A QUICK GUIDE TO BOARD GAME PROTOTYPE CREATIONS

The creation of a board game requires a lot of different elements, pieces, and parts. Before you go into a full-scale production, prototype creation is essential for figuring out the pieces for the game. Through prototype creation, you can create a fully playable version of your board game. Once you get the initial game, make changes or tweaks as necessary.

Follow this guide to get tips and guidance on the board game creation and what to seek out when you collaborate with a plastics company for your parts.

Injection Molding Pieces

The player pieces are some of the most important parts of a board game. As you seek out unique designs with traditional shapes or custom characters, you will likely order the parts through a process known as injection molding. In the prototype stage, you have many options to consider for the initial molds.

Ideally, you want to set up a mold with different part options. The pieces in a board game should balance when standing and fit properly within the spaces on the board. If you have a piece that is too large, then players may not know where to go or what actions to follow. If a piece is too small, then players could have trouble gripping the piece.

A prototype injection mold gives you the first glance at pieces before the full production begins. Along with player pawns and characters, you may need injection molding for props or other elements of a game. If you have a lot of small pieces, consider a small plastic case to place pieces inside.

Injection molding is an ideal process for creating custom dice as well. If your game includes a standard six-sided dice, then you wouldn't likely need injection molding, but custom dice can help your game stand out.

Color Options

Color choices make up some of the biggest decisions you have to make with a prototype board game. The colors can indicate themes, design options, and visuals. A plastics company has an unlimited range of colors to choose from. As you plan out piece designs, start off with some of your initial color ideas and then branch off from there.

For example, if the game features a map with different elements, then you may want to select from various shades of green, brown, or blue to capture the exact color. If you have pieces of people or creatures, the plastic colors you choose could change a character's look from realistic to cartoonish.

Seeing the actual physical color options will help you make the best decisions for your board game prototype.

Die-Cut Plastic Pieces

If your board game design includes smaller plastic pieces, then you may want to order die-cut plastic prototype parts. Die-cut parts use machines with exact measurements and precision to ensure the pieces are cut accurately. In a board game, die-cut parts are ideal for cardholders, stands, and more durable cards within a game.

Flat pieces could remain flat, or you could design pieces that connect together to create a 3D element of the game. Just like other pieces, test out sizes and ensure your designs are easy to put together once you go into mass production. The die-cut plastic pieces will help you figure out little details like custom spinners.

Through a plastics company, you can order all the pieces at once and test out different prototypes. Actually setting up the plastic pieces and trying out the game is the best way to determine what works and what changes are necessary. Once you decide on specific parts, a plastics company can reuse the same molds or designs so you don't need to start from scratch.

Contact us at Seiler Plastics to get started with your prototype project. No order is too big or too small, and our professionals will work with you to deliver the plastic products you seek.