- You often find yourself making up rules for everyday activities.
- You are happy watching your game ideas fail, then trying again.
- You are the kind of person who constantly re-engineers how things work.
- You quickly grow tired of playing the same game repeatedly.
- You get frustrated when people don't immediately 'get' your ideas.
- You hate fixing tiny, fiddly problems that nobody else sees.
Your first moves.
Don't start from scratch. Start from here.
Start with a Simple Core Mechanic
Begin by focusing on one compelling mechanic. For example, a dice-rolling and resource-gathering system or a tile-laying and area control mechanism.
Prototype with Basic Materials
Don't invest in fancy components yet. Use index cards for cards, blank dice, cubes from other games, or even just paper and pencil for player boards.
Playtest Your Prototype
Gather friends or join a local game design group to test your game. Be prepared for honest feedback.
Iterate Based on Feedback
Based on your playtest notes, identify the weakest parts of your game. Is a rule unclear?
Master Board Game Design with online courses
Find the highest-rated beginner courses on Udemy before you invest in gear.
Cardstock
This is the sweet spot for prototypes, offering excellent durability and a professional feel for countless playtests.
Cutting Mat
The standard for a reason, this provides ample space and ensures precise cuts for all your game pieces.
Craft Knife
This comfortable knife provides excellent control for precise cuts, making long prototyping sessions easier.
Metal Ruler
This standard-sized ruler offers excellent accuracy and a non-slip edge for reliable measuring and cutting.
Colored Markers
Offers versatility for different sketching needs, providing enough range for most initial design iterations.
Dice Set
This set provides all the common dice types needed for general playtesting and prototyping.
Sheet Protectors
Standard Playing Card Sleeves — These sleeves fit most standard game cards, providing a good balance of protection and affordability for extensive playtesting.
Hole Punch
Heavy Duty Hole Punch — This durable punch handles thicker cardstock easily, ensuring clean holes for binders and components.
Related hobbies
Ranked by dimensional and personality compatibility with Board Game Design.