Hi, I'm Chris Backe.
I design board games and card games (my last name rhymes with hockey), and I've worked full-time in the tabletop industry since 2021. I care about games that are easy to learn and quick to set up, that give you an interesting decision nearly every turn, and that make you pay attention to the other players. Dyna-BOOM! won Best in Show at Boston FIG, and The Touch of Hope won Best Innovation at Fastaval 2026. I also wrote Playtesting Best Practices, and every Monday I write about designing games and getting them made.
My Games
Party, casual, and gateway games available for publishing, each with rules, a sell sheet, and a video.
Browse the games →
Making Games
My weekly newsletter on playtesting, pitching, design craft, and the business of getting games made.
Read the newsletter →
Digital Games
Free daily puzzles you can play in your browser, including Lexihunt and Skycombe.
Play the puzzles →
Other Projects
Tabletop Publishers, my book on playtesting, Meeple Time, print-and-play games, and more.
See the projects →