Ever wondered how board games go from an idea to a finished product on your table? Whether you’re dreaming of designing the next Exploding Kittens or just curious about the process, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick rundown of how board games are made step by step.

Step 1: Dream It – Game Design

Every board game starts with a great idea! What’s your theme? How will players interact? At this stage, you define the rules, components, and overall gameplay.

• Game Design: This involves refining gameplay mechanics, creating engaging player interactions, and balancing the difficulty with player personas.

• Component Design: Think about what elements your game needs: cards, boards, dice, miniatures, and more.

Tip for beginners: Keep it simple to start! Focus on core mechanics and essential components to avoid overwhelming yourself early on. Efficiency with components benefits both you and the players by improving gameplay while controlling costs.

Step 2: Bring It to Life – Artwork & Graphics

Next, it’s time to design the visual elements, from character illustrations to layout for printing. Your game needs to look as good as it plays!

• Hiring an Artist: Many game creators hire professional artists to bring their vision to life. It’s crucial to have a clear vision board that includes core assets such as characters, landscapes, and the overall theme and feel. This gives your artist a reference to ensure the artwork aligns with your game’s direction.

• Graphic Design for Print: Proper file preparation is key when it comes to board game artwork. You’ll need to consider margins, resolution, and how each component fits on the sheet for printing.

Tips for beginners: Make sure your artist or designer is familiar with the specific requirements for board game artwork to avoid the common mistakes for game artwork.

Step 3: Test It – Prototyping & Playtesting

Before investing in full production, ensure your game works through prototyping and playtesting. This helps refine mechanics and catch potential issues.

• Home Prototype: This is your first rough version, used to test gameplay before investing in artwork and production. It’s created at home to make sure the game works as intended.

• Physical Prototype for Review: Once you’re confident in your game’s mechanics, you can create a professionally made prototype. This version is used for professional playtesting, marketing, or as a final check before mass production.

• Playtesting: Gather feedback from different players and use it to refine your game.

Tip for beginners: Start with a low-cost prototype so you can quickly make changes based on playtesting feedback before moving into full production.

Step 4: Prep for Production – Files & Components

Time to prep for manufacturing! Once your design is finalised, you’ll need to prepare your files for printing.

• Print Layout: Organize your components for optimal use of materials. Ensure all components (cards, boards, etc.) are in the correct size and format for production.

• Component Specifications: Finalize the materials and dimensions for every piece—cards, boards, miniatures, etc.

Tip for beginners: Communicate with your manufacturer early about their file format and size requirements. Proper preparation prevents costly revisions later on.

Step 5: Manufacture – Printing & Production

This is where the magic happens, it’s time to move into production. Here’s a brief look at how major components are made:

• Cards: Printed using high-quality paper or card stock, then coated for durability.

• Boards: Printed on thicker cardboard and laminated for longevity.

• Miniatures: Either 3D printed or made through injection molding, depending on your budget and design.

Tip for beginners: Stick to standard sizes and materials to keep costs down in small print runs. Custom options are available but can drive up the price significantly, especially for small orders.

Step 6: Box It Up – Assembly & Packaging

Once all components are printed and cut, they need to be assembled into a finished product.

• Box Design: Your box is more than just packaging; it’s the face of your game. You’ll want a durable, attractive design.

• Shrink Wrapping: Finished games are typically shrink-wrapped to protect them during shipping.

Tip for beginners: Packaging matters! Invest in quality packaging to not only protect your game but also make it appealing to buyers and backers.

Step 7: Ship It – Shipping Logistics

Once your game is assembled and packaged, it’s time to arrange shipping to your chosen warehouse or distribution center.

• Shipping: This involves getting your game from the manufacturer to a warehouse, typically in your target region. Depending on your chosen fulfillment model, this could mean shipping internationally.

• Customs and Regulations: For international shipping, be sure to understand customs regulations and taxes in your destination country.

Tip for beginners: Shipping logistics can be complicated, especially when dealing with international orders. Make sure to understand incoterms and customs regulations.

Step 8: Fulfill It – Delivery to Customers

After your game reaches a warehouse, the next step is fulfillment which translates to, getting the game into the hands of your customers.

• Fulfillment Centers: Most creators work with a fulfillment center, which handles processing and shipping orders to individual customers. Fulfillment centers take care of picking, packing, and sending out your games.

• Global Fulfillment: If your game has international backers or customers, be sure to select a fulfillment partner with global shipping capabilities to avoid delays.

Tip for beginners: Choose a fulfillment partner early in the process to streamline logistics and ensure timely delivery to your customers. Partnering with an established fulfillment company can help avoid shipping issues, especially for larger campaigns or international orders.

Conclusion

The board game manufacturing process might seem complex, but it’s an adventure when you breaking it down step by step, you can navigate it smoother with confidence. Whether you’re creating your first game or scaling up for a larger production, understanding the process will help you make informed decisions every step of the way. Ready to take the next step in your journey?

If you’re curious about the costs involved, check out our next article: “How Much Does It Cost to Make a Board Game?“ where we break down the various expenses and help you budget for your project effectively.