How to Start a Board Game Company Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Starting a Board Game Company: The Ultimate Guide
Have you ever had a brilliant idea for a board game? Bringing a new board game to market can be an exciting and rewarding journey. However, it also requires a lot of work and strategic planning. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key steps for starting your own successful board game company.
Developing Your Idea
The first step is to develop your game idea. Consider what makes your game unique and engaging. Does it have an interesting theme, clever mechanics, or some other hook that will capture players’ attention? Make sure your idea is feasible to produce and has potential for mass market appeal.
Once you have a solid concept, create a simple prototype. This could just be a mockup on paper or index cards. Playtest your prototype with friends and family to get feedback. Take notes on what works well and what needs tweaking. Refine your design through multiple iterations until you have a fun, balanced game.
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Forming a Business
When your game design is complete, it’s time to make things official by forming a business entity. Some common options include Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC, or Corporation. Consult with legal and tax professionals to determine the best business structure for your situation.
You’ll need to choose a unique business name and register your company with the state. Obtain any required licenses and permits. Open a business bank account. Have your corporate documents and agreements in order before moving forward.
Funding and Production
Now the real work begins — you need to fund production and manufacture your board game. This requires significant upfront capital, so explore all financing options:
- Self-fund through personal savings or loans
- Crowdfund through Kickstarter or Indiegogo
- Seek investments from friends, family, or angel investors
- Apply for small business grants and loans
Once funded, hire a quality game manufacturer to produce your board game. Get quotes, compare options, and negotiate the best deal for an initial production run. Oversee the production process and approve prototypes before the full print run.
Marketing and Distribution
With your new board game manufactured, it’s go time! Develop a marketing plan to generate buzz and get your game in front of customers. Some strategies include:
- Run social media campaigns and online ads
- Build relationships with influencers to organize reviews and playthroughs
- Exhibit at major gaming conventions
- Pitch your game to distributors to get it on store shelves
Make sure your branding and packaging stand out. Continue marketing efforts even after launch to keep building an audience.
Adapt and Grow
Congrats, your new board game is now available! But the work doesn’t stop here. Closely monitor sales and feedback. Run focus groups. Interact with your customers to learn what resonates. Be prepared to tweak your game or business strategy as needed.
Work on releasing expansions and sequels once your first game finds success. Continue innovating and expanding your catalog of amazing games. Stay passionate, adapt to the market, and you can build a thriving board game company.
Starting a successful board game company takes creativity, grit, business savvy and some luck. Follow this guide and keep pushing forward through challenges. With smart planning and execution, your custom board game idea could become a hugely popular hit. The sky’s the limit — it’s game on!
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Board Game Company Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to start a board game company?
A: The costs can vary widely, but plan on needing at least $10,000 to $30,000 to cover initial game development, legal fees, production costs, marketing, and other expenses in those early stages. The more complex your game components and features, the higher the startup costs.
Q: What experience do I need to start a board game company?
A: No specific background is required, but having business, marketing, graphic design, and legal knowledge will be very helpful. Most importantly, be passionate about gaming and willing to learn on the job. Surround yourself with smart, trustworthy people who can complement your skills.
Q: How do I protect my board game idea?
A: You can apply for a provisional patent to protect your intellectual property while you perfect the idea. Once the game is complete, file for an official utility patent. Also use non-disclosure agreements with designers, testers, manufacturers, etc.
Q: What makes a board game successful?
A: Great games have easy-to-learn but hard-to-master rules, intriguing themes, high replayability, appealing components, and balanced gameplay. Playtesting early and often to refine the design is key. Also make sure you have a viable market and plan to reach customers.
Q: Should I crowdfund or self-fund my board game?
A: Crowdfunding works well for generating buzz and gauging interest. But running a successful campaign takes a lot of time, resources, and existing fanbase. Self-funding gives you more control but requires you to put up your own capital. Weigh the pros and cons of each.
Q: How do I find a manufacturer to produce my game?
A: Research and get quotes from several options. Look for manufacturers with experience in board games specifically. Make sure they can deliver on quality, timeline, and budget. Check reviews and samples of their past work.
