Do you often find yourself fascinated by the idea of creating a board game? Or, when you play a board game with your friends, do you wonder how the creator came about the idea and developed an entire game on their own?
Well, just like you, we’re fascinated too at the thought of building your own board game. However, before you learn how to do that, you must have some experience playing board games before, so you’re aware of the requirements.
Board games such as Draughts, Chess, or Ludo have dominated the board game industry for years. Individuals lose track of time when they start playing a board game, whether with friends or family members.
However, the most critical factor is to consider its design and gameplay before you begin. Along with it, you will need to address queries related to its build structure, types of accessories to be used, game rules, and various other factors. So, if you’re curious about building one yourself, continue to read ahead to learn how you can build a board game.
WHAT IS THE THEME OR CONCEPT?
This point is a valid criterion for any individual who wants to design a board game. For your ease, you can select the one with some skills beforehand. For instance, if you are a science teacher, you can design a game related to it. Or, if you have an idea of your own, you can do it likewise.
You can also check the game theme online or in any comic book, magazine, or TV series. Or, if a friend has suggested an idea, you can work it out accordingly. You can try various themes related to Mythology, Art, Horticulture, etc., each with its own set of rules and regulations.
With each concept you will work on, you will have to develop some method, without which the game will not be functional. For instance, in Monopoly, the playing methods are centered on dice-rolling, purchasing/selling properties, and minting money. Alternatively, it keeps the player and the game in sync.
Some individuals work the other way around. They tend to develop the gameplay and then reach out to the concept later. You can experiment and see which one works best for you.
DETERMINE THE AGE RANGE OF PLAYERS
The age group is determined by the complexity of the board game and its rules. If you are designing it for adults, the game can constitute tough rules and regulations. On the other hand, if it is made for kids, it can be simple and easy to manage.
Keep your game concept in mind when you are deciding the age range. For instance, a flight simulation game will not be appropriate for kids.
DECIDE THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS TO PLAY AND WIN
This is one of the most crucial elements of making a board game. Before setting up the design and materials, you must understand the winning conditions regarding the number of players and how they can emerge victorious.
For instance, if you’re making point-gain games, the players will need to accumulate points, and at the end of each game, the player with the most points wins.
JOT DOWN THE BASIC RULES
Before constructing the game, you need to work out its rules. This includes the player’s movement throughout the game, who shall take the first turn, how should errors or flaws be addressed and any conditions applied during play. Moreover, you can also explore if the players can play as a team or not.
MAKE A PROTOTYPE
If you have decided on the rules and gameplay, try creating a prototype for your new board game. This method is ideal for testing the game basics and reviewing if it can work well. It includes the board’s design, a figure or the entire structure (Ludo, Scrabble, etc.), board pieces (buttons, checkers, poker chips, etc.), and any additional accessories.
TEST THE PROTOTYPE
Before trying the game with your friends or others:
Try to test it out yourself.
Play the entire game and see if there are any glitches or errors.
Rectify them accordingly and make it perfect for everyone to have a go.
PLAY AND TEST IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS
After you’ve played alone and fixed all the flaws, try it out with your family members or friends. Do let them know that it’s still in the developing phase, and you will appreciate any feedback.
However, you need to keep some things in check while testing out the new game, including:
· Avoid adding any additional explanations.
· Jot down any points which can be added or removed. Also, see whether your friends are having fun while playing the game.
· Pay attention to the player’s ending position. If a single player is not lagging during the game at any point, then it would be considered an unfair advantage.
SWITCH THE PLAYERS WHILE PLAY TESTING
Changing the type of player would help you in modifying the gameplay. The more people you test it with, the more opportunities you’ll have to rectify and improve the game.
You can test the game via different groups or game shops as these are the perfect places to get varied opinions on your board game. You can also try this game with different age groups.
MAKE THE FINAL PRODUCT
After making the necessary adjustments to the game, you can work out the final product by taking the help of the notes that you have written down. Also, you would require different materials for your board, game pieces, or any other auxiliary to complete the structure.
MAKE A LIST OF REQUIRED ACCESSORIES
Board games are generally mounted on binder boards or chipboards. This provides a durable backing with moderate impact resistance. You can also use an old board as the base if your new game’s dimensions are a perfect fit. Other auxiliaries include game pieces (buttons, plastic-oriented materials, etc.), dice (if required), and a storage pack.
BOARD DESIGN
Be creative with the design and ensure that the enclosed area is marked along with the instructions. Ready-made printouts, patterned paper, magazine cutouts, and more can also be used. Color is also another crucial factor in designing an attractive game set. Make sure that the board’s colors and pieces sync with one another and provide a stunning effect.
CREATE THE GAME PIECES
One of the easiest ways of making a piece is to print the color or design on paper and tape or glue them to a sturdy backing, like cardstock. You can also take your designs to a professional printer and print them on high-quality stock. Different materials, like plastic, polymer clay, or origami animals, can also make game pieces. You can also redesign an old dice or spinner to create a new one.
YOUR GAME IS READY
After finalizing the accessories required for the board game, it is now ready for play. Enjoy it loads, and it can serve as an ideal board game while being outdoors or going on a trip to a beach.
KEY TAKEAWAY!
Having read through the requirements, you are now ready to create your board game. Ensure that you do your research about existing board games so that the final product you create differs from what’s already available in the market.
So, if you’re interested in creating board games and similar activities then you should head on over to Little You—where you can let your creativity flow and share your creations with the ones you love. Our app gives you a chance to unleash your creativity which essentially nurtures excitement, imagination, and problem-solving skills. After all, kids are the best designers in the world.