Canadian Game Design Award (CGDA) 2024 Winner
CGDA 2024 Winners: Hot Banana Games and Culturally Rich Game Design for the Win
As entries for the 2025 Canadian Game Design Award (CGDA) roll in ahead of the May 4, 2025 deadline, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey of last year’s first-place winner—Hot Banana Games and their beautifully crafted board game, Lion Dancer.
Following the success of Steam Up (2023), and with preparing for its Kickstarter debut, Lion Dancer continued Hot Banana Games’ clear vision: to bring authentic, Asian-themed board games to the table.
The theme of Lion Dancer—rooted in tradition and storytelling—was brought to life through game mechanics, with each player planning the path their Lion Dancer will follow as they leap from pillar to pillar, collecting sets of offerings as they go. The implementation of the theme resonated strongly with CGDA judges; with great player interaction and clear rule set also making an impact.
In addition to valuable playtesting feedback from CGDA judges, Pauline and Marie’s experience with the CGDA was elevated further by attending FallCon 37, where Lion Dancer was announced as the winning design during the Saturday Live Auction and was showcased in Prototype Alley throughout the weekend.
“The feedback we received helped us tighten the game’s mechanics and enhance the overall gameplay experience,” Pauline shared. “It was incredibly rewarding to engage with such a diverse group of players.”
In Prototype Alley, conversations with playtesters extended beyond gameplay. Many attendees were either already familiar with lion dance traditions or curious to learn more. For creators Pauline and Marie, witnessing those moments of connection reaffirmed their commitment to designing games that tell meaningful, inclusive stories.
Now, Hot Banana Games is looking ahead. Lion Dancer is currently in the illustration phase and aiming for a Kickstarter launch in February/March 2026. Pauline and Marie are also working on a companion card game called The Zodiacs, which will debut at the same time.
We can’t wait to see how Lion Dancer has evolved following its CGDA win—and we’re even more excited to get our first playthrough of The Zodiacs!
Want a closer look at Lion Dancer in prototype form?
Check out this live playthrough from FallCon 37 with PapaRazzo and Hot Banana Games on YouTube: Watch now.
Think your game has what it takes to inspire the next wave of tabletop designers and players?
The Canadian Game Design Award is your opportunity to gain exposure, playtest with a passionate community, and receive valuable feedback to help bring your creation to life.
CGDA submissions are open until May 4, 2025
Learn more and enter at CGDA 2025
A Huge Thank You to Our 2024 Participants
We'd like to thank all of our 2024 CGDA participants and finalists for being part of the celebration of Canadian game design:
- Lion Dancer, Pauline Kong & Marie Wong
- Drag Dynasty, Duncan Hecht
- Crate Diggin, Ben Dyson
- Clean Energy, Tim Brown
Special thanks to Aaron Sebaastian for continuing to lead the charge on the CGDA and for handcrafting the gorgeous winner’s plaque once again.
The nameplate was generously donated by artisan and friend of FallCon, Legend Craft.
And to everyone who playtested, judged, and supported the award—thank you. Your passion helps grow the Canadian tabletop design community year after year.
