Want to pitch us a game?
Thank you for thinking of SAVANA to present your game! If you have a project (even better if it's already been well playtested) that you'd like to submit, here's how to go about it:
Send us the rules along with a short presentation video (3 to 5 minutes maximum) at submissions@savana-games.com
Please do not use our contact form, as your submission may not be reviewed.
There's no need to go into every detail in the video. What we're interested in is the big picture of the game: how it plays, what makes it unique, what hooks players in the first few minutes. Bluffing? Cooperation? A clever little twist? Tell us what gives it its personality.
At SAVANA, we create accessible, clever family games — games designed to bring people together and create extraordinary moments around the table. We're looking for simple, effective mechanics that spark laughter, conversation and unforgettable moments. If your game can captivate newcomers while offering a memorable play experience, it already has a real edge. Thank you for your patience: we receive a great many submissions, but if your game fits our world, we'll be delighted to get back to you and explore the next steps together.
Our tips for submitting prototypes
Depending on the time of year, we receive a large number of game submissions. We want to review every one of them and reply to every designer who takes the time to send us their game. This means we can't spend an hour on each project, and unfortunately we can't read the rules of every game we receive.
We are first and foremost interested in a game's overall concept rather than the details of its rules. That's why a 3- to 5-minute video explaining the core principles of the game is the ideal format for presenting your project. It lets us quickly tell whether the game matches what we're looking for.
There's no need for a professional video: what matters is being clear and concise and highlighting the game's strengths. If we like the concept, we'll be happy to take the time to read the rules and test the prototype.
A submission without a video will always be given lower priority, even if the game is good.
Festivals are the perfect time to meet us. There are two main events each year where we focus on reviewing prototypes: the FIJ in Cannes in February and the trade festival in Vichy in September.
At these events, we spend our days meeting designers and testing their prototypes.
These moments are essential for getting to know designers better and, above all, for getting a real feel for the game, far beyond simply reading the rules. A game is first and foremost about how it feels, and only a session at the table can truly reveal that. We rule out tests on Tabletop Simulator and other online platforms, as they often distort the play experience.
However, meeting slots are limited. We receive a large number of submissions and unfortunately can't meet everyone. That's why a video is essential to give us a first impression and decide whether a meeting makes sense.
We recommend sending your submissions as early as possible: slots are fully booked several weeks before the show, as we start receiving the first submissions two months ahead.
We receive many submissions every year, but we carefully choose 1 to 2 games per year. This limited selection reflects our commitment to supporting each creation over the long term.
For us, publishing a game isn't just about putting it on the market: it's about building a real launch, strong both in stores and online, so that the game doesn't disappear a few weeks after its release. That's why every selection is the result of careful consideration, both of the game's potential and of our ability to champion it over time.
We ask each designer to submit only one game at a time. When several prototypes are sent at once, it often gives the impression of concepts that are still in development and not fully realised. That's not what we're looking for. We much prefer a single game that has been carefully thought through, tested and polished over a collection of ideas that are still maturing.
We also pay close attention to originality. We're looking for games that bring something new, not just variations on what already exists. A strong theme, an original mechanic or an idea that stands out will always have a better chance of catching our eye.
To ensure a fair and thorough evaluation, we review only one submission per designer, in the order received. If several games are submitted at the same time, only the first one received will be considered. Thank you for your understanding and for sending us the very best of your work.