Publishing a board game requires playtesting, refining, securing artwork, choosing a printing option, and then selling through distribution channels or self-publishing.
So, you’ve poured your heart into crafting an amazing board game. Now what? You’re probably wondering how to publish board game and get it into the hands of eager players. The journey can seem daunting, but with a clear plan, it’s achievable.
From perfecting the mechanics through playtests to finding the right production method, each step is important. This process needs planning and execution. Understanding all these steps can get your game published.
How to Publish a Board Game: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve created an amazing board game, something you’re truly proud of. Now, you’re ready to share it with the world, but you might be wondering, “How do I actually publish a board game?” It’s a big question, and it can seem a little scary. Don’t worry! It’s totally doable. This guide will walk you through all the important steps, from figuring out your game to getting it into the hands of excited players.
Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3: The Importance of Playtesting
Before you even think about printing copies, you absolutely need to playtest your game. A lot. Playtesting is like being a scientist experimenting in a lab, you need to make sure your game works well. Playtesting will help you to find any problems, or things that aren’t quite working well, before your game gets printed and sent to players.
Finding Your Testers
Where do you find people to try your game? Start with your friends and family! Ask them to play, but also encourage them to be honest. Tell them you want to hear about what they liked and what they didn’t like. You can also branch out to local game groups, or even find online playtesting communities. It’s important to get feedback from people who have never played the game before, they are great at finding issues you might miss because you are so familiar with the game.
What to Look For During Playtesting
While they are playing, keep an eye out for these things:
- Are the rules clear? Did anyone get confused? Where did they stumble?
- Is the game fun? Are people laughing and engaged, or are they looking bored?
- Is the game balanced? Does one player always seem to win, or are their different paths to victory?
- Is the game length right? Does it drag on too long, or is it over too quickly?
- Are all the components working properly? Do the pieces function? Is the board easy to read? Are the cards clear?
Take notes during and after the playtest. It is very important to get the feedback. Use their experiences to improve your game, and try it again!
Choosing Your Path: Self-Publishing vs. Working With a Publisher
Now that your game is playing well, it’s time to think about how you will actually get it into people’s homes. You have two main paths to take here: self-publishing and working with a board game publisher. Both have their upsides and downsides.
Self-Publishing
When you self-publish, you are in control of everything. This means you make all the decisions. You choose what the game will look like, how it will be made, and how it will be sold. Here’s what it looks like in practice:
- The Good: You have full creative control. You keep all the profits (minus the costs of making the game). You get to decide when and how it’s released.
- The Less Good: You have to do everything. You are in charge of the design, the manufacturing, sales, marketing, and shipping. This can be a lot for one person or a small team. It costs more money upfront because you pay for all the parts of manufacturing.
Working With a Publisher
With a publisher, you bring your game to them and, if they like it, they do most of the heavy lifting. Publishers have experience and knowledge. Here’s the breakdown:
- The Good: The publisher takes care of the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. They usually have good connections to stores and reviewers. They have the money to pay upfront for the manufacturing of the games.
- The Less Good: You give up some creative control. You don’t get all the profits, the publisher will take their share. They decide when and how the game is released. It is harder to get a board game publisher to pick your game, it has to be great.
Which path should you take? It really depends on your skills, resources, and how much control you want over your game. If you want complete control, self-publishing might be best. If you’d prefer to have help with the heavy lifting, finding a publisher is a great idea.
Making It Look Good: The Game’s Design
Once you have decided how you’ll publish, it’s time to focus on the design. This is more than just how the game looks – it’s about making sure everything works together to create a fun and easy playing experience.
Visual Design
The visuals of your game are really important, they are what makes someone want to pick it up and take a look. This includes:
- The Box: Your box is the first thing people see. It should be eye-catching and show what the game is about.
- The Game Board: Is it clear, easy to read, and looks good? Does it match the theme?
- The Pieces: Are they well-made and fun to use? Do they make sense for your game?
- The Cards: Are they easy to understand? Do they have clear text and cool images?
- The Rule Book: Is it simple and easy to follow? Does it explain the game clearly?
You don’t have to be an artist yourself. You can work with designers to make your game look amazing. When planning your game design, think about how it will make the player feel when they see it, and the theme it has. A well-designed game can be a huge help to get the game noticed.
Component Design
Good game design isn’t just about looks; it’s also about making sure the pieces of your game are well-made, useful and fun. For example:
- Materials: Are the game components high-quality? Will they last long?
- Size and Shape: Are all the pieces the right sizes, so they are easy to use and handle?
- Functionality: Do the components work with the game in the right way? Are they easy to use and understand?
Each component should be well thought-out. Well-designed pieces help the game play smoothly and also make it more enjoyable.
Understanding Your Budget
Before you start spending any money, take some time to make a budget. You need to understand exactly what it is going to cost to get your game made. This helps you avoid any financial surprises down the line. Here is what you need to think about:
Manufacturing Costs
This is one of the biggest costs when publishing a game. Some of the things that go into manufacturing costs:
- Printing: How much will the box, board, cards, and rulebook cost to print?
- Components: What will the dice, tokens, meeples, and other game pieces cost to produce?
- Assembly: Will you need help putting the games together, or will you do it yourself?
- Shipping: How much does it cost to get the games from the factory to your home?
Marketing and Sales Costs
After your game is made, you need to get people to buy it. You may need to consider:
- Website: Do you need to pay for a website to sell your game?
- Advertising: How will you reach your target audience? Ads are an expense, but can lead to a return on investment.
- Review Copies: It can help to send your game to reviewers so they can share their opinions. This may also be an expense for you.
Other Costs
There are also other expenses that come along the way. Like:
- Design: Did you pay a designer to help you create the game?
- Legal Fees: Do you need a lawyer to help with any contracts?
- Unexpected Expenses: There can be extra expenses that come up during the process, be sure to have some backup money.
Keeping a close track of how much you are spending is very important, don’t be afraid to look for the best deals. This can save you money in the end.
Making It Real: Production and Manufacturing
Once you have your budget and designs ready, it’s time to start getting your game made. Here’s how that works:
Finding a Manufacturer
If you are self-publishing, you need to find a manufacturer. Here’s what to think about:
- Research: Look for manufacturers that have experience with board games. Read reviews and check out samples if you can.
- Get Quotes: Ask several manufacturers for quotes to compare costs and see which one fits your budget.
- Communication: Make sure they understand exactly what you need, and they answer your questions quickly.
A good manufacturer can make sure that your game is made correctly and meets your expectations.
Managing Production
After you have picked your manufacturer, it’s time to get your game made. This involves:
- Proofs: Look over the proofs the manufacturer sends to check everything for mistakes. Be very detailed!
- Production Schedule: Understand the timeline for when your game will be made and when it will be ready for shipping.
- Quality Control: You want to check on the quality of the game as it is being made to make sure they are good quality.
Careful planning and being in constant communication with your manufacturer will help ensure the production runs smoothly.
Spreading the Word: Marketing and Sales
Now that you have your games, you need to make sure people know about it. Marketing and sales are the steps you take to get your game into peoples hands.
Creating a Buzz
You need to create interest in your game, and start the buzz:
- Social Media: Use social media to show off your game, share updates, and engage with your followers.
- Website/Blog: Make a website or blog to show off more details and sell your game.
- Email List: Collect emails from interested players so you can update them about new releases.
- Game Conventions: Attend game conventions to show off your game and meet other board game players and creators.
Creating interest and excitement about your game is very important. Don’t be afraid to share your excitement about the game you created!
Selling Your Game
Once people want to play your game, you have to figure out how to actually sell it to them. You have options here:
- Direct Sales: You can sell directly through your website or at events.
- Online Stores: Consider selling on websites like Amazon, Etsy, or other online board game stores.
- Game Stores: Reach out to local game stores to see if they will carry your game.
- Distribution Partners: You can work with distributors who sell to stores around the world.
Selling your game may take some time, but be patient! You just need to get your game into the hands of excited players.
Shipping and Handling
After you’ve sold your games, you need to actually ship them to your customers. This includes packaging, postage, and making sure the game is delivered safely.
Preparing to Ship
You can prepare your shipment by considering these things:
- Packaging: Make sure that you have boxes or mailers that will protect your game in shipment.
- Postage: Understand postage costs, these costs will vary by weight and distance shipped.
- Tracking: You may also consider adding tracking so your customers can see their game while it ships.
Order Fulfillment
Decide whether you will fulfill the orders yourself, or have a fulfillment service do it for you. A fulfillment service may be an expense, but it can save you a lot of time and trouble.
The key to successfully publishing a board game is careful planning, persistence, and a passion for creating a great game that others will enjoy. It’s a journey, but it’s a really rewarding one! When you see someone playing a game you created, you’ll feel proud of the work you did, and the effort you put in.
From Idea to Shelves: Get Your Board Game Published with Insider Tips from a Published Designer
Final Thoughts
So, learn the game design process, create a compelling prototype. Playtest rigorously with varied groups, gather feedback, and refine your design. Research your market, then choose a publishing route. Consider self-publishing or partnering with an established company.
Finally, develop marketing strategies, secure necessary funding, and navigate production logistics. Understanding how to publish board game involves careful planning and execution.
