When designing and producing a tabletop game, choosing the right blank board game boxes is crucial. The board game box is not just a container for your game components; it’s an essential part of the overall game experience. A well-selected game box can enhance the game’s professional appearance, protect its contents, and improve the player experience. Below are the detailed considerations you should take into account when selecting the perfect blank board game box for your tabletop game design.
1. Consider the Size and Shape
1.1 Component Size and Quantity
The first step is to evaluate the size and quantity of your game components. Your game box should comfortably fit all the game pieces, including the game board, cards, tokens, dice, and rulebooks. Crowding the components into a too-small board game box can damage the pieces and frustrate players, while an oversized game board box can make the game cumbersome to store and transport.
1.2 Standard vs. Custom Sizes
Decide whether a standard board game box size will suffice or if you need custom board game boxes. Standard sizes are usually more cost-effective and quicker to produce, but a custom size may better suit your game’s unique needs, providing a snug fit that enhances the presentation and organization of the components.
1.3 Shape Considerations
The shape of the game box is also important. While most games use rectangular or square game boxes, exploring different shapes can make your game stand out. However, unconventional shapes might increase production costs and complicate storage and shipping.
2. Material Quality
2.1 Durability
The material of the board game box needs to be durable enough to withstand frequent handling. Common materials include thick cardboard, chipboard, or corrugated board. The thickness of the material will affect the board game box’s sturdiness and its ability to protect the components inside. Thicker materials are generally more durable but can also be more expensive.
2.2 Finish Options
The finish of the blank board game box is another critical aspect. Matte finishes are less reflective and offer a more subtle, sophisticated look. They also resist fingerprints better than glossy finishes. On the other hand, glossy finishes enhance the vibrancy of colors and can make your custom game box more eye-catching. Consider what kind of visual impact you want your board game boxes to have when choosing the finish.
2.3 Environmental Impact
With growing awareness of environmental issues, many designers are opting for eco-friendly materials. Recyclable or biodegradable materials can reduce your game’s environmental footprint. Additionally, using recycled materials can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and align with sustainable branding for your custom board game boxes.
3. Box Style and Design
3.1 Lift-Off Lid vs. Hinged Box
The style of the game box can significantly influence the user experience. A lift-off lid is a classic choice, offering ease of access and a straightforward unboxing experience. However, a hinged game board box design can add a touch of elegance and sophistication, making the game feel more premium. Consider the user experience you want to create when selecting the game boxes style.
3.2 Magnetic Closures
For a truly high-end feel, consider incorporating magnetic closures. These provide a satisfying snap when closing the board game box, which can enhance the unboxing experience and add to the game’s perceived value. However, magnetic closures are typically more expensive, so they may not be suitable for all custom board game boxes.
3.3 Custom Inserts
Custom inserts are another important consideration. They help organize and protect the components inside the board game box, ensuring that everything stays in place during storage and transport. Inserts can be made from foam, plastic, or cardboard and can be tailored to fit your specific game board box pieces. Well-designed inserts not only protect the components but also enhance the unboxing experience by presenting the pieces in an orderly and appealing way.
4. Customization and Printability
4.1 Printable Surface
Ensure the board game box material is suitable for printing. Some materials accept print better than others, allowing for vibrant designs and clear text. The print quality on the custom game boxes is critical, as it represents the first impression players will have of your game. High-quality printing can make your custom board game boxes stand out on store shelves or in online marketplaces.
4.2 Design Aesthetics
The design on the board game box should reflect the theme and tone of your game. Consider working with a professional graphic designer to create a game board box design that captures the essence of your game and appeals to your target audience. Whether you’re going for a minimalist look or a richly detailed design, the custom board game boxes art should be compelling and aligned with the game’s branding.
4.3 Foil Stamping and Embossing
If your budget allows, consider additional customization options like foil stamping or embossing. These techniques can add a luxurious feel to your custom game boxes, making them stand out even more. Foil stamping can highlight certain elements of the board game boxes design with metallic colors, while embossing adds texture, creating a more tactile and engaging experience.
5. Budget Considerations
5.1 Cost per Unit
Budget is a significant factor when choosing your custom board game boxes. Higher-quality materials, custom sizes, and special finishes will increase the cost per unit. It’s important to balance the quality of the blank board game boxes with your overall production budget. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a higher-quality board game box can improve the game’s perceived value and potentially lead to higher sales.
5.2 Bulk Ordering
Ordering board game boxes in bulk can significantly reduce the cost per unit. However, you need to consider storage and shipping logistics. Large quantities of blank board game boxes require space and proper conditions to prevent damage during storage. Also, consider the potential need for warehousing, which might add to your overall costs.
5.3 Hidden Costs
Be aware of hidden costs such as setup fees for custom printing or cutting dies for non-standard game board box shapes. These can add up quickly, so it’s important to get detailed quotes from suppliers and factor these costs into your budget.
6. Prototyping and Testing
6.1 Sample Orders
Before committing to a large order of blank board game boxes, request samples from your supplier. This allows you to physically inspect the quality of the board game box, check the fit of the components, and assess the print quality. A sample can help you identify any potential issues with the custom game boxes design or material before mass production.
6.2 User Testing
Conduct user testing with a small focus group or during your game’s playtesting sessions. Observe how testers interact with the board game box—how easily they open and close it, how they organize the components, and their overall impression of the custom game boxes. Collecting feedback at this stage can provide valuable insights and allow you to make necessary adjustments before finalizing your design.
6.3 Stress Testing
It’s also advisable to perform stress tests on your blank board game boxes samples. Test how well the game box holds up under pressure, how it handles being dropped, and whether the components stay secure during transit. This testing will help ensure that your custom board game boxes are durable and can protect the game components under various conditions.
7. Supplier Reliability
7.1 Research Suppliers
Choosing the right supplier is just as important as choosing the right blank board game box design. Look for suppliers with good reputations, positive reviews, and a proven track record of delivering high-quality board game boxes on time. Reliable suppliers can also offer valuable advice on materials and design, helping you to create the best possible product.
7.2 Lead Times
Ensure that your supplier can meet your production timeline. If you’re planning a Kickstarter campaign or need the custom game boxes for a specific launch date, it’s crucial to have a reliable production schedule. Delays in game board box production can lead to delays in your entire project, which could affect your sales and reputation.
7.3 Communication and Support
Good communication with your supplier is key. Choose a supplier who is responsive and willing to work with you to address any concerns or changes during the production process. Reliable customer support can make the difference between a smooth production run and one fraught with issues related to your custom board game boxes.
8. Future-Proofing
8.1 Expansion Compatibility
Consider whether you plan to release expansions or additional content for your game. If so, it might be wise to choose a blank board game box that can accommodate future expansions or has space for additional inserts. This not only saves costs in the long run but also ensures a consistent look and feel for your game series.
8.2 Longevity and Reusability
Think about the longevity of your custom board game boxes. A durable, well-designed board game box can become a cherished part of the game experience, often reused by players even after the game’s components wear out. Designing for longevity can add value to your game and encourage long-term brand loyalty.
8.3 Storage Solutions
Finally, consider how players will store the board game box. A box that fits neatly on a standard bookshelf or is stackable with other game board boxes will be more user-friendly. Providing a storage solution within the custom game boxes design can enhance the overall appeal of your game.
Contact Kylingm for Help With Your Game
Kylingm helped 3000+ companies and individuals to make their custom board games come to life.Whether you’re selling and promoting a new board game on Kickstarter or Indiegogo, or selling board game products on Amazon or in an online store.We offers an innovative online service platform dedicated to providing a one-stop online board game customization service.If you need personalized assistance, consider reaching out to experts who can guide you through the process, from design to production and marketing Contact us Now !
