I’ve Made This Game, Now How Do I Produce It?
So, you’ve done it. You’ve created a game. Maybe it’s a worker placement marvel, a quick dice chucker, or a narrative masterpiece that has your playtesters asking, “When can I buy this?” The thrill of seeing your creation come to life is unmatched, but now the question looms: How do I produce this thing?
Welcome to the uncharted territory of game production, where prototypes turn into polished products and dreams collide with logistics. Let’s break it down thru our stumbles.
Step 1: Polish Your Prototype
Before diving into production, your game needs to shine. This means refining every rule, balancing every mechanic, and ensuring it plays well across different groups.
Blind Playtesting: Have people play your game without your guidance. If regular gamers can’t understand your rules, a newcomer won’t.
Component Clarity: Every piece, be they dice, cards, boards, or tokens, should feel purposeful and clear. Make sure nothing is overdesigned or underexplained.
Step 2: Research Manufacturers
The next step is finding the right team to help bring your game to life. Here’s what you’ll need to consider:
Domestic vs. Overseas: Domestic manufacturers may offer faster shipping and fewer headaches with communication, but they’re often more expensive. Overseas options (many creators go with China) are cheaper, but they require careful communication and attention to the fine details. You will also experience slower and more costly shipping times. Nothing says you can use a mix.
Materials and Capabilities: You wouldn’t send your child to a mechanic, and car to the dentist. If your game has custom dice, miniatures, or unique components, make sure your chosen manufacturer can handle them. Ask for photos of work previously done.
Reviews and Reputation: Check forums, communities, and social media for other designers’ experiences. BoardGameGeek and Facebook groups can be goldmines for recommendations.
Step 3: Get Quotes
Once you’ve identified potential manufacturers, reach out for quotes. Be prepared to provide:
A breakdown of your game’s components (e.g., number of cards, tokens, boards).
Estimated print run size (most manufacturers have a minimum order quantity).
Your project’s timeline (if you need it in 10 weeks, say 8 weeks to get a buffer for issues).
Lesson Learned: Don’t settle for the first quote. Shop around, compare prices, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
Step 4: Consider Production Costs
Your quote will give you a production cost per unit, but remember, there’s more to the puzzle:
Shipping and Freight: Games are heavy, and shipping can be a significant expense. Budget accordingly, especially if shipping internationally.
Storage: If you’re printing a thousand copies, where are you going to put them? Fulfillment centers or storage units can be lifesavers for a price.
Extras: Do you want upgraded components, spot UV on the box, or a linen finish? These extras can elevate your game but come at a cost.
Overrun: Do you need to produce 1,259 games for your crowdfunding campaign? Be sure to order extra, 5–10% above your target is a good rule of thumb, depending on how much risk your blood pressure can handle. This buffer can cover lost shipments, damaged copies, or unexpected demand. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Step 5: Test the Samples
Before committing to a large print run, request a sample copy. This step is non-negotiable, even if your sample is $100 and your production run is only $600. You need to see, feel, and play with the final product before producing thousands (or even hundreds) of copies.
Check for:
Component quality: Are the cards too thin? Is your game board too flimsy?
Print clarity: Are the colors off? Is the text fuzzy?
Assembly: Does it all fit in the box the way it should? Do your standees fit in the stand?
Durability: Toss the dice, shuffle the cards, and open the box.
Lesson Learned: Play means play; don’t be gentle, and don’t toss the dice once or twice. I know it hurts, but you need to be rough because your buyers will be. This is a test of longevity.
Step 6: Decide on Fulfillment
Once your game is produced, it needs to get into players’ hands. This can be a major hurdle, but you’ve got options:
Self-Fulfillment: Handle packing and shipping yourself. Great for small runs, but be prepared to sacrifice your living room, kitchen, and hallways for products and boxes.
Fulfillment Services: Companies like Quartermaster Logistics or Ship Naked can handle everything instead for a fee naturally.
Crowdfunding Partnerships: If you’re using Kickstarter or Gamefound, many backer management platforms also offer fulfillment services as well.
Step 7: Prepare for Surprises
In game production, things very rarely go perfectly. Delays, unexpected costs, miscommunications, and random circumstances (e.g., port strikes or hurricanes) will derail even the best-laid plans. Be patient, stay organized, keep communications open, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from other designers who’ve been in your shoes.
Final Thoughts
Producing your game is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires research, patience, and a willingness to learn as you go. But when you hold that first manufactured copy of your game, fresh from the factory, every headache and last-minute glitch will be worth it.
Ready to take the plunge into production? Or have you already waded into these waters and lived to tell the tale? Share your experiences in the comments, I’d love to hear how you’ve slayed this dragon of a challenge!