How to make a Board Game

1. Start with an Idea

Every great board game begins with a spark of inspiration. Whether it’s a unique theme, a clever mechanic, or a story you want to tell, the idea is the foundation for everything that follows. At this stage, don’t worry about perfecting your concept—focus on capturing the essence of what excites you about the game.

Identify Your Inspiration

Think about what motivates you to create a game. Are you inspired by a favorite genre, a mythological tale, or perhaps a game you’ve played that felt like it was missing something? For me, it was a mix of my love for mythology and my passion for immersive gameplay.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What kind of experience do I want players to have?

• Should my game focus on strategy, storytelling, or both?

• What themes or settings fascinate me the most?

Your inspiration can come from anywhere—a historical event, a fantasy world, or even a personal memory. Let this idea serve as your creative anchor throughout the process.

Define the Core Concept

Once you have a general idea, refine it into a core concept. This includes:

1. Game Objective: What do players need to do to win? For example, collect the most points, conquer territories, or survive the longest.

2. Player Roles: Who are the players in your game? Are they adventurers, merchants, gods, or something else?

3. Player Interaction: Will players compete, cooperate, or both? Decide how they’ll interact with one another and with the game itself.

For example, my game idea started as a desire to explore mythology in a way that felt both accessible and immersive. I wanted players to feel like they were part of a larger story while engaging in strategic decisions that shaped the outcome of the game.

What Makes Your Game Unique?

In a world full of amazing board games, think about what sets yours apart. It could be:

• A fresh take on a popular mechanic (like deck-building with a twist).

• A rarely explored theme (such as a lesser-known mythology).

• A unique aesthetic or art style that draws players in.

Identifying your game’s “hook” early on helps you maintain focus during development and gives players a reason to choose your game over others.

Brainstorm and Iterate

Write down every idea that comes to mind—good or bad. Sometimes, the best ideas emerge when you explore and refine the not-so-great ones. Don’t be afraid to brainstorm with friends, fellow players, or anyone with a creative perspective. Collaboration can open doors to concepts you hadn’t considered.

2. Build Around a Theme or Mechanic

Once you have a core idea, the next step is to decide how your game will take shape. This means choosing whether to start with a theme or a mechanic as the foundation. Both approaches have their merits, and the best choice often depends on what excites you most about your game.

Theme-First Design

If you’re inspired by a story, world, or concept, you may want to start with a theme. This approach focuses on immersing players in a narrative or setting, with mechanics developed later to complement that experience.

How to Build Around a Theme:

1. Define the World:

   • What setting will your game take place in? (e.g., ancient mythology, space exploration, medieval kingdoms).

   • What elements of this world will players interact with?

2. Establish Roles:

   • Who are the players in this world? Heroes, merchants, gods, or adventurers?

   • What is their objective, and how does it tie into the theme?

3. Make the Theme Interactive:

   • Think about how players will engage with the theme. For example, in a mythology-based game, players might collect relics, battle monsters, or vie for divine favor.

Example:
For my game, inspired by history and mythology, I wanted players to feel like they were stepping into the role of mythological figures. This led me to focus on themes like exploration, battle, and storytelling, ensuring the mechanics supported these ideas.

Mechanic-First Design

If you’re more excited about how the game plays, you might start with a core mechanic. This approach focuses on creating engaging gameplay systems and later layering the theme to fit the mechanics.

How to Build Around a Mechanic:

1. Choose Your Core Mechanic:

   • What is the primary action players will take? Examples include worker placement, deck-building, or area control.

   • How will this mechanic drive player decisions?

2. Test the Core Interaction:

   • Create a rough prototype to test how players interact with the mechanic.

   • Does it feel fun, balanced, and repeatable?

3. Add Layers:

   • Once the core mechanic works, think about additional layers like player powers, resource management, or challenges to increase depth.

Example:
Imagine you want to build a card-drafting game. You might start by testing how players draft and use cards before deciding whether the theme involves adventurers collecting treasures or traders building empires.

Theme and Mechanic Together

While starting with either a theme or mechanic is common, the best games often achieve a perfect balance between the two. The mechanics should feel like a natural extension of the theme, and the theme should make the mechanics feel meaningful.

Tips for Integration:

• If your theme involves mythology, think about mechanics that evoke mythological concepts, like “quests” for resources or battles that require strategic sacrifices.

• Test whether your mechanics enhance the theme or feel disconnected. Players should feel immersed in the world, not distracted by overly complex or unrelated systems.

Examples of Theme-Mechanic Balance:

• Pandemic: The cooperative mechanics mirror the urgency of stopping a global outbreak.

• Ticket to Ride: The simple set collection and route-building mechanics align perfectly with the theme of building train networks.

• Catan: Resource gathering and trading mechanics support the theme of settling and expanding a civilization.

What’s Right for Your Game?

Ask yourself:

• Does the theme excite and inspire you?

• Are the mechanics intuitive and engaging?

• Can you envision how the two elements will work together?

Once you’ve chosen your theme, mechanic, or both, it’s time to start building the rules that will bring your vision to life. In the next part, we’ll explore how to create a clear, concise set of rules that guide players while keeping your game accessible and fun.

3. Components and Prototype

Now that you have a solid idea and a direction for your theme and mechanics, it’s time to bring your game to life through its components and prototype. This stage is all about turning your ideas into something tangible that you can test and refine.

Designing the Components

The components of your game are the physical pieces players interact with, and they play a significant role in shaping the gameplay experience. While it’s tempting to dive straight into aesthetics, the focus at this stage should be on functionality and gameplay.

Key Steps to Design Components:

1. List the Essentials:
   Start by identifying what players will need to play the game. This might include:

   • Cards

   • Boards

   • Tokens or meeples

   • Dice or spinners

   • Player mats or trackers

   Think about how each component serves the game mechanics and enhances the theme. For example, a mythology-based game might use tokens to represent divine power or relic cards to symbolize artifacts.

2. Sketch It Out:
   Create rough layouts or diagrams for your components. For example:

   • A board showing territories or regions for an area control game.

   • Cards with spaces for stats, actions, or artwork.

   • Player boards with areas to track resources or progress.

3. Prioritize Simplicity:
   Components should be intuitive to use and easy to understand. Avoid overloading them with information. Each piece should have a clear purpose that supports the gameplay.

4. Think About Accessibility:
   Consider how different players will interact with your components. Use legible fonts, colorblind-friendly palettes, and clear iconography.

Creating the Prototype

A prototype is the first physical version of your game. It doesn’t need to look polished—it just needs to be functional enough to test your mechanics and flow. Prototyping is an iterative process, so expect to create multiple versions as you refine the game.

How to Build a Prototype:

1. Start with Basic Materials:
   Use inexpensive supplies like index cards, paper, coins, or poker chips to represent your components. Online tools like Tabletop Simulator can also help if you prefer a digital prototype.

2. Assemble the Core Mechanics:
   Focus on the primary mechanics of your game. For example, if your game involves card drafting, create placeholder cards with handwritten or printed text to test the system.

3. Label and Organize:
   Clearly label each component to avoid confusion during testing. Use different colors or symbols to represent various elements.

4. Don’t Worry About Art:
   Placeholder art or simple shapes are fine for now. The goal is to test functionality, not aesthetics.

Testing the Prototype

Once your prototype is ready, it’s time to test it. Start by playing solo to identify obvious issues, then involve friends, family, or fellow gamers to gather feedback.

What to Look for During Testing:

• Are the mechanics intuitive?

• Do the components work well together?

• Are there any unclear rules or situations?

• Does the game flow smoothly, or are there bottlenecks?

Take notes during each session, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments on the fly.

Refining Your Prototype

Prototyping is an iterative process, so use feedback to improve your game.

• Adjust the rules to simplify or balance gameplay.

• Add or remove components to streamline the experience.

• Test different layouts or formats for cards and boards.

Every change brings you closer to a polished product. Remember, it’s better to test and refine extensively at this stage than to encounter problems later in development.

With a working prototype, you’re ready to move on to advanced playtesting and refining the gameplay experience.

3. Playtest, Playtest, Playtest

Playtesting is the heart of board game development. It’s where your game evolves from an idea into a polished, playable experience. This stage allows you to identify what works, what doesn’t, and how players engage with your game. The more you playtest, the better your game will become.

Why Playtesting is Crucial

No matter how well you’ve designed your game, there will always be aspects that only become clear during actual play. Playtesting helps you:

• Spot imbalances in mechanics or strategies.

• Identify confusing rules or unclear components.

• Ensure the game is fun, engaging, and replayable.

• Gather fresh perspectives and ideas.

Types of Playtesting

1. Solo Playtesting:

   • Before showing your game to others, play it yourself to identify obvious issues.

   • Focus on how mechanics flow and whether win conditions make sense.

   • Test all possible player actions and strategies.

2. Friends and Family Testing:

   • Invite friends or family to play. They’ll likely give honest but supportive feedback.

   • Explain the rules clearly and watch how they interpret them.

   • Note where they get stuck or lose interest.

3. Blind Playtesting:

   • Provide the game and rulebook to a group without explaining anything yourself.

   • Observe how they interpret the game on their own.

   • Blind playtesting is essential for testing how intuitive your rules and components are.

4. Diverse Group Testing:

   • Test with players of different experience levels.

   • Beginners may struggle with unclear rules, while experienced players may spot potential exploits or overpowered strategies.

What to Look for During Playtesting

1. Game Flow:

   • Does the game move smoothly from one phase to another?

   • Are turns too long or too short?

2. Player Engagement:

   • Are players enjoying themselves?

   • Is there enough player interaction, or does the game feel too solitary?

3. Balance:

   • Are all strategies viable, or is one clearly better?

   • Does the game feel fair, regardless of the number of players?

4. Clarity:

   • Are the rules easy to understand?

   • Do the components clearly communicate their purpose?

5. Length:

   • Does the game take longer than expected?

   • Is the game’s length appropriate for its depth?

Gathering Feedback

1. Ask Specific Questions:

   • What did you enjoy most about the game?

   • Was anything confusing or frustrating?

   • Did the game feel too easy, too hard, or just right?

2. Observe Player Behavior:

   • Note moments of confusion, frustration, or excitement.

   • Watch for patterns in decision-making or strategies.

3. Encourage Honesty:

   • Make it clear that all feedback is valuable, even if it’s critical.

4. Take Notes:

   • Record everything—feedback, observations, and your own thoughts.

   • These notes will be invaluable for refining the game later.

Iterate and Playtest Again

Playtesting is an iterative process. After each session:

• Adjust the rules, components, or mechanics based on feedback.

• Simplify overly complex systems.

• Refine unclear rules or objectives.

• Balance mechanics to ensure all strategies are viable.

Then, playtest again! Each round of testing brings your game closer to perfection.

When to Move On

You’ll know you’re ready to move beyond playtesting when:

• Players consistently understand and enjoy the game.

• The rules and components feel polished and intuitive.

• Feedback shifts from major issues to minor tweaks.

With playtesting complete, it’s time to focus on the visual design and final touches for your game.

4. Develop the Visuals and Story

Once your mechanics are refined and your prototype is solid, it’s time to focus on the visuals and storytelling elements of your game. These aspects not only make your game more appealing but also immerse players in the world you’ve created. Engaging artwork and a compelling story can turn a great game into an unforgettable experience.

Visual Design

The visual elements of your game are the first things players notice, and they play a significant role in setting expectations and conveying the theme.

1. Invest in Professional Artwork:

   • Consider hiring an artist who can bring your vision to life.

   • Choose an art style that complements the theme of your game—whether it’s bold and colorful, dark and atmospheric, or minimalist and clean.

   • Create concept art for key components like the game board, cards, tokens, and box cover.

2. Communicate Functionality:

   • Ensure your visuals aren’t just beautiful but also functional.

   • Use clear iconography and color schemes to help players quickly understand game elements.

   • Avoid overloading components with too much detail that could confuse players.

3. Prototype-Level Art:

   • Before finalizing your artwork, test with placeholder visuals to confirm they’re effective and enhance gameplay.

Storytelling

A strong narrative adds depth to your game, making it more immersive and memorable. Even in abstract games, a light touch of story can give context to player actions.

1. Develop a Backstory:

   • What’s the world of your game? Who are the players, and why are they competing or cooperating?

   • Craft a backstory that explains the game’s setting and objectives.

2. Tie Story to Mechanics:

   • Ensure the story supports the gameplay. For instance, if your game involves collecting relics, the narrative could frame players as adventurers seeking ancient artifacts.

   • Use story elements to justify mechanics, such as why players can take certain actions or why specific rules exist.

3. Add Flavor Text:

   • Include short, thematic descriptions on cards, boards, or rulebooks to bring the story to life.

   • Flavor text can provide subtle hints about strategy or lore without overwhelming players.

Game Box and Rulebook Design

1. Game Box:

   • The box is your game’s first impression. It should instantly communicate the theme and genre of the game.

   • Include key information on the back, such as the player count, playtime, and a brief description of the game.

2. Rulebook:

   • A well-designed rulebook is essential. Use visuals like diagrams, examples, and step-by-step instructions to make learning easy.

   • Use thematic elements (e.g., fonts, borders, or illustrations) to reinforce the game’s world.

Balancing Aesthetics and Budget

While stunning visuals and storytelling elements are important, it’s also vital to stay within budget. Consider:

• Prioritizing artwork for components that players interact with the most, such as cards or the game board.

• Using cost-effective tools for design and printing, such as online services or digital templates.

• Testing the market demand to determine how much to invest in premium visuals.

With visuals and story in place, your game will truly start to come alive.

5. Prepare for Production

With your game refined, playtested, and visually brought to life, it’s time to move into production. This stage transforms your prototype into a finished product, ready to be shared with the world. Production involves choosing manufacturers, finalizing components, and ensuring the quality matches your vision. It’s a critical step that requires careful planning and attention to detail.

Choose a Manufacturer

Finding the right manufacturer is crucial to producing a high-quality game. Here’s what to consider:

1. Research Options:

   • Look for manufacturers with experience in board game production.

   • Compare portfolios to ensure they can deliver the quality and style you envision.

2. Eco-Friendly Practices:

   • If sustainability is a priority, look for manufacturers that offer eco-friendly production options, such as recyclable materials or low-waste processes.

3. Request Samples:

   • Always ask for samples of their previous work to assess the quality of their materials, printing, and assembly.

Finalize Components

Before production begins, you need to ensure every element of your game is finalized:

1. Print-Ready Files:

   • Work with your designer to create print-ready files for cards, boards, and rulebooks.

   • Double-check dimensions, resolution, and formatting to avoid errors.

2. Component Specifications:

   • Define the materials for each component (e.g., card stock, plastic for tokens, wooden meeples).

   • Specify finishes like matte or glossy surfaces for cards and boards.

3. Packaging:

   • Finalize your game box design, including the layout, dimensions, and any inserts for organizing components.

Manage Costs and Quantities

Production costs depend on the materials, complexity, and quantity of your game.

1. Estimate Demand:

   • Consider the size of your target audience and decide on an initial production run.

   • For independent developers, a smaller run of 500-1,000 units is often a good starting point.

2. Set a Budget:

   • Factor in production, shipping, and storage costs.

   • Leave room for unexpected expenses, such as minor adjustments or errors.

Quality Control

Before full-scale production begins, request a pre-production copy of your game.

1. Inspect the Prototype:

   • Check for color accuracy, material quality, and assembly precision.

   • Test all components to ensure durability and functionality.

2. Communicate Feedback:

   • Provide clear feedback to the manufacturer about any issues or adjustments needed.

Shipping and Logistics

Once production is complete, plan how to get your game to its audience.

1. Storage:

   • Decide where to store your inventory (e.g., at home, in a warehouse, or with a fulfillment service).

2. Shipping Partners:

   • Research logistics companies that specialize in board game shipping.

   • If using crowdfunding, consider companies that offer integrated fulfillment solutions.

The production stage is where your vision becomes a reality. While it can be challenging to manage all the details, seeing your finished game for the first time is an incredibly rewarding experience.

With production complete, the next step is launching and sharing your game with the world. This includes marketing, crowdfunding, and building excitement among your audience. We’ll dive into these topics in a later blog post, so stay tuned!