How Do You Get A Board Game Published?

Getting a board game published requires you to first develop a polished and playtested game, then research suitable publishers, pitch your game effectively, and potentially negotiate a contract.

So, you have a brilliant board game idea and you’re wondering, how do you get a board game published? It’s an exciting, yet often challenging, journey from concept to store shelves. Many aspiring designers dream of seeing their creation enjoyed by others.

The process can feel complex, but with planning and persistence it’s absolutely achievable. From refining your game mechanics to finding the right publisher who aligns with your vision, every step matters.

How Do You Get a Board Game Published?

So, you’ve created an amazing board game! You’ve poured your heart and soul into designing it, and now you’re dreaming of seeing it on store shelves. That’s awesome! But, how exactly do you go from a brilliant idea to a published product? Don’t worry, it’s a journey, and we’re here to break it down step-by-step. Publishing a board game takes effort, patience, and a good understanding of the process. It’s not a quick flip of a switch, but with the right approach, your game can get the attention it deserves.

The Foundation: Perfecting Your Game

Before you even think about pitching your game, it needs to be the best it can be. This involves a lot more than just a fun idea. It’s about refining your design, making sure the rules are clear, and most importantly, that your game is genuinely enjoyable to play.

Playtesting, Playtesting, and More Playtesting

Think of playtesting as the quality control for your board game. You wouldn’t release a movie without editing it, would you? It’s the same with board games. You need to get your game in front of as many people as possible, in different groups, to identify any problems. You might think your rules are crystal clear, but someone new playing the game might get confused. Different groups might also find strategies that you never anticipated, revealing game breaking loopholes or imbalances.

Friends and Family: Start with the people you know. They’re a safe group to get initial feedback.
Local Game Groups: Join a local game group or meetup. Gamers with experience provide useful feedback.
Online Forums: There are many online communities where you can connect with other designers for blind playtesting.

During playtesting, pay close attention to:

Rule Clarity: Are the rules easy to understand and follow?
Game Balance: Is the game fair for all players? Are certain strategies too strong or too weak?
Fun Factor: Are people enjoying the game? Do they want to play again?

Refining Your Game’s Components

Once you have a well-tested game, it is time to think about components. These components are the physical items used in the game. These include the game board, game pieces, tokens, cards and even dice. These should be functional, but also have appeal. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Prototypes: Create a prototype that is as close to the final version as possible. This helps visualize the final product.
Quality of Components: The components don’t have to be professionally produced at this stage. However, they need to be functional and clear so that playtesters can get a good feel for the final product.
Artwork and Graphic Design: While you can hand draw components for testing purposes, it’s important to think about the overall look of your game. Professional artwork is a big selling point for most board games.

Preparing Your Pitch

With your game polished and ready, it is time to prepare a winning pitch. This is how you introduce your game to publishers and get their attention. This is not only about your game being good, but also presenting it in a way that makes a publisher see the profit potential. A good pitch package includes a rulebook, a sell sheet, and a well-developed prototype.

Creating a Rulebook

A clear and concise rulebook is essential. If a publisher or even a player can’t understand how to play, they will move on to something else. Avoid ambiguity and be as specific as you can with all game elements. Here are some tips to ensure your rulebook is top-notch:

Organize logically: Group similar rules together. Start with setup, then go to gameplay, then end conditions.
Use clear language: Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
Provide examples: Give examples to clarify difficult rules.
Include illustrations: Visual aids can help explain rules.
Have a table of contents or index: Make it easy to find specific rules.

Designing a Sell Sheet

A sell sheet is a one or two-page document that gives an overview of your game. It is a summary of your game highlighting its best points. Think of it as an advertisement for your game. Publishers see many games, so your sell sheet needs to catch their attention quickly. This is your chance to make a lasting first impression. Here is what you should include on a sell sheet:

Game Title and Designer Name: Obviously, the name of your game and your name are the most important items.
Brief Game Description: What is the game about? What are players doing?
Target Audience: Who is this game designed for? Families, hobby gamers, casual players?
Number of Players and Playing Time: How many people can play, and how long does a game last?
Age Range: Is the game for kids, adults, or families?
Unique Selling Points: What makes your game special? What features will grab a publisher’s eye?
Compelling Artwork: Include visuals of your prototype, as this catches the attention of the publisher and helps visualize what the final product will look like.
Contact Information: Make sure they know how to contact you!

Building a Strong Prototype

Your prototype is a representation of the physical game. It’s a working version of the game a publisher will use to test your game. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be functional and clear. It needs to show off the key mechanisms and components. Here are some tips for creating your prototype:

Use quality materials: If you are making a card game, consider using card stock. A board game should have a sturdy board.
Clear labels: All components should be clearly labeled with the correct names and graphics.
Visually appealing: Even though it’s a prototype, try to make it look as good as possible. A more attractive prototype will make it look more professional.
Include all components: Make sure that everything needed to play the game is included.
Test the Prototype: After you have finished the prototype, run through a playthrough yourself. This will help you catch any mistakes.

Finding the Right Publisher

Once your game is ready to go, you need to find a publisher that’s a good fit. There are lots of different publishers, and each one has different kinds of games they’re interested in publishing. It’s like finding the right home for your game.

Researching Publishers

Don’t just send your game to every publisher you can find! It’s important to do your research and find publishers that publish games that are similar to yours. Sending a kids’ game to a publisher who mainly publishes complex strategy games would not be a good move. Here are some ways to find the right publishers:

Check BoardGameGeek: Look at who has published games similar to yours.
Attend Conventions: Go to board game conventions. You can meet publishers in person and even show off your game.
Review Publisher Websites: See what kinds of games each publisher focuses on.
Talk to Other Designers: Other designers are great sources of information.

Submitting Your Game

When you submit your game to a publisher, you need to follow their specific guidelines. These are often found on their website. Many will have an email that is specifically used for game submissions. Make sure to carefully follow all instructions. This can increase your chances of success.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when submitting your game:

Follow Submission Guidelines: Each publisher has its own way of receiving games.
Be Professional: Maintain good communication skills and be respectful.
Be Patient: Publishers receive many submissions. Don’t expect to hear back right away.
Be Polite: If your game is rejected, be polite, thank them, and move on to the next.

Understanding Publishing Options

When you decide to publish your board game, you have several ways to do it. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks. Knowing the various options lets you select the way that is best for you. The most common routes are working with an established publisher, or using a self-publishing method.

Traditional Publishing

With traditional publishing, a publisher takes on all the work of producing and marketing the game. This includes the financial investment in manufacturing and distribution. This option also gives your game the best chance of reaching stores and online retailers.
Here’s how it usually works:

Pitching your game: You will submit your game to a publisher.
Game Evaluation: The publisher will review your game.
Contract Negotiation: If they want your game, you will negotiate a contract which outlines royalties and other terms.
Production and Distribution: The publisher produces and distributes the game.
Marketing and Sales: The publisher is in charge of the sale and marketing of your game.

Pros:

Less financial risk: The publisher pays for manufacturing and marketing.
Established distribution network: The publisher has the infrastructure to get your game to many retailers.
Marketing expertise: Publishers know how to promote games.

Cons:

Less creative control: The publisher has final say over design and production.
Smaller royalties: You will receive a small percentage of each sale compared to other options.
Competitive: Getting a game published by a traditional publisher can be difficult.

Self-Publishing

Self-publishing involves you taking care of all the steps needed to bring your game to market. This means you are the one responsible for paying all expenses. This includes production, marketing, and distribution. You are in charge of each step.
Here’s how self-publishing usually works:

Funding: You secure funding through personal savings or crowdfunding.
Production: You arrange manufacturing and creation of the game.
Sales: You sell the game directly through online stores, conventions, or through smaller distributors.

Pros:

Full creative control: You decide every aspect of the game.
Larger profit share: You get a bigger share of the sales revenue.
Direct connection to your fans: You can directly communicate with your customers.

Cons:

Higher financial risk: You are responsible for all upfront costs.
More work: You are responsible for all the steps.
Distribution challenges: Getting your game into stores can be difficult.

Hybrid Publishing

Hybrid publishing is a mix of the other two options. This model can be achieved in different ways, usually involving some mix of publisher and designer responsibilities. Sometimes the publisher will assist with manufacturing and sales, while other times the designer is responsible for marketing. There are many different ways that this model can be structured.

Contracts and Legal Matters

If a publisher offers to publish your game, it’s time to talk about contracts. The game industry follows several standard contract points. However, it is always best to review a contract with legal counsel. You need to know your rights and responsibilities.

Royalties and Payments

Royalties are the money you earn from your board game. These royalties are usually a percentage of the wholesale price of each game sold. Typically, you can expect to receive between 5% and 10% of the wholesale price. This is a standard range, and specific percentages are discussed in the contract. Here are some things to think about:

Percentage: What percentage of each sale will you receive?
Payment Schedule: How often will you get paid? Quarterly or yearly?
Advance: Will you receive an advance payment?

Intellectual Property (IP)

Your board game is your intellectual property. This is the creative property of the game. Make sure that the contract specifies that you own your game IP. Here are a few points about IP:

Copyright: The game rules and design are automatically protected by copyright.
Trademark: Consider trademarking your game title and logos.

Other Important Contract Points

Term of the Agreement: How long will the contract last?
Territorial Rights: Where will the game be sold? Will it be sold internationally?
Production Rights: Who has the right to produce and distribute the game?
Termination Clause: What happens if you want to terminate the agreement?

Publishing a board game is a complex process that requires dedication and hard work. From perfecting your game to finding the right publisher and understanding contracts, there are many steps. By taking the time to prepare properly and carefully explore your options, you can increase your chances of success and bring your board game to the world.

From Idea to Shelves: Get Your Board Game Published with Insider Tips from a Published Designer

Final Thoughts

To get your board game published, thoroughly playtest, refine rules, and create a compelling prototype. Then, research publishers matching your game’s style, prepare a polished pitch, and submit. You must follow guidelines carefully.

Networking at conventions helps build connections with publishers. Consider self-publishing too; it’s a viable path. Ultimately, how do you get a board game published? It takes persistence, quality product, and good presentation.