Creating a custom board game is an exciting endeavor; however, turning your concept into a tangible, high-quality product requires collaboration with an experienced board game manufacturer.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of working with a board game manufacturer, helping you turn your vision into reality.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Research and Choose a Manufacturer
Selecting the right board game manufacturer is critical to the success of your project. Look for manufacturers with experience in producing custom games and a track record of quality. Consider the following when choosing a partner:
- Portfolio: Review the manufacturer’s past work to gauge their expertise in different game components.
- Certifications: Check for certifications and test reports such as ISO, FSC (for paper/board), EN71, etc.
- Capabilities: Ensure the manufacturer can handle the materials and printing methods you require (cardstock, custom dice, wooden or plastic tokens, and game boards).
- Communication: Clear and quick responsive communication is essential for collaborative development.
Many manufacturers offer consultation services to help refine your design and advise on production feasibility.
Step 2: Prepare Your Artwork and Files
Once you’ve selected a manufacturer, the next step is preparing your artwork and design files. Professional manufacturers often provide detailed specifications for file formats, resolution, and color profiles. Some key considerations include:
- File Formats: Vector files (PDF, PSD, AI or CRD) are preferred for printing sharp, scalable images. Raster images (PNG, JPEG, TIFF) may be acceptable for certain components.
- Resolution: High-resolution artwork (usually 300 DPI or higher) ensures crisp and clear printing.
- Bleed Area: Include extra space around the edges of components to avoid white borders after cutting.
- Color Profiles: Manufacturers typically use CMYK color mode for printing.
- Fonts: Convert text to outlines to prevent font mismatches.
If you lack graphic design skills, many manufacturers offer in-house design assistance to help turn your sketches and ideas into print-ready files.
Step 3: Choose Materials and Components
Choosing the appropriate materials ensures both durability and a high-quality finish. A board game maker can guide you through options for:
- Game Board: Options include thick cardboard, chipboard, or foldable boards with linen or matte finishes.
- Cards: Cardstock thickness, coating (glossy, matte, or soft-touch), and corner shapes can be customized.
- Tokens and Pieces: Plastic, wooden, or metal tokens, dice, and figurines can all be tailored to your game.
- Packaging: Boxes can vary in style (standard tuck boxes, rigid boxes, or magnetic closure boxes) and finish.
Choosing high-quality components enhances gameplay experience and ensures your game stands out.
Step 4: Request a Prototype
Board game prototyping is a crucial step in the production process. A prototype allows you to test the game’s mechanics, check component quality, and make design adjustments before committing to mass production. Manufacturers can provide:
- Physical Prototypes: Fully assembled versions of the game, often hand-crafted or printed in small quantities.
- Print-and-Play Versions: Digital versions of the game components, allowing for low-cost testing before creating physical prototypes.
During prototype testing, focus on gameplay flow, readability, component durability, and overall user experience. Take notes and provide feedback to the manufacturer for revisions.
Step 5: Review and Approve Samples
After making adjustments based on the prototype, the manufacturer will produce a final sample. This sample should closely reflect the quality and appearance of the mass-produced game. When reviewing the sample, check:
- Printing quality and color accuracy
- Board and card durability
- Fit and finish of tokens, dice, and other pieces
- Box assembly and artwork alignment
Careful inspection ensures your game meets your expectations and prevents costly errors in mass production.
Step 6: Place Your Production Order
Once the final sample is approved, you can place your production order. Consider the following factors:
- Quantity: Determine how many copies you need, keeping in mind economies of scale. Larger orders usually reduce the per-unit cost.
- Lead Time: Manufacturers will provide estimated production and shipping timelines. Plan ahead to accommodate any delays.
- Budget: Confirm pricing, including setup fees, printing, materials, shipping, and potential customs or taxes.
Many manufacturers provide tiered production, letting you begin with a small batch and expand as demand increases.
Step 7: Monitor Production
Throughout production, maintain open communication with your manufacturer. Some manufacturers provide production updates or photos of batches being assembled. This step helps ensure quality control and allows you to address any issues promptly.
Step 8: Quality Assurance and Shipping
Before shipping, your manufacturer will typically perform a final quality check on all games. They will ensure:
- All components are included
- Accurate printing quality
- Packaging is complete and secure
After approval, the manufacturer can arrange shipping, whether it’s domestic or international. Consider shipping insurance and customs documentation if you are sending games abroad.
9. Post-Production Support
Even after delivery, a reliable manufacturer continues to provide support:
- Reorders: Establish an efficient process for future orders if your game sells well.
- Component Replacement: In case of damage during shipping or missing pieces, the manufacturer may offer replacement services.
- Consultation for Updates: If you plan expansions, new editions, or promotional versions, your manufacturer can guide material, design, and production adjustments.
A strong post-production relationship ensures your game’s success beyond the first batch.
