How to create your own board game?
Creating a board game is a dream that many enthusiasts have at some point. Whether you are a board game veteran or a novice full of ideas, anyone can create their own game with a little creativity, perseverance, and patience. In this article, we will go over all the steps to transform your ideas into a real game that could very well become the next big hit!
1. Find a basic idea
It all starts with a idea . This could be a theme, a mechanic, or even an emotion you want players to feel. For example, you might want to create a game where players explore a dungeon full of monsters, or a strategy game where they build a civilization.
How to find inspiration?
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Theme or mechanics? Some creators start with a theme: "I want to make a game about pirates." Others start with a mechanic: "I'd like to make a game with dice and cards." Both approaches are valid.
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Get inspired by existing games : Play games from different genres to see what you like. Do you like management games like "Agricola" or bluffing games like "The Resistance"?
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Merge ideas : Sometimes the best games come from combining two existing concepts. You might mix deck-building mechanics with a sci-fi theme, for example.
Creative tip:
Don't hesitate to keep a notebook where you write down all your ideas, even the most crazy ones. Sometimes, a slightly shaky idea can turn into something brilliant after careful consideration.
2. Choose game mechanics
Once you have a basic idea, it's time to think about the mechanical that will bring your game to life. Mechanics are the rules and systems that allow players to interact with the game. Here are some examples of popular mechanics:
- Placement of workers (as in "Catan" or "Agricola"): Players place their pieces on specific locations to harvest resources.
- Draft (as in "7 Wonders"): Players choose cards or resources from a limited pool, in competition with other players.
- Hidden role (as in "Werewolves of Thiercelieux"): Each player has a secret identity, and the goal is to discover who is who.
Mechanical tip:
Make sure the mechanics you choose fit the theme. If you're making a game about pirates, combat or pillaging mechanics might be appropriate. If you're making a cooperative game, communication and coordination mechanics between players will be crucial.
3. Develop the rules
THE rules are the heart of any board game. They define how players interact with the game, what actions they can take, and how they can win. Here’s how to approach creating clear, consistent rules:
- Objective of the game : Start by clearly explaining the objective. Players should know from the start what they are trying to accomplish, whether it is getting the most points, eliminating all opponents, or completing a mission.
- Game Tour : Describe what a player can do during his turn. Can he play a card, roll dice, move pawns?
- Victory Conditions : Explain how a player wins the game. It is crucial that the victory conditions are well defined and accessible.
Writing tip:
When writing the rules, keep them simple and concise. Read them over several times and, most importantly, test them with other people to make sure they are easy to understand. The clearer the better!
4. Prototype your game
Once you have an idea and some basic rules, it's time to create a prototype . It doesn't need to be anything fancy at first. A sheet of paper, some dice, and some homemade cards are enough. The idea is to test the mechanics and see if the game works well.
What should you include in your prototype?
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Game board (if necessary)
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Maps (for actions, events, or objects)
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Pawns or figurines (use existing game pieces or simple objects like buttons)
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Dice or other random generators (if necessary)
Prototype tip:
Don't get too attached to your first prototype. It's almost certain that it will change drastically after several tests. Be flexible and willing to change what doesn't work.
5. Test, test, and test again
THE playtesting (or playtesting) is the most important step in the creation process. You will need to play your game, over and over again, to make sure it is fun, balanced, and understandable. Invite friends, family members, or even strangers to try out your prototype.
What you need to check during testing:
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Fun : Are the players having a good time? Are there boring moments where they are waiting around doing nothing?
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Balance : Does one player or strategy always dominate the game? If so, some elements will need to be adjusted to make the game more balanced.
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Understanding the rules : Do players easily understand the rules, or do they ask a lot of questions?
Playtesting tip:
Listen to criticism, even if it's hard to hear. Testing should be about improving the game, not confirming that you did a perfect job from the beginning (which, spoiler, almost never happens).
6. Improve and refine
After each playtesting session, take the time to review the feedbacks received and adjust the mechanics or rules accordingly. This step can be time consuming, as each change requires a new test to verify that everything works correctly.
Examples of common adjustments:
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Reduce or increase the length of the game.
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Add or remove rules to make the game flow better.
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Rebalance cards, characters or resources.
7. Create the visual design
Once the mechanics and rules are well established, it's time to tackle the game. Graphics . The design of your board game is crucial to attract players. Even if the game is great, if the visuals are not appealing, it could go unnoticed.
What should be taken into account?
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Illustrations : You can hire an illustrator, or if you have artistic talents, create your own illustrations. The style should match the theme of the game.
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Board and card graphics : Everything should be clear and easy to read. Good graphic design enhances the gaming experience by making information immediately accessible.
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Game box : The box is often the first thing people see. A beautiful cover can make the difference between an impulse purchase or not.
Design tip:
If you're on a tight budget, start by using free graphic resources available online, or look for a freelance illustrator on platforms like Fiverr Or Upwork .
8. Produce and distribute
When your game is polished and ready to go out into the world, it's time to think about the production . You have several options for this:
- Self-publishing : You manage production yourself, often through a printer. This method gives more control, but also requires a higher initial budget.
- Crowdfunding : Platforms like Kickstarter are very popular in the board game world. They help fund production by asking players to pre-order the game before it is even manufactured.
- Publishing house : You can also submit your game to board game publishers. If they like your game, they will take care of all the production and distribution.
Production tip:
If you choose to self-publish, start with a small print run to test demand. There's no point in producing 5,000 copies if you're not sure you'll sell them.
Conclusion
Creating a board game takes time, creativity, and a lot of testing, but it’s an incredibly rewarding journey. Every step of the way, from initial idea to production, is an opportunity to learn and refine your project. And who knows, your game might just become a favorite in our store!
If you're looking for inspiration or hardware to prototype your game, we have a great selection of various parts in bulk at the store! Also, feel free to check out the new releases ; you might find the next game that will inspire you to create your own!
Bonjour/ bonsoir l’AS de jeux ! J’aurais une question ? Une fois qu’on a l’idée de notre création de jeux société. Faut t-il le protégé ? Dans le sens droit auteur pour que quelqu’un ne vole pas notre idée. Merci vous !
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