How Much Does It Really Cost to Make a Board Game?
If you’re dreaming of creating your own board game, one of the first (and most important) questions you’ll face is: How much does it cost to make? Well, the answer isn’t simple—it depends on a ton of factors, like the type of components you’re using, how customized they are, and even how many copies you’re making. But don’t worry; by the end of this guide, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to expect when planning your budget.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of board game manufacturing costs so you can bring your game to life without any surprises!
1. General Cost Guidelines: What Can You Expect?
First, let’s talk about ballpark numbers. The cost per game varies depending on complexity and how many copies you’re producing. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Simple One-Deck Card Games: Think small, straightforward games. Costs range from $0.50 to $1.90 per unit.
- Two-Deck Card Games: Slightly bigger games like Sabobatage or Chicken Challengers. These will cost $1.40 to $5 per unit.
- Multi-Deck Card Games: Larger card games like That Sound Game might cost $2.70 to $7.50 per unit.
- Light Board Games: Games with some cards, tokens, and maybe a simple board. Costs range from $4 to $11 per unit.
- Medium-Weight Board Games: These are your more complex games with 7–12 components, like Sauria. Expect to pay $7 to $20 per unit.
- Massive Board Games: If you’re making a huge, miniatures-heavy game like Gloomhaven, the cost could shoot up to $14 to $35 per unit.
One key thing to remember: order size matters. If you’re ordering 10,000 copies, you’ll pay much less per unit than if you’re only making 500. Setup costs (like calibrating machines and creating molds) stay the same regardless of the order size, so the cost gets spread out across larger orders.
2. Breaking Down the Costs: Where Does Your Money Go?
Let’s get into the details of what drives the cost of making a board game. This part is super important because it shows how each component and process contributes to the overall price.
2.1 Raw Materials: The Foundation of Your Game
What Are the Raw Materials in Board Game Manufacturing?
Raw materials include all the base substances used to create the physical components of a game, such as:
- Game boards
- Cards
- Packaging boxes
- Instruction manuals
- Token sheets or punchboards
For printed components, paper and cardboard are the most commonly used materials. Their weight, thickness, and finish determine the durability, quality, and tactile appeal of your game.
How Are Paper and Cardboard Priced?
Paper and cardboard are typically sold in large sheets, measured in square meters (sqm). Common sizes used in board game production are:
- 780 x 1080 mm sheets
- 882 x 1182 mm sheets
The cost is further determined by the material’s weight, expressed in GSM (grams per square meter). Higher GSM materials are thicker, heavier, and more durable but come with higher costs.
Understanding GSM in Board Game Production
GSM indicates how much one square meter of the material weighs. Here’s how GSM affects different components:
- Cards:
- Lightweight cards: 280 GSM (economical, but less durable)
- Standard cards: 350 GSM (common for premium card games)
- High-durability cards: 400 GSM (thicker for a luxury feel)
- Game Boards:
- Standard game boards: 800 GSM cardboard
- High-quality boards: 1,200 to 2,000 GSM cardboard (sturdier, premium look)
- Boxes:
- Thin boxes: 800 GSM (budget options)
- Thick boxes: Up to 2,000 GSM for heavy-duty protection
Thicker materials not only enhance durability but also convey a sense of quality to the players. However, they significantly increase production costs.
Paper and Cardboard Pricing
The price of paper and cardboard depends on the grade (low to high) and the type of finish applied. Typical prices are as follows:
- Low-grade paper/cardboard: $600 per ton
- High-grade paper/cardboard: $1,500+ per ton
These prices apply to raw materials before processing or adding finishes like lamination or coating.
Factors That Influence Raw Material Costs
- Material Grade:
- Recycled or low-density materials are cheaper but less durable.
- Virgin high-density materials offer better strength but cost more.
- Production Waste:
- During manufacturing, not all raw materials are used efficiently. Some sheets may be discarded due to cutting errors or quality defects.
- Waste rates increase with complex designs, which require intricate cuts or alignments.
- Finish Requirements:
- Special finishes like UV coating or linen texture add an extra layer of cost to the raw materials.
How Raw Materials Are Calculated in Quotes
When preparing a manufacturing quote, factories consider:
- The total amount of material needed for the final product.
- The waste factor, which accounts for material discarded during production.
- The complexity of the game components, which affects the amount of raw material required.
For example:
- A lightweight card game may require 300gsm paper with minimal waste.
- A heavyweight board game with custom punchboards and thick game boards will require significantly more material and higher-quality stock, increasing costs.
Typical Costs of Raw Materials
For most board games, raw material costs for paper and cardboard fall into the following ranges:
- Low-grade materials: $600 per ton
- High-grade materials: $1,500+ per ton
These prices only cover the base materials and do not include printing, cutting, or additional treatments.
The Role of Raw Materials in Game Quality
The choice of raw materials impacts:
- Durability:
- Thicker materials (higher GSM) create components that last longer and resist wear.
- Player Experience:
- Smooth, premium finishes enhance the tactile and visual appeal.
- Brand Perception:
- High-quality materials create a professional product that stands out in the market.
Key Takeaways for Choosing Raw Materials
- Match Materials to Your Game’s Purpose:
- For a budget-friendly game, opt for lower GSM with minimal finishing.
- For a premium game, invest in thicker materials and finishes.
- Factor in Waste:
- Discuss with your manufacturer how to optimize material usage and minimize waste.
- Plan for Complexity:
- Custom components may require more raw materials and lead to higher waste rates.
Raw materials are the foundation of any board game. By carefully selecting the right paper and cardboard for your game’s components, you can balance cost, durability, and quality. This step is essential for creating a product that meets your vision while staying within your budget.
2.2 Printing: Turning Art Into Reality
Once your raw materials are ready, it’s time to print your designs. Printing is not as simple as it may seem. It involves setup costs like:
- Creating printing plates.
- Calibrating the machines.
- Paying for the operator’s time.
Here’s the kicker: The printing cost per unit for 500 games is almost the same as it is for 10,000 games. Why? Because the setup takes just as long regardless of how many games you’re making. That’s why smaller print runs are more expensive per unit.
Typical printing costs:
- $200–$1,000 per side, depending on the size of the printing machine:
- Small machine (280*440mm): ~$250.
- Medium machine (540*780mm): ~$400.
- Large machine (882*1182mm): ~$800.
2.3 Coating and Finishing: Making Your Game Shine
Finishes can add a touch of class to your game. Think glossy laminations, oil varnishes, or even textured linen finishes. These details might seem minor, but they can really enhance the feel of your game.
- Lamination or varnish: Costs about $0.05 to $0.35 per sheet.
- Linen texture: Adds around $0.06 per sheet for setup, plus $0.10 to $0.35 per sheet to apply.
The more polished your game, the higher the cost—but also the more professional it looks!
2.4 Gluing and Cutting: Bringing Pieces to Life
Every piece in your game needs to be cut to size, whether it’s a card, token, or board. Here’s how the costs break down:
- Gluing: $0.10 to $0.30 per sheet.
- Cutting cards: Around $0.15 per deck.
- Cutting cardboard pieces: Involves a fixed die-cut fee (~$100) plus $0.15–$0.70 per sheet.
If your game has custom-shaped pieces, you might need multiple die-cut molds, which adds to the cost. Precision matters here—poor cutting can ruin your game’s final look.
2.5 Assembly and Packaging: The Final Step
Finally, all the pieces of your game need to be put together. This step includes:
- Collating the components.
- Shrink-wrapping or sealing.
- Packaging the game in its box.
Unlike other stages, assembly is mostly done by hand, making it labor-intensive and relatively expensive:
- Assembly cost: $0.25 to $0.55 per game.
- Shipping cartons: High-grade boxes (5-layer thickness) are essential to protect your games during shipping.
Packaging is an area where you don’t want to skimp. If your shipping cartons are too thin, your games could be damaged during transit—and no one wants that!
3. Things to Keep in Mind
When planning your board game production, consider these key points:
- Complexity Drives Cost: More components and custom features mean higher costs.
- Order Size Matters: Larger orders save money in the long run by spreading fixed costs over more units.
- Quality is Key: Investing in high-quality materials and careful assembly ensures your game will stand out and last longer.
Also, work closely with your manufacturer. They’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and streamline the process.
4. Conclusion: What’s the Bottom Line?
Manufacturing a board game is no small task. Costs can range from less than $1 per unit for simple games to over $35 for complex, miniature-heavy projects. While it’s impossible to pin down an exact price without knowing the specifics of your game, understanding the factors that affect costs will help you make informed decisions.
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to a manufacturer for a custom quote. They’ll guide you through the process and help you turn your idea into reality.
Of course, if you’re interested in manufacturing a board game and want a more precise quote or pricing information, feel free to contact us.
Remember: Every great board game started as just an idea. With careful planning and the right partners, yours could be next on someone’s game night table!
