How to Make an Atom Builders Game Board

Determine the specific theme of the atom builder board game. The game could focus on combining protons, neutrons, and electrons to create atoms, or it could focus on combining various elements together to construct molecules. Ambitious game developers could even create a game focused on atomic physics, wherein atoms must be bombarded with subatomic particles to split them into their component parts.

Create mechanics that reflect the theme of the game. For example, if the purpose of the game is to build atoms out of electrons and protons, then create a resource-based mechanic that encourages players to bid for or collect particles to assemble into an atom. If the game focused on Heisenburg's Uncertainty Principle, which relates to the uncertain position of electrons, then use dice or other highly variable game mechanics to represent randomness.

Create game pieces that reflect the mechanics and theme of your game. Marbles are a good representation of protons, while plastic rings or hoops might be good representations of electrons in orbit. Include interactive elements so that the players can feel like they are actually building atoms.

Include elements of science, chemistry or physics to encourage immersion. For example, it would be appropriate to name atoms off of real atoms from the Periodic Table of Elements. Any atom with one electron and one proton should be a Hydrogen atom, and any atom with two electrons and protons should be Helium.

Implement a point system wherein players are rewarded for building increasingly complex and heavier atoms. For example, building Helium, which is the second atom on the Periodic Table, could be worth two points, whereas Hydrogen might only be worth one point. The point system is a great way to include more pieces in the game, such as tokens, small wooden blocks, beads, or other arts and crafts objects that can represent atoms or points.

Construct a game board to facilitate the action. Shape after the Period Table of Elements or design a circular pattern to represent the path of electrons. Ensure that all physical features of the board game reflect the theme and mechanics of the game.

Create the base material of the game board out of a hard and flat material, such as bristol board. Use a ruler to to divide the dimensions of the game board into equal parts. It is best to create a template on paper first before drawing in the bristol board so that you can be certain that your dimensions are correct.

Thicken the lines or text on the bristol board with a dark marker, because pencil or pen do not show up well on bristol board. Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to color in shapes and areas of the board game to give it more life. If the game is based on the Periodic Table of Elements, it might be fitting to color each column or row the same color. If your game focuses on atoms, it might be smart to color all protons one color and all electrons another color.