When designing a board game, the materials you choose significantly affect not only the feel and aesthetic but also the game’s durability, playability, and overall player experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the different materials commonly used in board games, from paper to wood and plastic, with an in-depth look at key metrics like durability, flexibility, and opacity. You’ll also discover why choosing the right materials is crucial, and we’ll offer insights into some professional recommendations for game creators.

Type of Paper

Paper is a fundamental component in board games, commonly used for cards, rulebooks, packaging, and tokens. However, not all paper is created equal. Paper quality is measured by several key factors: GSM (grams per square meter), bursting strength (a measure of how much force the paper can withstand before rupturing), elasticity, brightness, and opacity. Let’s break these down for each type of paper.

White Core Paper

• Durability: Measured by its tear resistance, which refers to the paper’s ability to withstand force without tearing. For high-quality white core paper, the tear resistance is significantly stronger (measured in milliNewtons, mN), ensuring durability in game cards.

• Elasticity: Low-quality white core can be bent back to shape only about 2 times, while higher-quality white core can handle up to 8 bends before it starts showing wear.

• Brightness: Print quality is directly influenced by brightness. Low-quality white core paper has a brightness level of around 78%, while high-quality ranges from 87-93%, enhancing print vibrancy.

• Opacity: Low-quality white core has an opacity of around 80%, which can lead to visible bleed-through when printed on both sides. High-quality white core is 90%+ opaque, ensuring no visibility from the other side.

• Recommendation: For most games, we recommend using high-quality white core paper, especially at 350gsm, to ensure durability and print clarity.

Black Core Paper

• Strength: Black core paper, typically stronger than white core, is known for its ability to withstand a greater amount of pressure and bending.

• Elasticity: Both Chinese and German black core paper maintain their shape for a longer time. Chinese black core can bend back up to 8 times, while German black core can exceed 20 bends without showing signs of wear.

• Brightness: Chinese black core ranges from 70-80%, while German black core sits at 78-85%, making it suitable for games where deep, rich colors are important.

• Opacity: Both types of black core paper are 100% opaque, preventing any light from passing through and ensuring full privacy of the card’s reverse side.

CCNB Paper (Clay Coated News Back)

• Usage: CCNB is typically used for gluing onto cardboard for packaging, token sheets, or display boxes, as it offers a balance of cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

• Durability: It offers decent durability but is more susceptible to wear compared to high-quality core papers. Its burst strength is typically lower, making it more suitable for a printed layer on cardboard internal game components. Here as well, we have different qualities with density and brightness.

White Printing Paper

• Durability: Commonly used for packaging, tuck boxes, and display boxes, white printing paper is durable enough for external use, though its coating is only on one side, leading to lower brightness and protection.

• Brightness: It has a lower brightness level compared to core papers due to its single coating, typically around 70-80%.

Types of Cardboard

Cardboard is the backbone of many board game components, especially game boards, tokens, and inserts. It’s measured by several factors: GSM count (which influences thickness), durability (measured by compression strength in pounds), density, and humidity resistance.

Corrugated Cardboard

• Strengths: Lightweight yet strong, corrugated cardboard is ideal for game boxes and shipping packaging. It offers excellent protection for game components inside the box.

• Weaknesses: Not aesthetically appealing for components, and can be bulky.

• Best For: Game boxes, packaging, and inserts.

High-Quality Cardboard

• Durability: High-quality cardboard can withstand significant pressure in terms of compression strength, reaching up to 200 pounds in professional testing.

• Density: High-density cardboard resists fraying along the edges when cut, making it ideal for detailed components like tokens.

• Humidity Resistance: High-quality cardboard is often treated for moisture resistance, which prevents warping over time.

Low-Quality Cardboard

• Durability: Low-quality cardboard has a lower compression strength, often around 100-150 pounds, making it less ideal for components subject to frequent handling.

• Density & Fraying: Lower density means a higher likelihood of fraying on the edges, especially after repeated use.

• Humidity Sensitivity: Low-quality cardboard is more susceptible to humidity, increasing the risk of warping.

Types of Wood

MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

• Durability: MDF is a durable and cost-effective option for wooden components. Its density allows for precise laser cutting, making it suitable for intricate designs.

• Weakness: The maximum laser cutting thickness is only 6mm and MDF are susceptible to water damage and may swell in humid conditions.

Beech Wood

• Durability: Beech is a dense, hardwood option that’s extremely durable and resistant to wear. It works well for creating high-end, premium-feel game pieces like Jenga.

• Laser Cutting: Beech needs to be sanded and sawed because there are impossible to laser cut due to its hardness and the maximum laser cutting thickness is 6mm, but it holds intricate shapes well.

Pine Wood

• Durability: Pine is a softwood and more affordable than beech, making it a common choice for game components where cost is a factor.

• Laser Cutting: Its softness makes it easy to cut, but it’s also more prone to denting and scratching.

Plywood

• Durability: Lightweight and sturdy, plywood is a popular choice for tokens and tiles that needs a little thickness. It is easily laser cut up to 10mm into various shapes and provides good durability at a lower cost than solid hardwoods.

• Weaknesses: Like MDF, plywood is vulnerable to moisture and may warp over time if not treated.

Types of Plastic

Plastic is one of the most versatile materials used in board games due to its wide range of applications, durability, and cost-efficiency. Different types of plastic offer varying levels of strength, flexibility, and aesthetics, making them ideal for specific game components.

ABS Plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Strengths: ABS plastic is known for its high impact resistance, durability, and rigidity, making it a popular choice for high-quality game components like miniatures and player tokens. It holds intricate details well and can withstand significant wear without deforming.

• Weaknesses: ABS is typically more expensive than other plastics due to its superior strength and molding capabilities. Additionally, it’s less eco-friendly compared to recyclable plastics like polypropylene (PP).

PVC Plastic (Polyvinyl Chloride)

• Strengths: PVC is flexible, lightweight, and cost-effective, making it an ideal material for mass-produced game components. It’s commonly used in card sleeves, mats, and other flexible parts. PVC’s adaptability allows it to be both rigid and soft, depending on the formulation.

• Weaknesses: Over time, PVC components can become brittle, especially under environmental stress such as sunlight or high temperatures. It may also feel less premium than more rigid plastics like ABS.

Polypropylene (PP) Plastic

• Strengths: Polypropylene is highly resistant to chemical damage, impact, and moisture. It’s often used for game trays, storage inserts, and durable custom tokens. PP is also recyclable, which makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to PVC or ABS.

• Weaknesses: While durable, PP plastic is slightly less rigid than ABS, making it unsuitable for highly detailed or load-bearing components like miniatures.

Resin

• Strengths: Resin is extremely durable and hard, and easily molded for the use of 3D printers, making it perfect for small quantity print runs of miniatures.   

• Weaknesses: It’s so rigid and stiff, it can become brittle and break easily upon impact if the area of the impact is less than 1.2mm thick.

Types of Fabric

Fabric materials bring a tactile softness to board games, often used for mats, game boards, and storage solutions like bags. These materials offer flexibility, durability, and a premium feel but vary in terms of resistance to wear and tear.

Neoprene

• Strengths: Neoprene is a soft, durable material that offers a cushioned, premium feel for gaming mats. Its water- and stain-resistant properties make it ideal for play surfaces, providing protection against spills and damage. Neoprene also maintains its form and cushioning over time.

• Weaknesses: Neoprene tends to be bulkier and more expensive than other materials, making it less convenient for storage and transportation compared to foldable alternatives like paper or cardboard mats.

Cotton Canvas

• Strengths: A natural, flexible fabric, cotton canvas is both strong and versatile, offering durability in the form of drawstring bags or rollable game boards. Its breathability, strength and cheaper price as compared to neoprene make it a go-to material for storage solutions.

• Weaknesses: Cotton canvas is more susceptible to stains and moisture damage than synthetic materials like neoprene, which can reduce its lifespan if not properly maintained.

Types of Metal

Metal components add a sense of luxury and weight to board games, often used in deluxe editions or for highly specialized pieces. Metal is a durable and visually striking material that can enhance the tactile experience of a game.

Zinc Alloy

• Strengths: Zinc alloy provides a heavy, durable feel, perfect for creating coins, tokens, and special game pieces that elevate the overall game experience. Its ability to take on intricate details and different finishes makes it versatile and appealing.

• Weaknesses: Due to its weight and cost, zinc alloy is typically reserved for deluxe editions or games with higher budgets. It may not be practical for all game creators.

Steel

• Strengths: Steel is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for dice, tokens, and high-durability components. It’s stronger and heavier than zinc alloy and gives off a professional, industrial look.

• Weaknesses: Steel’s weight and higher cost compared to plastic or wood can make it an expensive choice for large-scale production.

Other Key Materials in Board Games

Glass

• Strengths: Glass is used in board games for gems, marbles, and luxury tokens. Its smooth, polished surface and natural weight provide a sleek, high-quality aesthetic that can elevate the game’s tactile experience.

• Weaknesses: While beautiful, glass is also fragile and can be prone to breaking or chipping, especially if used frequently in gameplay. It’s also more expensive than synthetic materials.

Acrylic

• Strengths: Acrylic is a clear, strong material that’s often used for transparent overlays, markers, or premium tokens. It’s resistant to impact and scratches, providing a modern, polished look to game components.

• Weaknesses: Acrylic can scratch more easily than some other materials and is more expensive than cardboard or plastic. It can also be less durable if subjected to frequent handling over time. Despite this, it offers a high-end aesthetic that can enhance the overall presentation of a game.

Importance of Material Selection in Game Design

Choosing the right material is more than just about cost. Durability, appearance, and tactile experience are vital considerations for every game creator.

At Hero Time, we provide sample kits containing a range of these materials from papers and cardboards to wood and plastics. These kits allow game creators to experience firsthand the feel and quality of different materials before making final production decisions. Request your sample kit today and start creating a game that players will love and that will stand the test of time.

Understanding the trade-offs between high-quality and low-quality materials allows you to make informed decisions for each component of your game, ensuring both playability and longevity.