At Hero Time, we’ve worked with countless game creators, from first-time designers to experienced publishers. Over the years, we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to board game design. Designing a game is exciting, but it’s easy to fall into some common traps that can hurt the final product. To help you avoid unnecessary headaches, we want to share some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen and how you can steer clear of them.

 

Overcomplicating the Rules

One of the biggest mistakes game designers make is adding too many rules. While depth and strategy are great, complexity for the sake of complexity can make your game frustrating rather than fun. If players need to constantly reference a rulebook or feel overwhelmed by choices, they might not want to play again.

We always recommend playtesting with people who have never played your game before. If they struggle to grasp the mechanics quickly, you might need to simplify. A well-designed game should be intuitive enough that players can start enjoying it without a long, tedious learning process.

 

Ignoring Player Experience and Flow

A great game isn’t just about mechanics; it’s about how players feel while playing. Does the game keep them engaged from start to finish? Are there moments of excitement, suspense, and satisfaction? Or does the game drag on, causing players to lose interest?

We’ve seen games that have fantastic mechanics but suffer from poor pacing. Long waiting times between turns, unclear win conditions, or mechanics that create too many dead turns can make a game feel sluggish. One of the best ways to solve this is through repeated playtesting with different groups. Keep an eye on when players seem engaged and when they seem bored—these are clues to where your game may need adjustments.

 

Inconsistent Theme and Mechanics

A game’s theme should align with its mechanics. If you’re designing a pirate adventure, the mechanics should reflect swashbuckling action, exploration, or treasure hunting. If the mechanics feel disconnected—say, a pirate game where the main action is just moving cubes around without any sense of adventure—players may feel let down.

We always encourage designers to ask: does every action in the game make sense within the world I’m creating? A strong connection between theme and mechanics enhances immersion and makes the experience more enjoyable for players.

 

Poor Quality Components or Design Choices

Even the best-designed game can suffer if the physical components aren’t up to par. We’ve had designers come to us with great ideas that were held back by flimsy cards, unreadable fonts, or poorly chosen materials.

This is where working with a reliable manufacturer (like us!) comes in. We guide designers in choosing materials that not only look good but also feel great to play with. A board game should be a tactile experience—solid tokens, smooth card shuffling, and a board that lays flat all contribute to a high-quality feel that players will appreciate.

 

Skipping Blind Playtesting

You may have tested your game a hundred times, but if it’s always with the same group of friends, you’re missing out on valuable insights. Blind playtesting—giving your game to a group without explaining the rules yourself—is one of the best ways to identify unclear instructions, broken mechanics, and unintended strategies.

We always advise game designers to let strangers try their game without their involvement. If playtesters keep getting confused about certain rules, it’s a sign that those rules need clarification. A well-written rulebook and clear iconography can make all the difference.

 

Underestimating the Cost of Manufacturing

Many designers focus so much on gameplay that they forget about the realities of manufacturing. Having dozens of unique pieces, custom dice, oversized boards, or heavy components can drive up costs quickly. We’ve seen designers with great ideas struggle because their game ended up being too expensive to produce at a reasonable price.

That’s why we always recommend working with a manufacturer early in the process. At Hero Time, we help game creators balance quality and cost, ensuring their vision comes to life without breaking the bank. Planning ahead can prevent last-minute surprises and help keep your game within budget.

 

Neglecting Marketing and Distribution

A great game won’t sell itself. Many designers put all their energy into making the game but don’t think about how they will actually get it into people’s hands. Whether you’re planning a Kickstarter campaign, looking for a publisher, or self-publishing, marketing needs to be part of your strategy from the start.

We always remind our clients: start building an audience early. Engage with board game communities, post updates on social media, and involve playtesters in your journey. The more people know about your game before launch, the easier it will be to generate excitement and sales.

 

Final Thoughts

Designing a board game is an incredible journey, full of creativity and challenges. At Hero Time, we’re passionate about helping game creators bring their ideas to life—without falling into these common pitfalls. By focusing on clear rules, strong thematic connections, high-quality components, and a well-planned launch strategy, you’ll set your game up for success.

If you need expert guidance on manufacturing, we’re here to help. Let’s turn your dream game into a reality, with top-tier production quality and a smooth, stress-free process. Reach out to us today—we’d love to be part of your journey!