If you’re someone who plays a lot of board games, you might have thought of an idea for your own. Things like how it would play, what it would look like, and what kind of experience you want the players to have are questions that naturally come to mind when brainstorming for a board game. But what about the most daunting question of all: How do I get my board game manufactured?
In theory, it sounds like a difficult goal to accomplish as a small, independent creator. It’s certainly not something we recommend trying to solve with a DIY approach for the manufacturing aspect. What you can do yourself is crowdfunding, and what a successful Kickstarter board game campaign allows you to do is employ the services of a dedicated board game manufacturer.
In this post, we’ll introduce the key points you need to know on your journey to get your own custom board game fully manufactured and on the tabletops of players all over the world. First, we’ll answer the question: What even is a board game manufacturer, and where can you find them?
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Understanding where and how board games get manufactured
- Knowing how much it costs to manufacture a board game
- Key points to be aware of when sourcing manufacturers for your custom board game
What is a board game manufacturer?
A board game manufacturer is a company that has the capacity to publish everything from board games, to card games, to tabletop roleplaying games, and more. There are the industry-leading names like Hasbro, Mattel, and Asmodee, but indie creators don’t need to pin their hopes on one of these companies picking up their small games. There are other options out there that are more viable for board games funded on Kickstarter.
Another important thing to note about board game manufacturers is that they also play a role like project managers. A common practice in the industry is to source different components from more specialized producers, meaning whichever manufacturer you choose is responsible for compiling all of the necessary things required for your game from both in-house production and additional outsourcing.
With a basic understanding of the board game manufacturer’s role, it’s important to also understand how to go about sourcing them.
What to be aware of when sourcing board game manufacturers
There are several things to be aware of when searching for manufacturing partners. Let’s start with where to find a board game manufacturer.
There are three main ways to find your pool of future board game manufacturers:
- Word of mouth: If you know anybody who works in or around the board game industry, don’t hesitate to reach out. Getting personal recommendations from people you trust is one of the best ways to ensure you get connected with manufacturers that have proven track records.
- Search for reliable lists online: Like when you want to learn more about any topic, the internet is one of the best resources to turn to. Many people online have undergone similar board game development journeys and are happy to share what they’ve learned with others. Just be sure to do your due diligence and make sure whatever lists you find are reliable. Some of our favorite board game manufacturers are Panda Game Manufacturing, Whatz Games, and LongPack Games.
- ImportYeti: ImportYeti is a free search tool that lets you search from over 70 million bills of lading for importers and exporters in the industry you specify. Crucially, you can also see who these importers and exporters use for manufacturing overseas. This tool is great for not only finding manufacturers, but also seeing if they are reputable.
The next thing to be aware of is how to properly narrow down a list of manufacturers to find the right one for you. A key component of the vetting process is to Request for Quote (RFQ) from the manufacturers you are interested in to find out how much it might cost to produce your game.
For those who are new to board game manufacturing, we recommend doing an RFQ for at least 5 different manufacturers. This will give you the best idea on the range of prices to expect, how different companies communicate, and what kind of services they offer. After you’re happy with two to three final candidates, you can then dig into things like customer service abilities and reputation.
If this all sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. We’re always here to lend our expertise when it comes to all things crowdfunding, so set up a call with us and let us know how we can help you in your board game manufacturing process.
How are board games manufactured?
As was alluded to earlier, board games are manufactured by companies using a variety of different materials and processes that best suit the needs of the game’s design. When taking a zoomed out view of the board game manufacturing process, it breaks down into four basic stages.
- Print: The majority of tabletop games require printing whether it’s for instruction manuals, score cards, player cards, or the physical board on which the game is played.
- Production: Creating the componentry for a board game is usually the most time consuming process. This can be done onsite by the manufacturer, or outsourced to other nearby producers who might be able to do it cheaper and faster.
- Handling: After the board game is manufactured, everything needs to be assembled into a neat package to be sent off in. Manufacturers can do this in a way that protects the physical integrity of the game so that the products arrive to their purchasers intact.
- Distribution: The last step is the process of shipping and distribution. Your backers will expect their products to arrive at their doorsteps after a reasonable amount of time, so be sure to deliver your board game as soon as you can while still keeping open communication with your backer community.
With a general overview of the manufacturing process in mind, we can now dive into more detail for each step. Knowing what to expect at a more granular level can help you in your decision-making process when choosing the right manufacturer for you.
The board game manufacturing process
Now, we will provide a detailed walkthrough of the manufacturing process, highlighting each step with details you need to know. Let’s start by looking at the foundation of your board game: print files and proofs.
1. Publisher sends the print files
Before anything can be printed, the board game creator must have properly checked and formatted print files ready to be sent to the manufacturer. Manufacturers have different templates and standards for the files they require, so every component has to fit the right manufacturing specs, including correct margins, measurements for die cutting, etc.
Your manufacturer will work together with you to make sure this process is as smooth as possible. But to help you avoid setbacks, here are some important tips to bear in mind:
- For playing card files, try to print using the fewest sheets possible to decrease cost
- Game boards typically have folds, so account for that when planning the artwork
- For booklets, choose the number of pages and opt for saddle-stitching to reduce bulkiness
- Planning for meeples and other pieces is easiest when you can give the manufacturer specific examples to use as a guide
Also, remember that how much it costs to manufacture your board game can fluctuate depending on decisions made in this planning stage, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments where you see fit.
2. Manufacturer creates a digital proof
Once your files are finalized and sent to the manufacturer, they will create digital proofs. This is a crucial step of the QA process in which you and the manufacturer can double check that there are no errors for when this goes into production. From instruction manual copy to artwork, this is your chance to make any necessary changes before a physical prototype gets created.
3. A manufactured prototype is created
Manufacturers then create a prototype, which serves as a physical proof of the board game that can go through a similar QA process. Prototypes come fully assembled to give you an exact idea of what the unboxing process will be like for backers, giving you the chance to make enhancements or trim back on superfluities.
One important thing to note is that board game prototypes are usually made using industrial printers, meaning coloration may vary from what you originally specified. Rest assured that this will not reflect the color shades in the final production run. All other materials and finishes will be the same, though, so make sure to inspect them carefully since they are exactly what the backer will receive.
4. Printing
After all the proofing is done, a full print run gets authorized. Using a combination of high quality printing techniques, and occasionally component sourcing, the manufacturer brings the board game to life.
5. Mounting and die cutting
Mounting and die cutting are techniques applied to the final print to add finish. Mounting involves a drying process, as well as mounting on the appropriate stock. Die cutting is when printed components are cut and sorted by machine in the order and placement they need to be for final packaging.
6. Mass-production copy
Once the final print proof is ready, a mass-production copy gets assembled and sent to the board game creator. This is the last chance for any last-minute changes or errors to be caught. If there are still any issues at this stage, replacement components can be sourced before the final assembly. A common example here would be something like dice not coming out to the publisher’s liking, thus requiring them to be sourced and approved from another producer.
After the physical proof passes the very last QA inspection, the game is ready for climatization and final assembly.
7. Climatization
Climatization is the process by which components and printed materials are conditioned to a specific humidity and temperature level to reduce the risk of warping. Cardstock, paper and game boards are especially sensitive to changes in humidity. Wood components can also expand or contract significantly due to humidity fluctuations, so climatization is critical to maintain the shape and fit of these components.
8. Assembly
The assembly process follows the approved mass-production copy. Game boxes are printed and shaped from sturdy cardboard, designed to protect the game during shipping and last on shelves for years to come. Game components are also packed using agreed upon inserts and trays to keep pieces separated and organized. The full order of board games are then wrapped, packed, and made ready for shipping.
9. Freight
Finished games are then assembled onto pallets and stored in a warehouse with proper storage conditions maintained to prevent damage to the final product. Manufacturers then hand the games off to a freight forwarder so that they may be carried by ship to your closest port, where they can then be delivered directly to backers.
Final thoughts on how to get a board game manufactured
Board game manufacturing is a process that involves a lot of careful planning, communication, collaboration, and due diligence on the part of the creator, but it’s not as complicated as it may seem from the outside. With the availability of so many competitively priced and reputable manufacturers — especially outside of the United States — those who have budding board game ideas have access to the tools required to make their dreams a reality.
Whether you’re looking for advice on how to get a board game manufactured, or you’d like to learn more about crowdfunding, LaunchBoom is here for you. Talk to one of our experts today, and we’ll help you get to where you want to go on your board game launching journey.
How to get a board game manufactured: Frequently asked questions
How are board games constructed?
The physical construction process of board games starts with digital files, which manufacturers use as the blueprint for digital proofs and physical prototypes. Once approved, manufacturers use a combination of printing, laminating, die-cutting, injection molding, and sometimes outsourcing in order to get the construction right according to specifications.
How to make your own board games?
Aspiring board game makers should start with concept development and DIY prototyping. This lets you create the game’s theme, rules and mechanics, while also getting a feel for the components needed for gameplay. Prototypes in these early stages can be roughly assembled from simple materials like paper, cardboard, and other store-bought items for the purposes of brainstorming and playtesting.
Most importantly, though, aspiring board game publishers need to have vision. The success that comes with also coming up with a business strategy and plan for the future after crowdfunding is best exemplified by Alpha Clash, an indie game and graphic novel brand that drove $481,959 on Kickstarter.
Who is the biggest board game manufacturer?
The current largest board game manufacturer is Hasbro, Inc., which is a multinational conglomerate known for board games, toys, and other entertainment products. If you’re wondering how to get your custom board game manufactured, we don’t recommend trying to do it through a company like Hasbro. There are more affordable overseas manufacturers that can do a fantastic job while helping you keep your costs low.