Im trying to make a boardgame and i want it to look real. But i just don't know where to start? Like how can i make the format on the computer and print it to put on a plain board that i have?
Please help?
[Title edited to be more useful - admin]
Help!! [How do I make a prototype that looks like a game]
Thu, 01/05/2006 - 14:30
Fri, 01/06/2006 - 09:34
#1
Help!! [How do I make a prototype that looks like a game]
When your rules are all finished for a first test-run, you've got to ask yourself how much and what sort of cards etc. etc. do I need? Let's say you have planned 18 goal cards which trigger one out of nine different events when completed. What I do then is start with tables in which I say: card no. 1 is: a goal card, it has effect 9 etc. If you write this down for every card, tile or other component you need, it's easier to see the big picture and not to forget anything.
Next, when you designing, draw the thing you'll need most first. So, when you're making a card game, first create the parts that will be used on all the cards (for example: a box in which you write the name of the card). If that is done, all you have to do is open up a layer program (like flash or photoshop or illustrator) and create your cards one at a time and keep track of which you have already finished by marking their places in the tables with an X.
In card games it's usually more wise to do the drawings on the computer, because then you can copy the parts you'll need in multiple cards (like the back of the card, which could be for over fifty cards the same) if you have to draw that time and time again, it'll obviously take much longer.
If you have a game consisting out of few cards a board and wooden or plastic components, you can also draw by hand. It doesn't really matter in time and sometimes by hand is more beautiful.
When you're completely finished, by a box for the game (I'm not kidding) and put everything (even the smallest writing on a Post-it note) that has reference to the game in that box. This is useful because after some time, you might get bored with your own game and you put it away for a while. If you ever want to start again, it's all there (because you might not know everything you once didn't have to write down).
Good luck
Fri, 01/06/2006 - 09:36
#2
Help!! [How do I make a prototype that looks like a game]
By the way, for cards, you can easily print on 180 - 200 gramms paper with most Ink-jet printers. For the board, I personaly would use 'sticker paper', which are actually A4 white stickers. If you print your board on those, you can glue the sticker to some cardboard. If you don't want to buy cardboard, the cardboard in the back of most sketch books and note books should be all right. (It doesn't have to be all that expensive).
Good luck again
