Designer Feedback Lab
A board game designer who loves creating games that spark interaction and personality at the table. His designs often center around clever decisions, shifting alliances, and those "wait… did you just do that?" moments that make game nights memorable. He's built a style that feels thoughtful but never intimidating. His games invite players to read the room, trust their instincts, and enjoy the stories that unfold along the way.
Emerson Matsuuchi is a software architect turned tabletop mastermind. As the founder of Nazca Games, he’s celebrated for creating the Century series, which redefined how we think about accessible, elegant strategy. Emerson has a rare knack for versatility, moving seamlessly from the tense hidden-movement of Specter Ops to the massive, city-building scale of Foundations of Rome. He’s also the trusted hand for bringing cinematic icons like Metal Gear Solid to the board. Between designs, he mentors future creators at NYU’s Game Center, proving that great games aren't just played—they’re engineered for perfection.
We’re opening slots for designers who want to pitch their games and get real, honest industry feedback.
What You Need
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Your game must be complete and fully playable. Not just a concept or early draft.
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Bring a working prototype with all components ready.
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Be ready to clearly explain the rules and flow of the game.
How It Works
- Each game gets 30 minutes total — this includes setup, explanation, and feedback.
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Stick to your time. We will be running on schedule.
What You Get
- Honest opinions from experienced designers and developers
- Insight into whether your game feels publish-ready
- A chance to meet fellow designers
- Opportunities to share ideas and learn from each other
Schedule
Important
- We reserve the right to stop or end a presentation early if the game isn’t ready, goes over time, or doesn’t meet the requirements.
- We will give professional opinions and honest feedback.
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We will not provide step-by-step fixes, redesigns, or specific solutions — expect perspective, not development work.
Come prepared, respect the time, and we’ll give you straightforward insights.
Looking forward to seeing what you’ve built. 🎲
Pre-registration is required. Time slots will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.