Business idea · Agency
Game Mechanics Consulting
Game Mechanics Consulting is a consulting service for game developers focusing on game mechanics and design, inspired by the innovative approach taken in the development of Magic: The Gathering. It was pitched on My First Million in the episode "We found the internet's best sales advice" (aired August 4, 2026).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | We found the internet's best sales advice |
| Aired | August 4, 2026 |
| Category | Agency |
| Real companies on the episode | United Hatsala, Magic, GLG |
The problem it solves
Many new game developers lack the experience or knowledge to create compelling game mechanics, leading to poor game reception. This consulting service would provide expert guidance to improve game design.
How it makes money
The business could charge by the hour for consulting services or offer packaged deals that include workshops and tailored feedback for game prototypes.
Skills you need
Skills needed include game design expertise, knowledge of mechanics across various genres, and strong communication skills.
The market, and why this works now
Game developers working on tabletop or digital card games often struggle with mechanics that keep players engaged. The rise of platforms like Tabletop Simulator allows for rapid prototyping and testing of game mechanics, making this consulting service timely. A first-revenue move could involve promoting services on r/tabletopgamedesign, where developers seek feedback and guidance. A significant constraint in the first year will be the high customer acquisition cost, as building a reputation through word-of-mouth in niche gaming communities can take time and resources.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- United Hatsala
A nonprofit organization that provides volunteer emergency medical services in Israel.
- Magic
A collectible card game created by mathematician Richard Garfield, where players use decks of cards to battle against each other.
- GLG
An expert network that connects clients with industry experts for insights and information.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Episode: We found the internet's best sales advice
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.