I'm interested in hearing anyones thoughts on using video cassette boxes to contain a self published and distributed game. (I guess this may be more suitable in the marketing section but I'm still at early stage of design).
We were considering using envelopes but aim to get the game into smaller localised retail outlets and realise display problems and shop damage come into play with envelope based games in retail situations
any help appreciated
Timothy
sure, why not? if the components can fit in the box and they are available on the cheap then why not?
aside from that it is a shape and size people are familiar with and probably have shelving and such to accomodate it already... not to mention you wouldn't have much problem finding printing and construction for it...
uh....
other than that, not much to say i guess...
I'm interested in hearing anyones thoughts on using video cassette boxes to contain a self published and distributed game. (I guess this may be more suitable in the marketing section but I'm still at early stage of design).
It's been done, so I don't think there's be a problem. I know Steve Jackson did it for a few games several years ago... my version of Awful Green Things from Outer Space comes in a VHS box. It has a cardstock slipcover that fits over the box very nicely, which eliminated the need for labels.
The only problem is that the map has to be folded into small sections, and the creases often cause the counters to bounce up and down. If I was a serious wargamer, I'd have some plexiglas on hand to prevent this from happening... but I'm not a serious wargamer.
Hope this helps.
The "board" as such will be a set of postcard sized pieces, that get played on in sequence, so the fit is good.
Perfect!
I guess I'm going to have to write fairly clearly, "This is not a Video Tape", on the cover art.
Naahh. It will be much lighter than a regular videotape box; it will feel different. People will figure it out. You can go in the other direction, and design the cover to look like a movie poster. If you throw in enough clear hints that this is a game and not a movie (how many movies are listed for 2-4 players, for example?), it shouldn't be a problem.
You mention a slip cover. Is this a complete 4 sided sleeve that fitted over the entire box?
Exactly!
I was just thinking of inserts into the thin wrap around sleeve, like most videos and then perhaps shrinkwrap.
Hey, that'd work too... and would probably be cheaper, though probably not as visually striking. Still, it would probably come out okay.
Quote:I was just thinking of inserts into the thin wrap around sleeve, like most videos and then perhaps shrinkwrap.
Hey, that'd work too... and would probably be cheaper, though probably not as visually striking. Still, it would probably come out okay.
Wow! What a great idea for adding perceived value to a micro type game.
The typical dimensions are 8" x 4 3/4" x 1 1/8" . Not huge, but I still think better than a plastic baggy or a CD Jewel Case. I think the added depth gives you a whole lot more room to work with as far as components go. If you 'quad folded' the board, you could probably manage a board as large as 15.5" X 9" (assuming quarter sections of 7.75" X 4.5"). Although not ideal, it may be adequate for some microgames. However, I believe this format would be IDEAL for a card game! You could easily fit 2 full sized decks and have room for some components in between them! It may alsobe good for tile laying games as well. I was doing some google searching, and there are double cases (cases that hold two VHS tapes) which would double your depth to 2 1/4". This would probably be adequate to hold a good number of stiff tiles or hexes. I think the inserts are just the icing on the cake! When you can buy these cases for less than $.50 each (in quantities as low as 100), it seems like a very economical way to produce boxes for your self produced microgame!
-Michael
I think Darke’s right about this adding perceived value. In fact, it reminds me of the old 3M Bookshelf Games series. This is an excellent idea Timothy! You may have unintentionally started a second (albeit unofficial) microgame design contest. At least you’ve got my head swimming with ideas already.
Leland
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The "board" as such will be a set of postcard sized pieces, that get played on in sequence, so the fit is good.
I guess I'm going to have to write fairly clearly, "This is not a Video Tape", on the cover art.
You mention a slip cover. Is this a complete 4 sided sleeve that fitted over the entire box?
I was just thinking of inserts into the thin wrap around sleeve, like most videos and then perhaps shrinkwrap.
Timothy