At Hero Time, we understand that custom board game tiles are more than just pieces on a board—they bring a game to life, adding depth, strategy, and an immersive experience for players. Designing these tiles requires a careful balance of creativity, functionality, and manufacturability. Over the years, we’ve worked with game creators worldwide to ensure their visions are perfectly translated into tangible, high-quality components. Let us walk you through our design process, from concept to production, to show how we bring custom board game tiles to life.
Understanding the Vision
Every great design process starts with understanding the vision behind the game. When we collaborate with game designers, we want to know more than just the specifications; we dive into the theme, mechanics, and the overall player experience. Are the tiles meant to be modular? Will they have dual-layered elements or interactive components? Do they need to withstand frequent handling or require a premium finish? These questions help us tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each project.
Choosing the Right Materials
Material selection is a crucial step in the process. Since we own our factory and source materials directly, we ensure that only the best options are used. For custom tiles, we often work with:
- Cardboard: The most common material, perfect for sturdy yet cost-effective tiles.
- Plastic: Ideal for more durable or detailed elements.
- Wood: Adds a premium feel and is perfect for eco-conscious creators.
- Acrylic: For translucent or specialty designs.
Beyond material selection, we also consider finishes such as matte, glossy, or linen textures, depending on the aesthetic and tactile experience the game requires.
Designing for Functionality and Aesthetics
Once the material is chosen, we work on the tile’s structure and layout. We optimize every aspect, from thickness to shape, ensuring they fit seamlessly into the game mechanics. A well-designed tile should not only look great but also function flawlessly.
For modular games, we ensure that interlocking or stacking features work perfectly, avoiding common pitfalls like tiles shifting too much during play. For games requiring high durability, we provide reinforced edges or lamination to extend their lifespan.
In terms of design, cardboard tiles are printed on sheets sized 280*420mm or 420*570mm. We ensure that the tiles are placed in the most cost-effective method on those sheets. If customers need help with this, our in-house design team can assist with the layout.
When we lay the tiles on the printed sheet, we might have 20 or more tiles on one printing sheet. As we arrange them, we ensure that the bleed and margin between the tiles are precisely aligned to maintain our high-quality standards. It is best to have 5 or 6mm between cutting lines.
While customers should ideally handle this design process on their end, we are always available to provide guidance and support as needed.
Prototyping and Testing
One of the biggest advantages of working with Hero Time is our ability to rapidly prototype designs. We don’t just manufacture; we refine and perfect. Before full-scale production, we create samples and thoroughly test them for:
- Durability: How well the tiles hold up to wear and tear.
- Fit and Alignment: Ensuring pieces interlock or align correctly.
- Printing Accuracy: Making sure colors, textures, and details appear as intended.
This stage is critical. It allows us to catch any potential issues before mass production, saving our clients both time and money. Many of our partners appreciate this step, as it gives them confidence that the final product will be exactly as they envisioned.
Manufacturing at Scale
Once the prototype is approved, we move to full production. Since we completely own our factory, we maintain strict quality control at every step. Our team of highly skilled employees (not part-time workers) ensures each tile is manufactured to the highest standard. We use state-of-the-art printing technology for vibrant, long-lasting graphics and precision cutting machinery to maintain consistency across thousands of tiles.
Additionally, we adhere to strict eco-friendly production standards. Sustainability is important to us, and we strive to use FSC-certified materials, water-based glue instead of animal-based glue, minimize waste, and implement responsible manufacturing practices.
Quality Assurance and Packaging
Before shipping, every token and tile sheet undergoes rigorous quality checks by both our QC team and assembly team. We inspect for misprints, alignment issues, and any material defects, ensuring their quality meets the high standards of the industry. Our goal is to ensure that every tile meets our high standards and, more importantly, yours.
We also assist with packaging solutions, making sure the tiles are well-protected and presented in a way that enhances the overall unboxing experience for players. Whether it’s custom inserts, magnetic closures, or compact designs, we help bring your vision full circle.
Bringing Your Game to Market
At Hero Time, we go beyond manufacturing; we support game creators in every step of the journey. From providing guidance on certifications and safety testing to helping with logistics and fulfillment, we ensure your game is ready for worldwide distribution, offering everything you need to succeed because your success is our success.
Creating custom board game tiles isn’t just about production—it’s about crafting an experience. Every detail, from the weight of the tile to the finish on its surface and how they are placed in the box or get punched out, contributes to how players interact with your game. That’s why we put so much care into every step of the process.
If you’re looking for a trusted partner to bring your board game to life, let’s talk. At Hero Time, we make sure it’s easy, right, and affordable, so you can focus on what you do best: creating incredible games.
