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How to create a board (board game prototype)

21/12/2012

9 Comments

 
Picture
Hi again fellow board game developers :)

In this post I'm going to talk about how to create a board for your board game prototype.
Many people struggle with creating something that looks "final" - something people will be convinced by.

First off - I don't think you should concentrate on doing this before you're in the mid-to-late prototype phase. Because you'll often find yourself reworking the board to your likings as you develop on your prototype.
I believe I've build at least 2 full boards in vain because I only a few days later had made some significant changes to the layout.

So be aware.. when you go down this path you better be ready for it ;)

Picture
The print
I imagine that you already have the layout and graphics in mind - and you'll start working on them one way or another.
There's really not that much to it - either you can do it yourself if you're skilled in Photoshop or the likes, or you can get someone else to do it.
Don't worry about using a few copyrighted materials if you're only going to show the prototype to your friends. If you choose to do any public display then you'll of course need your own original material!

Printing
When you want to print it, you can do it in several ways. You can print it yourself by cutting the print into smaller A4 pieces (I'm assuming you have an A4 printer like most of us ;)

Or you can do what I prefer to do... find a local printing department of some sort, they can usually help you out. Choose to print "poster quality". It's a bit more expensive but also a lot more durable - specially if the board is going to see a lot of token/miniature action.
Furthermore the poster print already has a glue/sticker back you can use when attaching the print to a board of some sort.

This will probably not be the kind of print you'll be using in the final print - since it also has a very reflecting surface, making it troublesome to look at in direct light when playing (but it sure does look nice - and ready for sale :)
 

Picture
The board material
There are several different materials you can use for your board, each with different strengths and weaknesses.
  • Standard cardboard
It varies in thickness and color and is probably the cheapest variant.
I usually go with 2mm for boards bigger than A3, and 1,2-1,5mm for smaller boards.
  • Composite material (from home depots or similar)
Very durable and strong - if you pick the right material. Some materials are definitely not made for this kind of use - so be mindful.
Look at some of the examples below.

Cutting, gluing... and so on...
When you have the components you need - it's time to put them together. This can be a tricky affair due to the "one chance"-aspect of putting it on. But if you follow the principles of this video you won't be doing it wrong (how to put on a car sticker).

Remember
  • The print needs to be bigger than the board - so you can wrap the print around the edges.
  • Look out for air bubbles - you don't want that ;)
  • The print and glue might bend the board a bit - so put it underneath something heavy. 
  • Be mindful when cutting the corners so you can wrap them properly around the edges.
Making the board more durable
If you want your board to be even more durable or stand out even prettier - it's time to introduce the transparent book wrap plastic (in Danish called "angel skin" or something). This will keep your board still going strong when you get to the production of any expansion packs ;)

Corners
Corners are usually the vulnerable part of a board. But it doesn't have to be. If you look at the following examples - you'll see how you can wrap around the edges and corners - making them fairly strong.

Edges and the finishing touch
Edges can also be a pain in the neck if not properly wrapped - and letting the print continue on the other side doesn't always look that good... But here's a money trick :)
  • Find some book strengthening tape in black and wrap it around the edges - it looks like a final product.
Well... that will be all for now - I hope this article will help you in your board production.

Happy holidays and gaming to you all :)

9 Comments
T.C.
24/12/2012 07:42:35

Nice article.

Also, for a nice fold-out board or for smaller mounted player boards, I recommend printing on nice textured resume paper. The final product will have a faux-linen finish and looks like a final version.

Of course, only do this for a LATE proto when all board changes have been made. :) A "pretty" prototype is impressive but much more disappointing if the gameplay isn't there yet.

Reply
Emil Larsen link
24/12/2012 21:09:20

Hi T.C.,

Thanks a lot - I'm happy that you liked it :)

Very good point... could easily imagine using that technique for some of my player sheets. The ones that the players are often looking at.

Have a great day T.C.
Best regards Emil

Reply
Lewis Pulsipher link
26/12/2012 07:37:30

I use foamboard, which is very light but fairly strong, for mounting prototype boards. You can score it on the back with a knife and fold to half size. Use rubber cement and you can remove the map later and reuse the foamboard, if you wish.

My prototype boards are more functional and halfway attractive, rather than an attempt to create what the final product will look like. So I don't worry about wraps and laminations of any kind.

Reply
Emil Larsen link
26/12/2012 07:56:52

Hi Lewis,

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :)
Interesting choice.. I don't think I would have thought of that. Hhm, but it doesn't seem like a bad choice - especially in the early phases!

Do you have any good pictures of the process?
Have a great day and happy holidays :)

Best regards Emil

Reply
Lewis Pulsipher link
28/12/2012 05:59:04

No photos at present, guess I'll have to take some next time I do it.

I used to cut the boards into four and use mailing tape to connect them together as a quad fold. It fit better in containers (boxes, plastic "wallets"), but I wasn't happy with the quality, so I haven't done it in a long time.

Reply
angela arul link
1/6/2017 05:07:08

Hi! Mine is about treasure. Can you give a suitable name for my board game.

Reply
Leonard link
13/1/2021 20:47:24

Hi greatt reading your blog

Reply
Emil
14/1/2021 05:29:24

Thanks a lot :) Hope you find some inspiration.

Reply
Disha link
23/2/2023 21:45:28

Thank you for posting such a useful site with eye-catching images.

Reply



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