How To Sell A Board Game Idea Success

How to Sell a Board Game Idea

So, you’ve got a fantastic board game idea bubbling in your brain? That’s awesome! Turning that spark into a published game can seem like a big mountain to climb, but don’t worry, it’s totally doable. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your amazing board game concept out there and into the hands of eager players. Think of this as your roadmap to board game success. We will explain all the necessary steps that help you to sell your board game idea successfully. We will cover the most important points in details with all needed explanations. let’s start the journey.

Before You Start: Refining Your Game

Before you even think about approaching publishers, you need to make sure your game is ready. This is like practicing your basketball shots before trying out for the team. A strong, well-tested game is key to getting noticed. Let’s look at what makes a board game great:

Playtesting: The Most Important Step

Playtesting is super important. It’s where you find out what works and what doesn’t. You can’t just think your game is great; you have to see it in action. Here’s why playtesting is critical:

• Find the Flaws: Playtesting helps you find parts of your game that are confusing, boring, or just don’t work right.
• Balance the Game: You might find one player always wins. Playtesting helps you adjust the rules to make the game fair and fun for everyone.
• Improve Player Experience: Watch how people play your game. Do they look confused? Are they having fun? Their reactions will tell you a lot.
• Rule Clarity: Are your rules clear? Can people understand them easily? Playtesting with new people shows you where the instructions need work.

Don’t just playtest with your best friends who might be too nice. Get honest feedback from people who have never played your game before. Listen carefully to what they say, and be ready to make changes. It’s often better to have playtesters with different type of gaming experience, which can provide different perspectives on your game.

Creating a Prototype

Your prototype doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to be functional. Think of it like a rough draft of your game. Here are some easy ways to make a prototype:

• Use Cardboard and Paper: Cut out cardboard pieces and write on them. Use index cards or sticky notes for cards.
• Borrow from Other Games: Don’t hesitate to use pieces from other games to represent your game components (dice, pawns, etc.).
• Make it Clear: Make sure your prototype is easy for people to use and understand.

A prototype doesn’t need to look professional, it just needs to be functional. Don’t spend a lot of money on making it perfect early on.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Who is your game for? Knowing your audience will help you design a game that they’ll love and make it easier to pitch to publishers. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Age Range: Is your game for kids, adults, or families?
• Playing Time: How long will a typical game take?
• Complexity: Is it a simple game or one that involves lots of strategy?
• Theme: What’s the story or idea behind your game?

Knowing your target audience helps you tailor your game to their interests and makes your pitch to publishers more effective. If you are creating a kids game, you need to make sure it is simple and quick to play. If it is for adults, you can add some more depth and strategy.

Preparing Your Pitch

Once you have a polished game, it’s time to get ready to show it to publishers. Think of this as your job interview. You want to be prepared, look professional, and show that your game has the potential to be a hit. Here’s how to make your pitch stand out:

Creating a Sell Sheet

A sell sheet is like a resume for your game. It’s a one or two-page document that tells a publisher everything they need to know about your game. It needs to be professional looking and also attention grabbing. It should be clear, concise, and visually appealing, use color and images if it is possible. You must have a solid understanding about writing good content. Here’s what to include:

• Game Title and Designer(s): Put the game’s name at the top, and make sure to include your name as the designer.
• A Catchy Tagline: A short sentence that describes the essence of your game.
• Brief Description: A short summary of your game’s theme, goals, and mechanics.
• Target Audience: Who is this game designed for? (Kids, families, hardcore gamers, etc.)
• Playing Time: How long does a typical game last?
• Number of Players: How many people can play the game at once?
• Game Components: What comes with the game? (cards, tokens, dice, etc.)
• Key Selling Points: What makes your game unique? What are its most interesting aspects?
• Visuals: Include photos or simple illustrations of your game or theme to give a quick idea.
• Your Contact Information: Make it easy for publishers to reach you.

Your sell sheet needs to be well-written and visually appealing. Proofread everything carefully, and make sure it looks professional. It might be worth getting someone else to proofread it and make sure that everything is clear and concise.

Creating a Rulebook

A clear rulebook is crucial for any game. Even if your game is simple, a confusing rulebook can frustrate players and turn them off. Here are some tips for writing a good rulebook:

• Use Clear and Simple Language: Avoid jargon and use language that your target audience can understand.
• Organize Logically: Structure your rulebook with a clear table of contents and well-defined sections.
• Include Pictures and Examples: Visual aids can help people understand complex rules.
• Create a Setup Section: Explain how to set up the game clearly.
• Explain Game Play: Provide step by step guide on how to play the game.
• Explain Winning Condition: How do player win the game? make it clear in the rule book.
• Include a Glossary of Terms: If your game has specific terms, define them clearly.
• Test the Rulebook: Have others read the rulebook and try to play the game. This will show you if the rulebook is clear.

A well-written rulebook is essential for smooth play. Take the time to make it clear and easy to follow.

Preparing a Video Pitch

In today’s world, a video pitch can be a powerful tool. It allows you to show off your game in action and connect with publishers on a more personal level. It is optional, but it can be a great addition to your pitch. Here are some ideas for your video:

• Show Off Your Game: Demonstrate how to play the game.
• Highlight Key Selling Points: Point out what makes your game unique and fun.
• Keep it Short: A few minutes is usually enough to get the point across.
• Use Clear Audio and Video: Make sure people can hear and see what’s going on.

Remember, your video is an opportunity to showcase the excitement and fun of your game. Show your passion, and let your personality shine through.

Finding the Right Publisher

Not all publishers are created equal. Some focus on kids games, while others are into strategy games. Finding a publisher that’s a good match for your game is important. Do the research and find a good fit for your game. Here are some tips:

Research Publishers

Spend some time looking into different publishers. Here’s what you should be checking:

• Type of Games: What kinds of games do they publish? Do they fit with your game’s theme and style?
• Size of the Company: Are they a big publisher or a smaller company? This can impact how they work and your game’s potential reach.
• Reputation: Do they have a good reputation? Are they known for treating designers fairly? You can find opinions online on board game forums.
• Submission Guidelines: Do they accept unsolicited submissions? Check their website for instructions on how to submit your game.

Tailor your pitch to each publisher. Show them why your game is a good fit for their company. Don’t send a generic pitch to everyone.

Networking at Board Game Events

Going to conventions and board game events can be a great way to meet publishers in person. It is a good idea to attend such events. It allows you to show off your game, receive some valuable feedback and most importantly make contacts with board game publishers. Here’s how to make the most of these events:

• Bring Your Prototype: Have your prototype ready to play.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to explain your game to anyone who asks.
• Be Professional: Dress nicely, be respectful, and act professionally.
• Collect Business Cards: Get business cards from people you meet.
• Follow up: Send an email to the contacts you made after the event.

Meeting publishers in person is a good way to make a lasting impression. They can see your game firsthand, and you can start to build a personal connection.

Submitting Your Game

Once you’ve found the right publishers, it’s time to send in your pitch. Here are some tips for submitting:

Following Submission Guidelines

Every publisher has their own guidelines. Make sure you read and follow them exactly. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

• Required Materials: Do they want a sell sheet, a rulebook, a video, or all of the above?
• Submission Format: Do they prefer a physical copy or a digital submission?
• Response Time: How long does it usually take them to get back to you?
• Restrictions: Are there any restrictions on what you can submit?

Don’t submit your game to publishers who don’t accept unsolicited submissions. It’s always best to follow the specific rules each publisher sets out.

Writing a Cover Letter

A well-written cover letter can make a big difference. Here’s what you should include in it:

• Introduce Yourself: Briefly tell the publisher who you are and what you do.
• Introduce Your Game: Briefly tell them about your game and your game’s theme.
• Why You Choose Them: Explain why you think your game is a good match for their company.
• Thank Them for Their Time: Show your appreciation for them reviewing your game.

Your cover letter should be professional, enthusiastic, and tailored to each publisher.

What to Expect After Submitting

It can take time to hear back from publishers, so it’s important to be patient and keep things in perspective. Here’s what you should expect:

Waiting for a Response

Don’t expect a reply right away. Publishers receive lots of submissions, and they need time to review everything. Be patient. Here’s what to do while you wait:

• Follow Their Guidelines: Don’t rush them. Most publishers have stated their average response time.
• Continue Working on Your Game: Keep playtesting and improving your game.
• Don’t Be Discouraged: If you don’t hear back from some publishers, it’s okay. It doesn’t necessarily mean your game isn’t good.

Don’t lose hope if you don’t get a reply immediately. Sometimes it takes time to hear back from companies.

Understanding Rejection

Rejection is a normal part of the process. Not every game gets picked up by a publisher, even great games. Don’t take it personally. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• It’s Not a Reflection of Your Game: Publishers might not pick your game for various reasons that are not related to the quality of your game. They may have a game that is similar or they don’t think it fits in their target audience or they might have a full schedule.
• Ask for Feedback: If a publisher gives you feedback, try to learn from it and see if there are areas you can improve.
• Keep Improving Your Game: Don’t give up. If you love designing games, keep creating new things and refining your craft.

Rejection is just a part of the journey. Take it as a way to grow and improve your game.

Negotiating a Contract

If a publisher likes your game, they’ll send you a contract. This is a big step, but make sure you read the contract thoroughly before signing. Don’t rush and take your time. Here’s what to consider:

• Royalty Rates: Understand how much money you’ll make from each sale.
• Rights: Make sure you know what rights you are giving the publisher.
• Deadlines: Check the production schedule and see if the timelines are reasonable.
• Legal Advice: If you’re unsure about anything in the contract, get advice from a lawyer who specializes in board games.

Negotiating a contract is a critical step to make sure you’re treated fairly. Take the time to review everything carefully.

Selling a board game idea is a journey that requires preparation, hard work, and a little bit of luck. By following these steps, you’ll greatly improve your chances of getting your game out there and into the hands of players. Always learn from every experience and remember, with passion and determination, you can turn your board game dream into a reality.