At Hero Time, we’ve had the privilege of working with countless game designers, from first-time creators to seasoned publishers. One of the most exciting yet often overlooked parts of game development is naming your custom meeples and tokens. It might seem like a small detail, but the right name can make a world of difference in bringing your game to life.

We understand the process can be daunting—after all, you want something unique, memorable, and fitting for your game’s theme. Through our years of experience in manufacturing board games, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. So, let’s dive into how to name your meeples and tokens in a way that enhances your game and connects with your audience.

 

Understanding the Role of Your Meeples and Tokens

Before settling on a name, the first thing we always recommend is taking a step back and considering the role of your components. Are they the main characters of your game? Do they represent a faction, a resource, or a piece of the game’s world? The function and purpose of these pieces should guide your naming decisions.

For example, if your game is set in a medieval kingdom, a simple wooden figure could be called a “Peasant” or a “Squire.” But if you’re designing a space exploration game, the same piece might be better named an “Explorer” or “Cosmonaut.” Names aren’t just labels—they set the tone for your game’s storytelling and immersion.

 

Finding the Right Balance Between Simplicity and Creativity

One mistake we’ve seen game designers make is going too far in either direction—either using names that are too generic or ones that are overly complex. While it might be tempting to create elaborate names to make your game stand out, players need to be able to remember and pronounce them easily.

A good name is one that is intuitive yet distinctive. Consider some of the most iconic board game components—“Catan’s Robber” or “Carcassonne’s Meeple.” They are short, descriptive, and perfectly suited to their roles in the game. Striking that balance ensures that players can quickly connect with your game and its mechanics.

 

Thematic Consistency is Key

At Hero Time, we believe consistency in game design is crucial. When naming your meeples and tokens, make sure they align with your game’s theme. If your game is set in a cyberpunk future, a piece called “Knight” might feel out of place, while “Enforcer” or “Hacker” could fit better. Likewise, a medieval game shouldn’t have pieces named “Gunner” or “Pilot.”

Consistency also extends to your game’s narrative and mechanics. If you have different types of meeples, consider how they relate to each other. A hierarchy or classification can add depth to your world—peasants, knights, lords—or something more abstract, like gatherers, builders, and guardians.

 

Player Engagement and Recognition

Another factor we always encourage designers to think about is player engagement. A well-chosen name can add a layer of personality to the game and make players feel more connected to their pieces. This is especially true if your game encourages players to “become” their characters.

We’ve also seen games where unique names become a selling point. Players love to talk about their favorite games, and when a game has memorable and fun names, it helps build community and engagement. Imagine someone saying, “I just rolled a crit with my Shadow Walker meeple!” versus “I moved my blue figure forward.” Which one sounds more exciting?

 

Testing Names with Your Audience

Once you have a list of potential names, it’s a good idea to test them with playtesters. This is something we often advise game creators to do. Watch how players interact with the names—do they struggle to pronounce them? Do they forget what they mean? Or do they naturally start using them in conversation? The way your audience responds to the names can give you valuable insights into whether they enhance the game experience or create confusion.

If you’re working on a Kickstarter campaign or building a community around your game, you could even involve your audience in the naming process. A poll or contest can be a great way to engage players and make them feel invested in your game before it even launches.

 

Leveraging Manufacturing Expertise

As a board game manufacturer, we also encourage creators to consider how names might affect the production process. If your game requires custom engravings, screen printing, or specific detailing on meeples and tokens, make sure the names are easy to work with in terms of design. Long or overly intricate names might not translate well onto small components, so keeping them short and clear is usually the best approach.

At Hero Time, we specialize in custom components, from uniquely shaped meeples to detailed miniatures. We work closely with designers to ensure that their creative vision translates seamlessly into high-quality production. If you ever need guidance on making your named meeples stand out, we’re here to help.

 

Conclusion: Names Matter More Than You Think

Naming your custom meeples and tokens is an exciting part of the game design process. While it might seem like a minor detail, the right name can enhance your game’s theme, improve player engagement, and even contribute to its long-term success.

At Hero Time, we’ve seen how thoughtful naming can elevate a board game from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re crafting a grand fantasy adventure or a lighthearted family game, taking the time to choose the perfect names will help your game resonate with players. And when you’re ready to bring your vision to life, we’re here to manufacture the highest quality components that make your game truly shine.

Let’s create something amazing together!