A homemade board game is the perfect way to impress all your friends on the next gaming night. However, before you unveil your masterpiece, you need to design the basics, such as goals and rules. Once this phase is complete, you will be ready to develop a prototype, in order to put your design to the test. After correcting the small defects that emerged during the tests, all you have to do is create a finished product of professional quality and start playing!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Designing the Game
Step 1. Write down your ideas
Inspiration can come at any time, and it can happen that you combine two very different ideas to create a new and unique game. Jot down your best ideas in a notebook, computer, or phone app.
- On game nights, you may find it especially helpful to have some note-taking tools handy. Playing can come up with a brilliant idea for a project.
- When you get inspired by the games on the market, ask yourself "What would I do to improve the game?". This question can often lead to interesting innovations.
Step 2. Develop your game with a theme
Themes represent the style of the game and define its genre. Games such as Goose have a simple theme that involves arriving at your destination before your opponent, while more complex war games are where conflicts, politics between players and strategic positioning of the pieces are important.
- You can find inspiration for your game theme in your favorite novels, comics and TV series.
- Mythology and legends are often used to develop a theme. The most used elements include vampires, witches, wizards, dragons, angels, demons, gnomes and more.
Step 3. Alternatively, you can use the mechanics to develop your game
This term refers to the methods in which players interact with the game and with each other. In Monopoly, the mechanics are based on rolling the dice, buying and selling properties and accumulating money. In Axis & Allies, on the other hand, you can move the pieces on a large board and use the dice to resolve conflicts.
- Some people come up with mechanics and then create a theme that fits them, while others find a theme and then build bespoke mechanics. Experiment to find the best solution for you.
- The most common mechanics you can use include turns, dice rolls, moves, drawing cards, arranging spaces, making auctions, and more.
Step 4. Decide the age of the players
This information must influence the complexity of the rules and the board. For example, a children's game should be simple, easy to understand, and fun. For adults, you can make a more competitive, exciting and complicated game instead.
Consider the theme when deciding the age of the players. A game where the goal is to survive a zombie apocalypse is not suitable for children, but it may be perfect for adults who love television series on that subject
Step 5. Establish game limits in terms of players, time and size
Some games are limited by the size of the board, the number of pieces or cards. These factors also affect the length of a match. When thinking about these elements, consider:
- The number of players who can participate. Is the game fun even for two? And with the maximum number? Are there enough tokens / cards?
- The average length of a match. Be aware that the first game will take longer than expected, as players need time to learn the rules.
- The size of the game. Usually large boards or many different cards add complexity to a game and increase its duration, as well as make it less easily transportable.
Step 6. Decide the victory conditions
Once you have thought about the basic ideas of your game, ask yourself "How do you win?". Consider the various ways you can beat your opponents and keep them in mind as you work on your project.
- In the game of the goose or similar, the participants compete to get to the finish line first. In this case, the player who arrives first in the final square wins.
- In point games, participants accumulate prizes, such as victory points or special cards. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins.
- In cooperative games, participants must work together towards a common goal, such as repairing a submarine or stopping an epidemic.
- In some games it is necessary to build a deck of cards to move forward. Players earn, steal and trade cards to strengthen their hand and achieve a goal.
Step 7. Write down the ground rules
These will no doubt change over the course of your design, but a set of ground rules allows you to start trying and experimenting right away. When writing them, consider the following:
- Who plays first. In many games, you decide who goes first by rolling a die or drawing a card. Whoever gets the highest score starts.
- The players' turn. What can they do when it's their turn? In order not to waste too much time, most games only allow one or two actions per turn.
- Interactions between players. How can they influence each other? For example, those in the same square can "duel" by rolling a die.
- The phase in which the players do not intervene. If there are any enemies or effects on the board (such as a fire or a flood), you need to determine how to deal with them throughout the game.
- The resolution of events. You can let a simple roll of the dice determine when something happens, while special events may require specific cards or rolls (such as a double result).
Part 2 of 4: Making a Prototype
Step 1. Use prototypes to evaluate your game
Before you start working on the finished product, create a trial version that you can test out. It doesn't have to be flashy, but first-hand experience will help you understand if the foundations you've developed so far are working as you thought.
- The prototype is a fundamental part of the game creation process, because it transforms your ideas into something concrete, which you can evaluate together with other players.
- Do not add aesthetic details before you have the final version of the product. A simple board and pencil-drawn cards are ideal, as you have the ability to erase elements and make any necessary changes.
Step 2. Create a first draft of the board
This way you will understand if it is too big or small. Depending on the theme and mechanics of the game, the board may include the following elements:
- A path. Simple games have only one path leading to the finish line, while in more complex ones the roads divide or have rings.
- A playing field. In this case there is no predefined path, but the players move as they please in areas that are usually divided into squares or hexagons.
- Special boxes. They can be indicated with shapes or images and have special effects, such as moving a token forward or drawing a card.
Step 3. Find parts for the prototype
Buttons, checkers pieces, poker chips, chess pieces and other small items are ideal pieces. Avoid those that are too large for the board, as they can hide written information.
Checkers can change a lot in the course of design. Use simple templates in the beginning, so you don't waste too much time creating something that will be modified
Step 4. Use cards to add variety
A randomly shuffled deck affects players in unexpected ways. Often the cards briefly describe an event that affects one of the participants and changes their score / position / inventory accordingly.
- Decks usually have 15-20 different card types (e.g. traps and tools), of no more than 10 cards each, to create a balanced mix.
- The cards can include out-of-game challenges, such as asking a player to talk like a pirate for five minutes in order to receive a prize. Failing a challenge can result in a penalty.
Part 3 of 4: Test the Prototype
Step 1. Test the prototype by yourself
Once you have chosen all the pieces, you can test the game and see if it works. Before asking friends for help, do it yourself. Complete a game by covering all the roles and write down all the positive and negative elements you encounter.
- Play several test games on your own. Change the number of "players" each time, in order to understand if the game is fun even with the minimum or maximum number of participants.
- He finds flaws in the game by trying to get around the rules during the rehearsal. See if it is possible to win by always adopting the same strategy or if there are bad tactics not covered by the rules that allow you to gain an advantage.
Step 2. Play the game with friends and family
Once you have completed enough games on your own to eliminate all the most noticeable defects, it is time to move on to the real testing phase. Ask some friends or relatives if they are willing to try the game. Explain that this is a project that has yet to be perfected and that you appreciate their suggestions.
- During rehearsals, do not give any explanations. In the future, you will not be able to clarify the rules in person.
- Take notes during the game. Watch out for times when players seem not to be enjoying themselves or being confused by the rules. You will likely need to make improvements in those aspects.
- Pay attention to the outcome of the matches. If one player always has a big advantage over others, the game is probably not balanced.
Step 3. Find other players to get a better perspective on your game
Everyone approaches games differently, and some people may even pick up on things that you didn't even notice. The more people you can convince to try your game, the higher the chances of finding flaws, weaknesses and fixing them.
- Game stores often organize evenings where customers can play together. These events are ideal for testing your game and receiving feedback from experienced players.
- A player's age affects how they approach your game. Try it with your younger siblings and grandparents to see if it is suitable for all ages.
Step 4. Refine your prototype with testing
At the end of each test game, make the necessary changes to the board, rules and other elements. As you continue the test, make a note of what you have changed. Some "improvements" may not achieve the desired effect.
Part 4 of 4: Creating the Finished Product
Step 1. Write a list of all the materials you need
Once you have completed the tests and developed a game that fully satisfies you, you can start working on the final version. All games have unique needs, so the materials vary a lot. Fill out the list of all the parts of the game, so you don't forget anything.
- Traditional board games are usually printed on cardstock or chipboard. These materials are durable and give the product a professional look.
- If you prefer not to buy new materials, you can use an old game board. Paste your design on top of it or color it to hide the old images.
- The strong cardboard is useful for both game boards and playing cards. You can find playing cards to fill in at almost any hobby store.
- You can make simple pawns or scorecards by cutting out circles of cardboard.
Step 2. Draw the board
This is the most important part of a board game, so let your creativity run free. Make sure that the course or playing field is well defined and that all instructions are easy to read.
- The only limit in the board design is your imagination. To create a unique style, you can use predefined prints, patterned paper, paints, markers, magazine clippings and more.
- A colorful and lively design attracts the eye of the players more. Colors are also useful for creating the right mood. For example, a game that has a vampire gothic theme should probably be grim and creepy.
- The boards are handled often and can wear out over time. Protect your hard work by laminating the board if you get the chance.
Step 3. Create the game pieces
The easiest way to do this is to draw or print the images on paper, then glue or tape them to a sturdy material, such as cardstock. If you're making a game for family and friends, you can even use real player photos.
- If you want more refined pieces, take your designs to a print shop and have them printed on thick, high-quality cardstock.
- Place the card game parts on plastic bases. You can find the basics at hobby stores and even some hypermarkets.
- Try using homemade chess pieces, miniatures sculpted with polymer clay, or origami animals as pawns.
Step 4. Use old dice and selection tools, or make new ones yourself
If in your game you need to roll dice or use an arrow to rotate on a board, you can use ones you find in other board games. Alternatively, you can make a makeshift selection board out of construction paper, a push pin, and markers. Insert the pin through the base of the cardboard arrow and pin it to the center of a circular piece of cardboard, then draw the options to choose.
- There are many types of dice to choose from. Those with more sides reduce the chances of the numbers repeating.
- On the selection boards, colors are often used to determine the moves of the players. For example, if turning the arrow lands on yellow, you should move the piece to the next yellow square.
- The selection boards are ideal for choosing which prize to receive. If a player draws a reward card or ends up on a special square, he can turn the arrow to determine his prize.
Step 5. Write the cards if necessary
Simple cards do not attract the interest of the players. Use designs, creative descriptions and catchy phrases that give your deck a unique style.
- For example, a card that forces a player to skip a turn might have an image of a child jumping rope.
- In hobby stores you can find blank cards to fill in to create your deck, so that the final version of your product has a high quality look.
- If you prefer, you can use cardstock to make your own cards for your game. Use a traditional paper as a reference, so they all are the same size.
Step 6. Consider 3D printing to make your game truly impressive
If you want your project to stand out among all other board games, you can have miniatures, pawns and the board printed in 3D. You have to send your models to a company that specializes in this type of printing, but you will get pieces that have nothing to envy to those you can find in the games available on the market.
Advice
- If you are going to make a board with boxes, use a ruler when creating them, so that the drawings on the cardboard are neat and tidy.
- For game pieces, you can use bottle caps, marbles, beads, pieces of paper or tokens from other games.
- When you test the game, try to observe people playing without interfering. This will help you understand how those unfamiliar with the rules approach the game.
- Ask others for suggestions and ideas before completing the game. Ask yourself "Is this what I want?". Remember, friends and family will also play with you, so the project must be interesting for them too.
- Create a travel version of your game so you can play it anywhere.
- Don't take criticism of your game badly. Comments are key to improving a game, so respond politely and write everything down.
- You can make simple 3D game pieces by gluing characters drawn on paper onto rubber.
Warnings
- Make sure the rules are fair. The goal of a game is to create a fun, enjoyable and positive experience.
- If you are planning to publish and sell your project, make sure you are not infringing on copyright. Consider changing some parts that are too similar to other games.
- Try to write short and simple rules. If you complicate things too much, players may lose interest.
