Canadian Game Design Award (CGDA) 2025 Winner
FULL CIRCLE: WINNING THE 2025 CANADIAN GAME DESIGN AWARD (CGDA) WITH FLASK
Eleven years since Gavan Brown and Adam Wyse first met at FallCon, it's only fitting that their prototype Flask was awarded the 2025 CGDA win. The moment was deeply personal for both of them.
"Without exaggeration, FallCon and the CGDA has changed my life," Adam reflected. It was at FallCon 27 (2014) that he first met Gavan, the same year Gavan and Matt (Tolman) took home the award for Super Motherload, the game that launched Roxley as a publisher. Winning with Flask eleven years later, on Roxley's 10th anniversary, brought that journey full circle.
What's Next for Flask?
The game is still in active development. Early creative work and component design are underway, and the designers are particularly excited about the addition of a faction system featuring unique upgrade decks for each faction. They're hoping to see it land as a Roxley release within the next couple of years. We can hardly wait!
Life at Roxley
The two continue to collaborate on multiple fronts. Currently, Adam has been supporting Gavan on Brass: Pittsburgh, and there are plenty of other projects moving through the Roxley pipeline where both designers will have a hand, even when one isn't the primary designer.
Advice for Aspiring Designers
For anyone considering submitting to the CGDA 2026, Adam's message is simple: JUST ENTER!
"Having a deadline forces you to get things done: finalize design decisions, polish up that rulebook, improve your teach, record a concise pitch video." Those steps matter whether you're chasing a publishing deal or simply want to make something you're proud of.
And if you don't win? Don't be discouraged. Adam knows that road too, and it’s all part of the process. Masque of the Red Death was a 2015 finalist before being published in 2018 and LepreContractors (now Rainbow Blvd) was a 2016 finalist and is heading to Kickstarter this year proof that missing the CGDA win, is far from the end of a game's story.
"I found entering design contests to be a fun and helpful part of my early progress as a game designer," Adam said, "and I'm very grateful to FallCon and everyone who helps make the CGDA happen."
Want to learn more about the winning design?
Mel (Mel’s Board Game Room) sits down with Gavan Brown to talk all things Flask.
And for a closer look at the prototype, check out this live playthrough with Dave (Rathole.ca) and Gavan Brown at FallCon 38.
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 15, 2026
Learn more and enter at CGDA 2026
A Huge Thank You to Our 2025 Participants
We'd like to thank all of our 2025 CGDA participants and finalists for being part of the celebration of Canadian game design:
- Flask, Adam Wyse and Gavan Brown (Winner)
- Brewmaster's Guild, Carlo Prospero
- Drag Debutante, Duncan Hecht
- Takoyaki, Ben Dyson
Special thanks to Aaron Sebastian for leading 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.
