How to Make a Board Game

From LoveToKnow BoardGames

Learning how to make a board game is easy. All you need are some basic equipment, an idea, and some players. You probably have all the game-making materials in your house right now, and most games that are created from scratch don't need anything more than some cardboard, markers, and a pen or pencil.

Chessboard and pieces

First Things First

The first thing you need to do in figuring out how to make a board game is decide what kind of game you want to create. There are a few fundamental types of game:

  • Word games: These board games test your ability to spell or make words from a jumble of letters. Popular games in this category are Scrabble and Boggle.
  • Trivia games: Your knowledge of the mundane and the obscure could come in handy as you answer questions. Trivial Pursuit and Scene It are well-liked board games.
  • Strategy games: You usually play against one other player in these kind of board games. It's your mind against his or hers as you complete one goal. There are many strategy games out there. Chess, Checkers, Go, and even Connect Four are examples.
  • Luck games: Players usually don't have to make any decisions in luck games. You either roll a die, use a spinner, or some other device that randomly moves your piece along. Also called Point A to B games. Most luck games are children's games like Candyland and Sorry!
  • War games: Sometimes based on actual events and sometimes having the goal being annihilation of your opponents, war games simply have you fighting for territory. Risk and Stratego are common games in this category.

Materials

The materials you need depend on which game you are going to create. The following is a list of common items you may use:

  • Cardboard or construction paper
  • Pens or pencils
  • Notepad to keep score
  • Index cards (for trivia games)
  • Die (use from other games if possible. Yahtzee has 5 die you can use, and Monopoly has 2 for example).
  • For word games, you may want to use the Scrabble tiles if you have that game. If not, thick cardboard. You can get sturdy cardboard from craft stores.
  • Game markers. These can be anything. Coins, generic marks from other games, or even candy. (Make sure the candy is the kind that won't melt). Another possibility is to go into a craft store and visit the stamp or foam outline sections.
  • Drawing tools: protractors, stencils, ink stamps, etc. This can help make the game look like it wasn't freehanded.

How to Make a Board Game the Easy Way

You don't have to be an artist to make a board game. If you can draw a square, triangle, or circle, then you're already 75% there. Sketch out on a piece of paper the path or map or board that you want to draw. Be creative and don't make things all that easy. Make sure you tailor the board to the audience you have in mind.

Typically, game board dimensions are anywhere from 1x1 to 2x2. Some go 1x2 or 2x1; anything bigger just gets cumbersome. As you transfer your sketch to the cardboard, make sure that everything can be ascertained without thought. That means words are legible and the game path is easy to follow.

If you want more detail, add little drawings or paste pictures to you board. As long as you have your basic idea and theme on the board, you have an excellent start.

Instructions

Sometimes instructions can make or break a board game. Start from the beginning and be clear:

  1. Overall goal
  2. How to setup the board
  3. How to progress
  4. Any special moves
  5. When the game ends
  6. Possible variations of the game (like how to play a long or short version)

It's okay if you forget something. As long as you have the above, the game should do fine. You will be able to figure out addends or other obstacles to add later during the next phase.

Test It!

What better way to see if your game is a hit than to test it? Gather your friends and let them have at your game. Be a spectator if you can. Don't help them at all: let them read the instructions and play the game on their own so you can take notes about what works, what doesn't, and their attitudes about the game.

A Rewarding Experience

Making a board game sounds easy, doesn't it? If you use this article as a guide, you should be able to make a board game in no time. Homemade board games can be a rewarding experience for anyone.

Retrieved from "http://boardgames.lovetoknow.com/How_to_Make_a_Board_Game"

 


Comment on How to Make a Board Game



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Board Games Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles