How To Get A Board Game Published: Steps

Publishing a board game requires playtesting, refining your design, creating compelling artwork, and then pitching your game to publishers or self-publishing it.

So, you’ve created a board game that you believe is amazing? The next challenge is figuring out how to get a board game published. It’s a daunting journey, but definitely achievable.

Many creators start by thoroughly testing their games. This step helps you identify any flaws and makes the design more refined. Polishing your game will make it much more attractive to publishers.

Once you feel confident in your design, consider developing compelling artwork. This helps to grab attention and make your creation more marketable. Finally, it’s time to approach publishers, or perhaps, consider the self-publishing route.

How to Get a Board Game Published

So, you’ve got this amazing board game idea, swirling around in your head. Maybe it’s got cool meeples, a clever card drafting mechanic, or a story so good it practically begs to be played. But now what? How do you actually get that game from your kitchen table to game store shelves? Getting a board game published is a journey, not a sprint, and it takes work, planning, and a little bit of luck. Let’s break down the steps, making it less mysterious and more achievable.

Developing Your Game: It Starts with Playtesting

Before you even think about pitching to publishers, your game needs to be solid. This means loads and loads of playtesting! Playtesting is not just playing the game, it’s about actively seeking feedback and using that feedback to refine your game’s mechanics, rules, and overall feel.

The Importance of Playtesting

Playtesting is like being a scientist, experiment with different elements of your game to find what works best. Here’s why it’s crucial:

Finding Flaws: It reveals broken rules, unbalanced gameplay, and parts of the game that just don’t quite click.
Balancing the Game: Playtesting will show you if some cards or strategies are too powerful, or if one player always wins. It helps you make the game fair and fun for everyone.
Clarifying Rules: If your rules aren’t clear, playtesters will stumble and ask questions. This tells you where you need to make your rulebook easier to understand.
Seeing Different Perspectives: People play games differently. Playtesting allows you to see how other people interpret the rules and use the game’s mechanics.
Making it More Fun: Ultimately, the goal is to make the game engaging. Playtesting will let you see if people are enjoying the experience or if the game drags.

Where to Find Playtesters

Start with friends and family, but branch out. Here are some good options:

Local Game Groups: Many communities have board game groups. They’re usually very eager to test new games.
Board Game Conventions: Conventions often have playtesting areas where you can show off your game.
Online Communities: There are many online forums and groups dedicated to board game design.
Game Design Meetups: Search for groups in your area focused on creating new board games.
Ask Strangers: Don’t be afraid to ask people at a game store if they want to try your game.

What to Look for During Playtesting

When people are playing your game, pay close attention to:

Their Engagement: Are people having fun? Are they talking and laughing? Or do they seem bored?
Their Confusion: Where do players hesitate or ask for clarification?
Their Strategies: How are people trying to win? Are there obvious “best” strategies?
Their Feedback: Ask them what they liked and what they didn’t. Be open to criticism, as that’s how you make your game better.

Remember to keep track of the feedback and iterate your design. It may feel like a long process, but each round of playtesting brings your game closer to being publishing ready.

Creating a Sell Sheet and Prototype

Once your game is well-tested and you feel confident in its mechanics, it’s time to create a presentation package. This is like your game’s resume, and it needs to impress publishers. This package will have a sell sheet and a prototype.

Crafting a Compelling Sell Sheet

A sell sheet is a one-page document (or two-page if necessary) that provides the key information about your game. It should be clear, concise, and visually appealing. Think of it as a magazine ad for your board game. Here’s what it needs to include:

Game Title and Designer: This is the first thing publishers will see.
A Catchy Tagline: What is the hook of the game? What makes it different?
A Concise Description: Explain the game in a few short sentences.
Playing Time: How long does a game usually last? (e.g., 30-45 minutes)
Number of Players: How many people can play? (e.g., 2-4 players)
Recommended Age: Who is the game designed for? (e.g., Ages 10+)
Game Theme: What is the setting and story of your game? Is it fantasy, sci-fi, historical?
Game Mechanics: What types of actions do players take? (e.g., card drafting, dice rolling, worker placement)
Brief List of Components: What’s inside the box? (e.g., cards, meeples, game board)
Why This Game is Unique: What makes your game stand out from other games?
Attractive Visuals: Include high-quality photos or illustrations of your game.
Your Contact Information: How can a publisher get in touch with you?

Make sure the sell sheet is well-designed, easy to read, and uses great visuals. Publishers receive tons of game submissions, so your sell sheet has to capture their attention right away.

Building a Functional Prototype

A prototype is a physical representation of your game. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to be playable. Think of it as a basic version of the final product. Here’s what you need to consider:

Use Cardboard and Paper: You don’t need expensive materials. Cardboard, paper, and even sticky notes can work well for cards, boards, and tokens.
Make it Clear and Readable: Make sure the text on your cards and board is easy to read.
Use Simple Art: Don’t worry about professional art at this stage. Simple graphics and colors are fine.
Make it Functional: The prototype needs to function well. It should have all the components needed to play the game.
Number the Components: Number cards, tokens, and other pieces so you don’t mix things up.
Organize Components: If possible, create simple ways to store components during gameplay.

The point of a prototype is to let publishers try your game easily. It should be organized and show how your game will work in real life.

Identifying Potential Publishers

Finding the right publisher is very important. Not every game fits every publisher. You need to find publishers that like the kind of games you make. You also need to think about if you want to work with a small or a large publisher.

Researching Publishers

Do your homework to find publishers that might be a good fit for your game. Here’s how:

Know Your Game’s Genre: Is your game a fast-paced card game, a deep strategy game, or a family game? Find publishers that specialize in your type of game.
Check Their Catalog: Look at the games each publisher has released before. Do they have games that are similar to yours?
Look at Their Size: Larger publishers have bigger reach but may be harder to get noticed by. Smaller publishers may be more flexible.
Read Interviews: See if publishers talk about their process or type of games they are interested in.
Attend Conventions: You can talk to publishers in person at conventions. This gives you a better sense of who they are and what they want.
Look at Publisher Guidelines: Most publishers have guidelines on their websites for submissions. Read these to make sure you’re following their instructions.

Making a List of Target Publishers

Based on your research, create a list of publishers you want to contact. Prioritize the ones that seem like the best fit. Don’t try to submit your game to every single publisher you find.

Submitting Your Game: The Pitch

Once you have a list of target publishers, it’s time to contact them. How you approach them is important. Think of your submission as a job interview for your game, you need to show publishers why your game is special.

Writing a Strong Email or Cover Letter

The email you send to a publisher is a very important first impression. You need to be polite, clear, and professional. Here’s what to include:

Personalized Greeting: Use the publisher’s name, if you know it. Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam.”
Introduction: Introduce yourself and your game, be concise.
Sell Sheet and Prototype: Mention you’ve attached a sell sheet and that you have a prototype available. Don’t attach your prototype to the email.
Why This Publisher: Explain why you think your game is a good match for them. Mention specific games in their catalog you admire.
Call to Action: Ask if they are interested in receiving your prototype.
Thank You: Thank them for their time and consideration.
Professional Signature: Include your full name and contact information.

Keep your email concise and to the point. Don’t be too chatty. Remember, publishers are busy, so make it easy for them to quickly understand your game’s potential.

Preparing for a Pitch Meeting (In Person or Virtual)

If a publisher responds to your email, they may ask for a pitch meeting. If they do, here’s how to get ready:

Practice Your Pitch: Know your game inside and out, be able to explain it clearly and quickly.
Know Your Game’s USP: What’s unique about your game? Make sure to highlight that.
Be Enthusiastic: Show that you’re passionate about your game.
Be Open to Feedback: Listen to what they have to say and be prepared to discuss ways to improve your game.
Have a Backup Plan: If one publisher declines, don’t give up. Learn from the experience and reach out to other publishers.
Be Professional: Dress appropriately and be respectful.
Prepare Questions: Have some questions ready to ask about their process.

During the pitch meeting, be prepared to demonstrate how to play your game. Make sure you know all the rules. If your prototype is a little rough, that’s ok, it just needs to be functional.

Understanding the Publishing Contract

If a publisher wants to move forward with your game, the next step is a contract. It’s crucial to fully understand what you are signing, as this contract lays out your agreement with the publisher.

Key Terms to Look for in a Contract

Here are some key elements you need to pay close attention to:

Licensing and Copyright: Who owns the game and all its pieces? What rights are being licensed to the publisher?
Royalties: How much money will you get from each sale? Royalties are usually a percentage of the game’s price.
Advance: Will the publisher give you an advance against future royalties?
Production and Manufacturing: Who will produce the game? Will they be using your materials or make their own?
Marketing and Promotion: What will the publisher do to get people excited about your game?
Territory: Which countries or regions will the publisher have rights to sell your game?
Term Length: How long will the contract be? Is there a way you can get your game rights back if it’s not a good fit?
Payment Schedule: How and when will you get your royalty payments?

Read the contract very carefully. If there are things you don’t understand, get legal advice. A lawyer who specializes in intellectual property can be a great help.

Negotiating Terms

Don’t be afraid to negotiate some of the terms in the contract. For example, you may be able to negotiate a higher royalty rate, depending on the deal and the size of the publisher.

After Publication: What to Expect

Getting your game published is a huge achievement, but the work isn’t finished. There are many things you need to do after publishing your game.

Promoting Your Game

Your publisher will do marketing, but you should also help promote your game. Here are a few things you can do:

Attend Conventions: Show up to conventions to meet and talk with people who play games.
Social Media: Tell people about your game on social media. Connect with players and answer their questions.
Game Websites: Add your game to online databases, and websites.
Local Game Stores: Go to your local game stores and offer to demo your game.
Community Building: Create a group for people who play your game.

The more you interact with players, the more interest and sales your game will get.

Staying Involved

Even after your game is published, stay connected to the game. Gather more feedback, consider creating expansions, or plan for future projects. A successful board game can be the start of something special.

The journey to publishing a board game is long, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Be patient, persistent, and open to feedback. Good luck, and happy game designing!

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

Final Thoughts

To summarize, effective playtesting provides valuable feedback. A well-crafted rulebook is a must. Pitching your game to publishers with a strong presentation is crucial. This process requires patience and resilience.

Building a portfolio of prototypes demonstrates commitment. Engaging with the board game community offers support and advice. Networking with industry professionals helps open doors. Therefore, understanding ‘how to get a board game published’ means navigating these essential steps.