From Concept to Creation: How to Comes up with a Fun Blank Board Game

If you have ever wondered what it could be like to make a board game, designing a blank board game will excite your creativity and engage your friends and family. Just think of what you could do! You could have a completely new game with different themes, rules and components created by you. No matter if you are an experienced board game designer or a total beginner, the In hand with every step designing a board game is quite an experience. So, in this article, let us revel in the world of blank board games and discuss how to make your ideas come to life!

What is a blank board game

Blank board games, which can also be referred to as games without authors or rules, allow players the freedom to come up with new ideas. They are especially designed for individuals who do not want to be restricted by exact rules, as they have the flexibility to create experiences that satisfy an individual’s needs. When compared to traditional games, there is no right or wrong way to play them. Following this image of a game, From creating a new version of a Game of Thrones board game to building something from scratch is all a part of the possibilities that a blank board game offers you.

The collaborative aspect makes it even more entertaining. Multiplayer games can get boring due to everyone using the same strategy. Using a blank board game and combining the creative juices of friends and family may completely alter the game as a different gameplay option will be explored every time.

Preparations for Creating Your Board Game Project

Before anything else, think about the end goal of your blank board game and how you want the players to experience your creation. This will help define the rest of the development process.

Don’t forget about the audience as well. Who do you see playing this game? You can adjust your design to their needs and make them more interested in it.

Don’t forget about setting up a development schedule as well. Divide it into smaller tasks and take it step by step, starting from creating game ideas to finishing the components. A schedule will help you stay on course with your design in matter of organization and elation.

Breaking Mayhem of Ideas for Creating Game Concepts

Gather your creative team or do it individually, the choice is yours. List out all the possible ideas which start from a game theme – whether it’s funny, takes you on an adventure to the unknown, a puzzle, trivia or educational ones. Let your creativity to fly.

The next step would be to contemplate the mechanics that would be in your blank board game. This can include turn-based gameplay, allied missions, or any other scoring systems that foster combat between players. What makes them glued to the game?

Use if necessary visual tools such as mind maps to assist the topics at hand. You may want to take a clue from other games while at the same time making sure your creativity stands out. The essence is to think outside of the box so that there’s novelty for every age group and category.

Crafting of the Game Board and Components The next stage would be the most likely and that is construction of the game board and its components designing which is for blank board games. Begin with the game and rough out the shape of the board taking into account pathways, zones, or areas that would bring much of the interaction. Consider the way in which each area of the board space can be used in the game play.

Different aspects are next in line. Picking relevant colors and themes to complement the game. Cards, tokens, and even dice should not only look good but should also be uniform.

Also effectiveness. Make sure that all the components will be simple and easy to grasp when the persons are playtesting the game. A great board is one that brings up increased interactions and helps sell one of a kind ideas.

Creating A Blank Board Game Prototype 

After you are done pitching your basics for the concept and the mechanics of the game, you should start creating your blank board game prototype. You should basically sketch out the map of the game on more convenient materials such as thin cardboard or even paper, and as this expected to be only a rough draft it does not need to be completely accurate and should only focus on the essentials of the game. 

Then when you are making the prototype add in the physical aspects that are necessary for the game such as cards, dice, tokens etc. There is no need for the aesthetics to look great as they will be expanded upon later or can be worked on at a point where that is the primary focus. 

And once you feel like you have successfully created the prototype invite close family or friends over for a round of testing. Take mental notes regarding each family members reaction along with parts you believe are efficient as well as parts that might need tweaking.

Gathering Materials And Resources

Picking up the most appropriate materials that you can use to create your game is rather important. Waste no time pondering what would grant your game the required durability and to be visually appealing. Cardstock, plywood, or foam board can be excellent choices for a sturdy base. 

Also remember when you are constructing the game you also need components like tokens, cards and dice. You can also look for resources that would go according to your theme. Some awesome resources can include modular card packs or even colorful markers as they can increase the creativity involved.

Be sure to try out the internet and the regional craft stores for ideas. A good number of suppliers also have rates for bulk which is more economical. Hence, you are guaranteed quality work across your project while being cost effective by providing a participatory experience. 

Testing and Iterating the Game Mechanics 

Testing your blank board game is also an important part of the process that cannot be neglected. Get some of the relatives or friends and let them try out your first simple version. It is necessary to find out how they engaged with the game mechanics and how they rated the game after playing it. 

At the end of each of these sessions, take time to assess what was done correctly and what needed improvement. Are there any rules that are not clear? Us that portion of the game too boring or too slow? Apply these concept so that you can enhance your game mechanics. 

Mold according to the critiques and make changes when necessary. The entire purpose is to make it such that it is enjoyable and takes little movements in different game phases, thus players do not lose interest during the entire ‘game night’. 

Bringing Your Blank Board Game to Life 

So now when you have an understanding of the basic concepts, you can now go and start working on your board game by making it more tangible. First improve where the visuals are concerned. Make quality graphics for the board and cards that uphold the theme and can be easily visible on the shelf.

Before anything else, let’s focus on how gamers will interact with your game. You can devise some interesting extras such as custom tokens or custom dice which will enrich the gameplay. Such specifics can change the story completely.

Never forget about the box! A nice looking package is also able to sell your game and grab the attention of potential players. It is an integral part of making your blank board game glorious on a competitive marketplace.

Completing the Game Board And Its Elements

After testing out your blank board game protype and getting some feedback, it then becomes time to complete the game board and its components. The enhancement of the Game does not come when saying improvement, it comes when everything looks good and works. Take care of the design elements that add onto the gameplay.

Think about color combinations, images and text styles that fit with the concept of the game. The aesthetic value may help getting players’ attention but more importantly serves as an important way of directing players’ focus.

 Also, think about the strength of your materials such as parts of the game pieces such dice and the board. Having good components translates to players having a good time after many sessions of fun!

The Final Step In The Board Game Development Process: Testing It

Now that your blank board game prototype is ready, it is time to test it out. A pretty good balance is to gather family so they don’t have to pick sides and discuss what they think about the game. Watch how they interact and look at their face for any signs of confusion or enjoyment during the interaction.

Request honest reviews on rules, mechanics, and overall enjoyment. You want to refine your design by asking such questions as: What did you find the hardest and the easiest?

Take all the constructive feedback and corrections in the right spirit. After all, it is constructive criticism that can foster great changes for better involvements of the players. As we’ll see, the aim is to offer a rewarding experience to all the participants so don’t ever shrink from the process but see it as an opportunity to expand.

Present Your Blank Board Game to Other People

Once your blank board game is up to your satisfaction, it’s time to show the world! Call up friends and family for a game night, or prepare for another big game night and invite your family and friends over. Another option is to get in touch with someone holding a gaming convention as you’ll be able to showcase your blank board game.

Another option for advertising your game would be social networking sites. Everyone loves to know the rules so start posting pictures, share videos and talk about the rules that you’ve created. If you’re more interested in marketing through the web, board game websites can be of use.

Bear in mind that sharing isn’t about achieving status; it’s about creating new experiences with other people through that interaction. Your blank board game may create such feelings and bonds — then take this chance!