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Advantages of Having Game Boards Printed on Mats:
Having your game board specifically printed onto a professional-grade mat can provide numerous benefits to both the players and designers of the game. For the players, it is easier to traverse the game board in one piece, reducing wear and tear over time. The boards are also designed to be movable and set up quickly, so even complex games can be set up in short amounts of time. From a design perspective, by having game boards printed on mats you gain more control over how each part of the board looks and interacts with one another, enabling creative design possibilities otherwise unavailable when using limited physical components. In addition, when compared to papers used for traditional printing, mats are typically more durable and longer lasting, preserving vibrant colors and designs regardless of weather conditions or number of uses.
Materials Used for Game Board Printing on Mats:
The most common material used for mats is vinyl because it offers excellent durability and longevity. With regards to color brightness and vibrancy, this material cannot be beaten; its ability to produce highly detailed artwork makes vinyl ideal for any type of large-format printing application. In addition to being strong enough for use as a gaming surface itself, it often produces prints that are scratch-resistant and very resilient against normal wear-and-tear in indoor or outdoor locations.
Design Considerations When Creating Games Boards Printed On Mats:
When designing game boards printed on mats there are many factors to consider beyond artwork placement since you want the end product to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Where will players stand? How big should the tiles or markers be so they’re easy to move around? Can any pieces needed parts easily stored underneath? Do certain colors help direct players’ attention better than others? Additionally, while font selection aids legibility it is important that all characters remain compact enough so they don’t distract from important clue words or symbols elsewhere on the board.
Add a section on materials
Mats for game boards can be printed on various materials including vinyl, graphics fabric, or paper. Vinyl is a highly durable and waterproof material making it ideal for printing multimedia art that will sit in wet or humid environments. It is also scratch-resistant and will last longer than other materials. Graphics fabric offers sharper images, vibrant colors, and improved textural quality with less glare. Paper options are more resistant to UV light but can still provide good print resolution if you need a lightweight option.
Include an example
An example of a game board that was professionally printed on a mat is Hnefatafl, a strategy game from Viking times. It was recreated as an art print on an 8mm thick natural rubber sports-mat. The playing area features dark black and gold ink, with white and red symbols marking the pieces that each player will use to challenge their opponent.
Add visuals
Adding visuals to a game board printed on mats is a great way to draw people’s attention and create an aesthetically pleasing design. For example, consider printing images of the game pieces, rule cards, and dice onto the mats that correspond with different parts of the game. This allows players to easily locate each item during the game and makes it easier for everyone at the table to remember what each item does. Additionally, having colorful or abstract visuals printed on the boards can make playing more enjoyable and engaging. Furthermore, these visuals could also suggest how and when certain moves might be made in order to aid in strategy or maximize success. With as little effort as this, you can quickly maximize player engagement with your game!
Incorporate customer reviews
Game board mats printed with customer reviews are a great way to show potential customers the value and quality of your product. The feedback received could include information about how easy it is to set up and how long it holds up during use. Additionally, customers may provide insights into the design of the mat or customization options such as different colors and patterns. This gives a potential customer an idea of what they can expect from your product before investing in it. The visuals associated with positive reviews can be powerful in swaying buyers who might have been on the fence about a purchase. Incorporating customer feedback has been proven effective for building trust and encouraging sales, which makes it an ideal marketing tool for game board mats.
Offer alternatives
For those who cannot afford to have their game boards printed on mats, there are several alternatives available. They could print their own game board using thick paper or cardstock and then laminate it to preserve the board from wear and tear. Alternatively, they could create a game board using craft materials such as felt squares, fabric markers and fabric paint. This will give them a unique and creative gameboard that can be used for all types of play. Another option is to use clear plastic sheet protectors with grid paper or create a gameboard out of poster board with dry erase markers, so they can play the same game again and again. There are also many digital options available such as apps and websites with downloadable templates or programs designed specifically for customizing and printing games.
I love playing all kinds of games – from classics like Monopoly to modern favourites like Ticket to Ride.
I created this blog as a way to share my love of board games with others, and provide information on the latest releases and news in the industry.
