Selling Your Board Game Idea: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you have an amazing idea for a board game and you're feeling confident about it. But how do you take it from an idea to a commercially viable product? There are a few tried and true methods, but they each come with their own set of challenges and requirements. Let's dive into the process.

Existing Systems

Contrary to popular belief, selling board game ideas directly to companies is rarely, if ever, a viable option. Companies receive countless pitches, each with their own ideas, but the reality is, these ideas have no commercial value on their own.

Here's the reality: every company has more ideas than they know what to do with. The only way to make your board game idea commercially viable is to develop it yourself, transforming your concept into a prototype that can then be marketed and sold.

Developing Your Board Game

First things first, you need a prototype. The prototype does not have to be a high-quality finished product. In fact, it can often be something as simple as:

Kill Doctor Lucky – Cheap Ass Games even sold their games in this form. It's not the most polished, but it gets the job done and shows the concept to potential buyers. A basic prototype – This version serves as a rough draft of your game, allowing you to test and refine the mechanics, components, and rules.

Once you have a working prototype, you can further refine it into a more polished version. This is the stage where you can add more detailed artwork, better rulesets, and more polished components.

Approaches to Selling Your Game

Approach 1: Approach Board and Card Game Companies

If you still want to pitch your idea to companies, it is possible, but you need to make sure your prototype is well-developed. Here’s how you can go about it:

Prototype Quality: Your board game should have a prototype that you can test and refine. This prototype can be as simple as the initial concept, but it should be functional and understandable. Commercial Submission: Consider submitting your prototype to board game companies. However, be prepared for rejection as most companies receive far more ideas than they can take on.

Approach 2: Marketing Organically

Making your board game idea more accessible can be done by:

Creating Online Presence – Build a website, create a digital version of your game, and share it on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. Collaborating with Influencers – Partner with gaming influencers to showcase your game and start building a following. Social Media Marketing – Utilize social media platforms to create buzz and engage with potential customers.

Approach 3: Direct Sales

An alternative to both of the above methods is to develop and sell your board game directly. This involves:

Online Sales – Use e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Kickstarter, or eBay to market and sell your game. Physical Sales – Distribute your game in brick-and-mortar stores like game shops or hobby stores.

Resources for Board Game Development

To get a better understanding of the process and network with other game developers, consider the following resources:

Brandon the Game Dev – This site provides a wealth of information and resources for game development, including tutorials, tips, and more. Pangea Games Discord – Join the “Game Dev Chat” for a community of like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and support.

Remember, developing a board game is a complex process that requires a significant amount of time, effort, and passion. If you're not willing to put in the work, it's best to find an alternative hobby or pursue something that aligns better with your interests.

Conclusion

Selling a board game idea is not an easy task, but with the right approach, resources, and dedication, you can turn your idea into a reality. Whether you choose to go through companies, market organically, or develop and sell it directly, the key is to start with a solid prototype and a clear plan.