Introduction
Creating and selling a board game can be an exciting and rewarding activity. Not only is it great fun to design and play the game, but there is also the potential to make some good money out of it too. There are a few benefits to creating and selling a board game that everyone should consider before they get started.
1. Opportunity to become a small business owner: By making and selling board games, you have the chance to start up your own small business. This means you can take advantage of being able to create your own product rather than competing for sales in an already saturated market. This can give you a unique opportunity for providing customers with something that no one else has available.
2. Provide unique entertainment for family or friends: Creating and selling a board game allows you provide your family or friends with hours of interactive entertainment that not many have access to otherwise. You have the ability craft theming around any theme ” from science fiction to history ” which adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement when playing.
3. Build up brand recognition: Board Games are becoming increasingly popular, so if you manage to create one that catches on among friends, family or even strangers, then it could lead to increased visibility for your brand overall. Becoming known as the creator of the ‘coolest’ game in town could lead more customers coming back for more games down the line too!
4. Potential income stream: Selling a successful board game can potentially be quite lucrative especially if it becomes popular enough that it draws attention at conventions or local stores etc.. The potential earnings off physical sales or digital downloads can help pay for development costs and even supplement income in other areas too!
For anyone looking for an engaging new project that has potential long-term financial rewards, creating and selling board games could be worth considering!
Brainstorming
1. Make a list of activities that you enjoy and would be fun to play with friends. This may include sports, video games, card games, board games, puzzles, or any other type of game.
2. Brainstorm themes you could use to create a unique idea for your board game based on the activities listed. For example, if one of the activities listed was Frisbee Golf, then you could make a board game in which players move around the board landing their pieces on different targets/holes as if playing Frisbee golf.
3. Take some time to research other popular board games for inspiration. Consider what aspects of these popular games could work in your game and which ones won’t work at all. Keep notes of potential ideas and pieces from other popular games that you can incorporate into yours.
4. Once you have an idea in mind for your game’s theme or goal, develop it further by coming up with additional rules or actions within the context of your game design. For example, if the goal is to land pieces on the correct targets much like a mini-golf course then think about how players can score points and earn points through various challenges and trading items/cards along the way?
5. Write out your full rule set before bringing others onto your project as this will provide clarity when testing and making revisions to your game before finalizing it for sale! Make sure each step is clear and avoids any confusion during gameplay so players can focus on having fun rather than second guessing their next action throughout the game session!
6. Game Testing & Revisions: Get family members or friends to test the game and provide feedback (especially younger kids whose opinions are typically candid). Actively listen to everyone’s input so that you can modify/revise where needed to make improvements accordingly until most testers find it enjoyable and thought provoking!
7. Create artwork/design that accompanies your rules set – use graphics tools such as Canva or other online tools for creating attractive visuals for boards, cards & boxes etc.. Design pieces should coordinate with each other throughout making them easy to differentiate & identify during gameplay!
8 Lastly advertise your finished product by setting up a website , selling it directly via retailers or craft markets placed locally which might prove fruitful as well !
Theme
Creating a central theme and storyline for your board game is one of the first steps in developing a successful board game. It’s important to choose a theme that will be popular with both adults and children alike, while being easy to understand. A good way to brainstorm ideas is to think about common interests or topics in which people are likely to have fun playing. Consider activities, hobbies, and interests that bring people together. Once you have narrowed down candidates for your theme, consider how they can be incorporated into elements such as character design, interactive cards, obstacles and tasks, locations on the board map…the possibilities are endless!
Once you have settled on a central theme it’s time to develop a basic plot. Begin by coming up with an opening sequence- something that will provide context for the rest of your story and ease players into the game. This could involve setting up key players/characters, introducing important plot points, introducing objectives or explaining rules. By making sure everyone understands what’s going on from the start, this will allow them to become immersed in the gaming experience much more quickly and effectively than otherwise possible.
Next create specific storylines or narrative arcs for each character you introduce within your plot. Ask yourself questions like “What motivates this character?” “What do they want?” “What obstacles do they face?” It isn’t necessary for all characters to be completely intertwined; most importantly though is providing clear objectives whether it be collecting items or money, completing tasks/challenges/games etc.. These activities help build tension and excitement while still making sure they’re easy enough that even non gamers can enjoy them without becoming overwhelmed.
Finally make sure any plot points are communicated clearly through text so players can keep track of events taking place within their game sessions as well as understand outcomes based on certain choices within a given scenario e.g rolling dice determines how many spaces players may move ahead or back etc.. This way your storyline remains compelling at all times throughout gameplay experiences by allowing players to stay involved in its exciting progression ” ultimately deepening their engagement with the game itself!
Artwork
Once you’ve got the concept, rules and storyline sorted out for your board game, it’s time to turn your attention to the artwork. Good artwork can really contribute to creating an engaging visual experience that helps draw people in. You should dedicate ample time and resources to sketching out or digitally designing relevant pieces of art like characters, backgrounds, logos, box art and more. Once your designs are ready to be used, you can either hire a professional illustrator or a graphic designer who specializes in board games ” someone who knows how to properly compose a board game layout. This process may look different depending on what type of board game you’re making and whether it uses miniatures or large tiles with printed images. When creating box art specifically, aim for something eye-catching yet simple that focuses mainly on colors that are known to stimulate interest from consumers such as reds, blues and purples. Test different versions of your box art with friends and family until you find the one that best conveys the essence of your game. This will be crucial when trying to eventually sell your product online or get retailers interested in stocking it in their store shelves.
Mechanics
When it comes to creating a board game, the rules and mechanics of the game are just as important as the theme and artwork. If you want your board game to be successful, you need to create an experience that keeps players engaged and is fun. This can be done by creating dynamic rules and mechanics that keep players playing for hours.
When creating these rules, think about all aspects of the game including turn rules, resource management, player limits, structure guidelines, and what objectives are required for winning. Rules should be balanced in order to create a fair yet challenging experience without making the game too easy or impossible. One way to do this is by providing detailed descriptions of the different steps involved in play with optional variations that can add complexity or difficulty.
Additionally, you should consider what type of resources will be used within the game: money tokens, cubes or cards? This decision can impact how engaging the game will be while ultimately being essential in keeping track of progress during each turn. Setting limits on movement or building construction depending on resources available can also provide more depth to game play Similarly, setting a player limit helps make sure no one is left out ” unless you plan on designing a single-player board game instead!
Finally, have clear end goals for winning that motivates players throughout their journey ” like reaching a specific area on the board first or having collected enough points from completing tasks. By establishing reliable structures for effective rule enforcement, your unique characteristics will shine through in enjoyable long-term playability suitable for any gaming enthusiast!
Components
Creating a board game from scratch requires some patience, planning, and creativity. To get started you will need the following components and materials.
1. A board: You can either create your own unique board-shaped out of a sheet of cardboard or purchase a plain pre-made one from your local supplies store. Be sure to include various squares to denote start/finish points, danger zones, bonus spaces, etc.
2. Pieces/Counters: This includes anything that a player needs to move around on the board during play. For example, chess pieces, playing pieces in the form of cards or counters with symbols or numbers printed on them.
3. Dice: Dice are used in many popular board games such as Monopoly and Risk – they are essential for most games so make sure you have enough on hand!
4. Box: For easy storage and portability when playing the game elsewhere choose a box which is big enough to fit all the components inside it safely and securely while also being attractive at the same time! Some people also opt for plastic bags as an alternative option but this isn’t always ideal – check what works best for you before ordering any materials.
5. Cards/Instructions ” Depending on the type of game you want to make cards may be necessary too in order for players to understand how to proceed with their turn (e.g., draw X number of cards from a deck). Instructions are also important if it’s not obvious how your game should be played; consider investing in good quality cardstock on which your instructions can be easily printed off onto both sides when needed!
6. Decorations ” Adding decorations such as coloured markers, stickers or other products will help personalise your game design and give customers more incentive to purchase it when selling online/in shops etc
Manufacturing
When creating a board game, the first step is to source your materials. If you plan on manufacturing the game yourself and selling it in stores or online, you will need to purchase all the components you need. It’s important to do your research when buying supplies so they meet safety standards and won’t harm people who play the game. You should also consider new material that are cost-effective, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
Start by determining what components your board game needs (for example: board, pawns, dice, cards), then research suppliers for these components. There are many options available from local suppliers such as craft stores and hardware stores or from certain wholesalers who specialize in providing bulk materials for games. Some websites dedicated to tabletop gaming may even provide kits with all the supplies you need. Finally, if you prefer more custom pieces for your game than what is widely available in stores, you can look into 3D printing services or commission pieces from independent artisans.
Financing
If you have an idea for a board game that you wish to develop and sell, the first step is to secure the necessary financing. Fortunately, there are plenty of options. Depending on your project needs and available resources, these may include:
1. Personal Savings: If you have enough money saved up to fund your board game prototyping and production costs yourself, this is certainly an option worth considering. However, if those savings are limited or simply unavailable to you, there are alternative options.
2. Crowdfunding Platforms: Sites like Kickstarter have revolutionized the way creative projects get funded. Through crowdfunding campaigns, you can quickly raise funds from hundreds or even thousands of donations and also get some exposure as well through their platforms.
3. Angel Investors & Venture Capitalists: An angel investor is an individual investor who looks for unique and promising business opportunities in which they can personally invest in order to earn a profit. A venture capitalist is similar in that it’s typically a group of investors who pool their money together to invest in high-risk new ventures with the understanding that not all returns will be great but some investments may reap greater rewards if successful–making them a viable option if crowdfunding isn’t enough for you funding needs.
4. Bank Loans & Government Grants: Bank loans are another option for obtaining adequate funds for launching your board game business but keep in mind that these typically come with hefty interest rates so taking out such a loan should be done only after careful consideration of how the repayment plan will impact your budget over time Plus, depending on where you live certain governments off grants specifically crafted for small businesses including gaming entirely so definitely look into learning more about what may be available to you locally as far as government grant offerings go as these can be worth exploring too!
Launch
Creating a launch plan for your board game is a very important step in making sure the public has access to and becomes aware of your product. First, create a list of potential buyers or customers who might be interested in purchasing or recommending the game such as family, friends, distributors, retailers, etc. Research the demographics of these potential buyers to determine how they best interact with and purchase goods. Develop a marketing strategy that caters to those groups by researching their online behavior and interests. Reaching out through social media should also be part of this plan since it is an efficient tool for increasing awareness about new products. Consider partnering with influencers who are familiar with your product’s target market in order to reach more people and increase exposure. After your launch plan is solidified, create a timeline mapping out when events should occur during the launch process in order to coordinate activities appropriately. Lastly, before launching make sure you are able to track sales data on multiple tiered levels in order to ensure success.
Marketing
Marketing is an important part of the process for creating and selling your board game. With a strategic plan in place, you can increase your visibility, build relationships with customers, and ultimately, make more sales.
First steps include researching your target market to understand the needs and desires of your potential buyers – whether hobbyists or casual gamers. Then create graphics and promotional copy that capture customer interest. This can be done through social media campaigns, advertising on popular gaming sites, or creating content such as gameplay videos that demonstrate how to play your game. Make sure to set clear goals to measure the success of each marketing campaign.
You can also leverage word-of-mouth marketing by reaching out to influencers in the industry who may be interested in promoting your product or creating reviews. Ask friends, family members, bloggers, and other businesses for referrals; these connections can help you grow grassroots support for your game. Similarly, attending conventions and participating in online forums may lead to valuable feedback that could improve both the design and popularity of your game.
Finally, it’s beneficial to build an email list which you can j use to showcase upcoming releases or discounts on popular items.. Integrating don’t forget to integrate analytics tools into website or store page tracking user traffic source so you know what types of ad strategies are working and where people are coming from when they purchase items from you. By understanding the demographics of customers and following through on successful campaigns, you can effectively sell your board game online without breaking the bank!
Expansion
1. Utilize user feedback in the form of surveys or interviews to understand the preferences and experiences of your customers. Use this feedback to identify potential improvements, additions, or changes that players may appreciate.
2. Debugging and testing sessions can help to enhance game play and further promote quality assurance of your product. Make sure that all issues are addressed before releasing new versions/expansions of the game.
3. Consider coordinating with streamers or YouTubers who have experience in gaming to reach an even wider audience and get more exposure for your board game.
4. Create additional downloadable content such as extra game pieces, maps, updates, mods, custom designed boards etc., depending on what type of game it is; these items can give users more options during the game play so they don’t become bored with playing it too often in the same way.
5. Offer tournaments where players can compete against one another for prizes such as free expansion packs or other rewards related to the board game — this will increase engagement and keep them interested in playing with friends or online after its initial release period has passed.
6. Develop an app version of the board game which allows people to play remotely without needing to own physical copies – this opens up a much larger market for potential purchases as digital downloads are much cheaper than physical items/boxes.
7. Capitalize on holiday seasons by offering limited edition expansions/specials – introducing new mechanics or elements which make playing during particular holidays different and more exciting than during regular days!
Conclusion
Once you’ve gone through the steps of board game design and testing, it’s time to take your board game to market. This is where the hard work really pays off ” success is achieved when the right potential players find out about your game, spread the word, then buy it.
The best way to ensure that buyers come across your game is to invest in some marketing and publicity. Depending on your budget and target audience, this could include online ads, social media campaigns, and reviews by industry leaders. If you are able to secure good press coverage, it can also help build up interest in your game. This may involve press releases highlighting the key features of the game, an exciting launch event (such as a tournament or live stream), or engaging with influencers from gaming communities around the world. You may also want to look into exhibiting at trade shows or conventions if appropriate for your target audience.
In addition to marketing and publicity campaigns, another important aspect of getting your board game ready for market is developing a strong web presence. Designing an eye-catching website with product images and descriptions can help attract potential customers and make them more likely to purchase your game if they are sold through an ecommerce platform. Making sure that there are customer service protocols in place for any issues related to product delivery or inquiries will also give buyers confidence that their purchase would be backed up with good after-sale care. Finally, taking payment via major global payment services like Paypal or Apple Pay will give buyers more security when making a purchase decision.
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.
