Uploaded May 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Bez Shahriari is the creator of Gigamic’s hit game Yogi - a game where you pick up a card then follow its instructions, positioning the card about your person, or contorting your body in the manner indicated. The instructions on the cards accumulate from turn to turn, and as soon as you’re unable to follow all them, you’re eliminated from the game.

In this video I highlight Bez’s unique approach to design, distribution and self-promotion. Game designers are creative folks, and that creativity can extend to the business of board game production, not just the gameplay. I hope this video provides some inspiration for your own development as a game-maker. I generally promote the most pedestrian route to market - licensing to publishers and letting them do all the work. But Bez has proven that there are certainly other avenues worth exploring.

0:00 Introduction
0:10 Yogi
0:47 Wee Whimsical Creatures
2:37 In a Bind
3:40 BG DevCon
5:09 Yogi Guru
6:24 Grabbing Creatures
8:22 ELL Deck
10:06 Drawing Creatures