How to Design a Board Game

Sketch out the design of your board game either on paper or the computer. Is the board square? How do players move around the playing area? How do players advance spaces? These and many more questions that have to do with the physical layout of the game will need to be addressed during the design phase.

Determine the game play. What does the game entail? Will players answer questions? Will they need pen and paper? Or is the game more luck based? Think about how players actually play the game. Write up the rules to the game including an example of a player's turn and winning conditions.

Transfer the design to the cardboard that will provide a sturdy playing area. Borrow game pieces from other board games to make your prototype playable. You can also use an old board game by gluing your design over the printed game board.

Test your board game. Ask for honest feedback from friends and family. Also find local board game clubs that would be willing to play your game. If they are, then make a feedback form and ask each person to fill it out. This way you can improve on your board game design to appeal to a larger audience.

If you want to bring your board game to market, either find a game publisher willing to publish your game or self-publish it. Self-publishing will mean finding a manufacturer and funding to have the games made. Look for the best deal possible and seek out advice from other self-publishers (see Resources below).