Licensing a tabletop game doesn’t require years of experience or a perfectly polished prototype. What it really takes is a strong idea, a strategic approach, and the confidence to put yourself out there.

In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m sitting down with April Mitchell, motivational speaker, licensing expert, TCA Alumni, and founder of 4A’s Creations, LLC. This past year April licensed 6 tabletop games!

How did she do it? April shares the creative system and pitching approach that helped her get those deals signed, all while co-creating a powerful resource for other game inventors , the Tabletop Game Design Masterclass with industry veteran Ed Gartin.

You’ll hear how a simple name like “Pizza Pie” sparked a full-blown licensing deal, why maintaining a pipeline of game ideas helps you license faster, and the key differences between virtual and in-person pitching that can make or break your chances. You’ll also discover what to do when a game isn’t clicking with playtesters, how to successfully collaborate with other designers, and why long-term momentum in licensing comes from strategy, not luck.

Listen for These Important Moments:

• [00:03:45] - Hear how a road trip idea became a fully licensed tabletop game and how April co-developed and pitched it with lightning speed.
• [00:08:34] - Explore the pros and cons of virtual vs. in-person pitching and how choosing the right moment to go live can boost your licensing odds.
• [00:13:38] - Discover how creative storytelling, educational twists, and everyday life inspired two of the most personal games April has ever made.
• [00:17:33] - Learn how to juggle multiple game concepts at different stages so you’re always prototyping, pitching, or playtesting something.
• [00:22:51] - The biggest takeaways from April’s journey from pitching smarter to building unstoppable momentum with the right system.

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