Make Your Own Board Games

Ready Made Game Boards

At Ready Made Game Boards, you can download many different types of templates. Most of the templates are in Powerpoint or Word so make sure you have either one of those programs available on your computer. After downloading the template, you just add your clipart or photos and edit the squares on the board to include things that are relevant to the game you are making and then print out.

Since the web site is more of an educational one, the suggestions they provide for game ideas revolve around flash cards, learning games, and trivia. Some of their templates can be used for making other types of board games. You can print out a 2-fold game board, a printable spinner, a small and large dice template, and game cards. The site recommends two different kinds of card stock for the game cards. For creating quick, educational games, this site is good.

Make Your Own Board Game From Scratch

It's easier than you think to make your own board game. Check out the steps below:

1. First you must have an idea. Think about what kind of game you would like to play. Do you want a strategy game like Chess or Checkers, or are you interested in making a game of luck? What about a simple game of roll the dice and move a piece?
2. Second, you must have rules. A straight-forward roll and move game is easy, but if you are making a card game, then having a good set of base rules that can be adjust as you play the first time is a necessity.
3. Now it's time to make your game board. Draw a rough draft on a piece of paper and get it just right. Then, on a thicker piece of paper, create the final version of your game. You can glue it onto an old game board then you have lying around or you can purchase pre-cut cardboard squares at your local craft shop.
4. Depending on the type of game you are creating, you will probably need pieces. Recycle retired game pieces from other games or your child's little toys may work even better.
5. If you are making a game that requires cards, make the cards on index cards. The 3x5 cards are a perfect size to use.
6. A good suggestion to make the game more personal is to use photographs of the people who are playing the game and tape or glue them to any game pieces you are using.
7. If you need dice, you don't really have to make them, you can pick up a cheap pack of dice at any retailer.

Other Suggestions

Don’t forget to utilize your local craft store to make your own board games easier. You can find special pieces to use as your game markers and can customize them to fit the theme of your game. Stamps are a great way to decorate your board and even the back of your cards. Craft stores have an excellent supply of different sized cardboard pieces, which should allow you to perfect the size of your game board the way you want. Lastly, if you and your players really love your game, you can also get that board laminated at a craft store or a copy center.

For All Ages

Get everyone involved in making your board game, especially if your family is going to play the game. Someone could have a suggestion that you didn't think of or an idea for the board that would make it even more fun. Make sure that everyone gets a chance to make the board or the cards because games are meant to bring people together and what better way to bring people together than creating something?