Game Designer, Educator & Consultant
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Justin Gary is an award winning designer, author, speaker, and entrepreneur. He is CEO of Stone Blade Entertainment and lead designer of the hit Ascension brand. He has studied creativity and applied the principles of design to create dozens of products over his 20 years in the industry. He writes and teaches about design to schools, businesses, and conferences around the globe.
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Design Journal
No one knows what they’re doing…
“The World of Warcraft Miniatures Game is getting scrapped.” The words of our head executive echoed in my ears. Unlike the rest of us, who were sitting around in t-shirts and hoodies, he was wearing a button-up shirt and acting as though he were the only adult in the...
Fear, Rollercoasters, and Game Design
In the decade I’ve spent teaching design and creativity, I’ve noticed one common trend that gets in the way of all creative work: Fear. Fear comes in different forms for different people: The fear of failing at a task, the fear of looking stupid in front of our peers,...
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast: Alan Gerding
Alan Gerding is responsible for one of the highlights of my game design career, which we discuss in the first part of the podcast. He is a psychology professor and game designer who co-owns Tuesday Knight Games with his best friend. He is the designer of the recently...
New! Think Like A Game Designer Audio Book
Hey Everyone! If you're like me audiobooks have become a big part of life—listening to stories and learning lessons while I'm on the go. I particularly love audiobooks because they allow me to revisit core principles, again and again, which is key to absorbing all the...
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast: Mike Turian
Mike Turian Mike Turian is a Magic The Gathering Hall of Fame champion and is the current Product Architect for Magic The Gathering. Mike has the unique experience of being on nearly every side of the success of Magic, from Pro Player, to marketing manager, to game...
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast: Brotherwise
Brotherwise Games: Chris and Johnny O’Neal Brotherwise Games is an LA-based board game publishing company founded by Chris and Johnny O’Neal in 2012. Since then, the “Brothers Wise” have become one of the tabletop industry’s biggest indie success stories. In this...
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast: JT Smith
JT Smith started designing games when he was in high school and wanted an easier way to prototype his game. His drive to find a better way to prototype led him to found the company Game Crafter, a company that allows you to print prototypes and even produce your game...
Design Diary: SolForge Fusion
SolForge Fusion began more than a decade ago when Richard Garfield and I met at the PAX Dev conference. Richard is the legendary game designer who created Magic: the Gathering, a game that changed my life. In 1997, I won the Magic US National Championship. My winnings...
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast: Elizabeth Hargrave
Elizabeth Hargrave's games are known for breaking the thematic mold. In her first game, Wingspan, you play as bird enthusiasts out to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. The game is wildly popular and won the 2019 Kennerspiel des...
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast: Rodney Thompson
Rodney Thompson has been designing games professionally for over 15 years. He has worked on some of the industry's most significant properties, including Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, Lords of Waterdeep, Tyrants of the Underdark, and Dark Sun. He's currently a...
Consulting
Justin Gary is a world-leading expert in collectible games with extensive experience in all aspects of game design and a master of creative development for companies and individuals alike.
Justin and his team have proven, time and time again, that they are not only savvy on game mechanics and game design, but also product configuration, brand development, IP integration, and overall product-market fit analysis. Justin and his team are not just an outsourced game design team, but a trusted partner, working to bring creative projects to life, a group that genuinely cares about making the products they are involved with as incredible as they can be.
Speaking
Justin Gary has traveled the world speaking about game design and creative development, his lessons have challenged and delighted audiences all over the globe.
Justin’s long career spent on the cutting-edge of game development has forced him to confront the resistance inherent in every creative endeavor. His talks include idea generation, developing creative patterns and relationships, breaking through creative barriers, and of course – game design.
Justin’s bold vision for creativity, extraordinary energy, and his unique blend of skill and wisdom has made him one of the top speakers in the field.
Speaking
Justin Gary has traveled the world speaking about game design and creative development, his lessons have challenged and delighted audiences all over the globe.
Justin’s long career spent on the cutting-edge of game development has forced him to confront the resistance inherent in every creative endeavor. His talks include idea generation, developing creative patterns and relationships, breaking through creative barriers, and of course – game design.
Justin’s bold vision for creativity, extraordinary energy, and his unique blend of skill and wisdom has made him one of the top speakers in the field.
Justin’s Exclusive
Design Lessons
Justin’s Exclusive
Design Lessons
Every week, I’ll send out a newsletter with awesome stuff that you can use to push yourself creatively, design games, and even join in on some adventures. You’ll also get exclusive access to webinars, events, and discounts.
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