Deadwood 1876, Bristol 1350) are all somewhat specific in their requirements. For us to consider your idea, it must:

• Accommodate at least 4-9 players, preferably with a 2-3 player variant available
• Have relatively few pieces so that it will fit in an 8 x 4 x 1.5 inch space. This tends to mean between 50-100 cards, 1 bag of 10-20 pieces, 1 miscellaneous thing (Tortuga roll-up board, Deadwood wood disks, Salem hourglass). We love unique components, so if you can fit it then we're interested!
• Focus on a "dark" city and year from history.
• Have some "dark" element to the game play. This could involve lying, backstabbing, bluffing, cut-throat selfishness, teamwork with a twist, etc. We'd also love to publish a co-op game (like Pandemic) with hidden traitor elements.
• Rules as simple, yet intriguing as possible. When in doubt, read the rules of our current Dark Cities games and keep them at that scope.
• Be incredible! We are very picky about the games we publish, and they each have gone through MANY versions, often 100+ before they are just right. There is a lot to think about with getting people immersed in the theme and feeling real emotion. You must work every little detail out so that turns (if there are any) are quick, decisions are interesting, and people are literally screaming out of anger, triumph, devastation, or joy during the game!

 

Submission Requirements:

If your idea fits all the criteria above, please email travis@facadegames.com. 

Please send us whatever you feel like will give us the best feel for the game in a short amount of time. This could be a short video of a play-through, a summary of the rules, the most important parts of the rulebook, etc. Artwork is not necessary. If we are interested in pursuing further we will request a full prototype so that we can test it out.

Note:Because we receive many submissions we will not test out your game unless it has already been extensively tested by you. It can't just be an idea; it must be a proven game that you have already worked through in many versions. 

What do you get in return?

If you give us an absolutely amazing game that we go on to publish, we will work out an arrangement that provides you with an upfront payment (between $5,000-$10,000) or a simple royalty structure.

You will also be listed in the game's rulebook credits as the game inventor.

 

 

INVENT THE NEXT "GAME FOR THURSDAYS"

We have recently launched a new line of "party games" (Trophies is the first) and we're looking for your amazing ideas for the next one!

For us to consider your idea, it must:

• Accommodate at least 3-10 players, and preferably be easy for any number of players to jump in and out of. Ideally it could be played from a couch with casual seating, or be quickly set up at a small table. 
• Have relatively few pieces so that it will fit in an 5 x 4 x 1.5 inch space. This tends to mean a combination of between 50-100 larger cards, 100-150 smaller cards, 1 bag of 5-15 pieces, a small miniature, etc. We love unique components, so if you can fit it then we're interested!
• Rules as simple, yet intriguing as possible. Players should be able to learn how to play in a minute or less.
• Theme can be almost anything.
• Be incredible! We are very picky about the games we publish!

Submission Requirements:

If your idea fits all the criteria above, please email travis@facadegames.com. 

Please send us whatever you feel like will give us the best feel for the game in a short amount of time. This could be a short video of a play-through, a summary of the rules, the most important parts of the rulebook, etc. Artwork is not necessary. If we are interested in pursuing further we will request a prototype so that we can test it out.

Note: Because we receive many submissions we will not test out your game unless it has already been extensively tested by you. It can't just be an idea; it must be a proven game that you have already worked through in many versions. 

What do you get in return?

If you give us an absolutely amazing game that we go on to publish, we will work out an arrangement that provides you with an upfront payment (between $3,000-$5,000) or a simple royalty structure.

You will also be listed in the game's rulebook credits as the game inventor.