Hello! I came up with a beekeeping board game! We've (my family) played it and it is great! I just can't figure out what to do next. I would love to see this through to manufacturing.
Hello
Wed, 01/04/2017 - 20:52
Wed, 01/04/2017 - 21:45
#1
Simple steps first
As it is a family game that you have played and I am sure it has seen small or large changes through the design and playtest process.
Step One: Get a good clear version of the current state of the rules together in a PDF that is easy to share.
Then if the "prototypes" can be made easily try a "print-n-play" version with people that you know. Or if it is harder to make "lone" it to trusted friends (with families like yours, kids the same ages and such) or invite a family over for a "shared" family game night.
Take the feedback and suggestions of this first "playtest group" an tuck them away in your mind or notebook but DON'T change the game yet.
Depending on the number of coppies you can make yourself at home or can make available through "print-n-play". Here on this forum and also maybe on board game geek, ask people to contact you (email or Private message) to enter a "playtest".
Rather than just putting the game up for everyone to "play" on board game geek (print-n-play)... and then not ever get feedback. try and make it clear "nicely" that in exchange for being able to "playtest" the game feedback is "requested"...
I am not saying "never" to post a print-n-play version to the public. I am saying not in this state! You would not take a newborn to the mall! your game is that right now so, just think each step through.
For sure it sounds like you are at the stage where feedback is important from a wider audience.
How to deal with the feedback is another issue altogether... but I will say this.
Take all suggestions and write them down! Only think about the ones that make sense to you (and your family) and "fit" the type of game you already have in place. Keep a version of your game "complete" with rules and everything in a draw as (version Alpha)... only then start changing things one at a time, and continue playtesting versions as you go. This way you will never loose what the game was because you forgot the way the rules were back then.
Welcome to the forum, I look forward to hearing more about the project.
-Eamon
Wed, 01/04/2017 - 21:53
#2
Have some questions first...
Q1: Do you have the capabilities to produce several working prototypes or is it just one (1) homemade prototype?
Q2: Do you have any artwork or is it using placeholder artwork?
Q3: Do you have a rulebook for the game (How-To Play)?
If Q1 is just a homemade prototype, consider using a service as "The Game Crafter" (http://www.thegamecrafter.com) to produce a more professional looking prototype (perhaps even have several copies made).
If Q2 is that you don't have any artwork - if you are thinking about manufacturing, well you will need to have professional artwork for the game. But for a "nicer" prototype, TGC is still the best bet.
If Q3 is a NO, you need to write rules for your game. Why? Because soon you will need to start doing BLIND playtesting. What this means is that you give (or send) a prototype with the rules and let them see if they can figure out how to play. At the same time they can also give you feedback about your game (positives and negatives - All games get negative feedback and it's normal: not everyone will like your genre of game for example...)
This is a start... but should get you deeper into the process of making a better game.
Cheers.
Wed, 01/04/2017 - 22:47
#3
Start
Thu, 01/05/2017 - 00:39
#5
My opinion...
Is that you need to take your "homemade" version and see if you can get a more "generic" version without clay. That's much too fragile. Something you can lend another family to play (and not worry they may damage your only prototype...) Here's a part that could replace your push-pins:
https://www.thegamecrafter.com/parts/joystick-yellow
I think you're at the stage where there needs to be more "supervised" play to make sure the game doesn't have any serious "defects" and then once you have conducted those playtests, move on to Blind Playtesting.
Gather feedback and see what gamers are saying about the game.
Make changes as necessary... Rinse-repeat (if possible). Listen to gamer input - but remember it's your game, you are the designer. Make changes you feel are necessary... Don't entertain too weird or complex changes.
Once you get past that stage... You will have 2 choices:
A> Either you try to find a publisher for the game.
B> You Publish it yourself via a Kickstater.
For A> you will need to create a Sell Sheet and contact publishers interested in your type of game. For B> well that's a lot of work too... You'll have double the amount of work in trying to make the Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com).
So get past Stage #1 the Playtesting and refining. That's your next step.
Cheers.
Thanks for all the input! This is where I am with the game so far.
I do have my homemade prototype. The board and cards are great. I have done all my own graphic design work.
I have the rules all written out, adjusted, and the notes for more ways to change them.
My bees are yellow map pins with the sharp tips cut off, and the hive boxes are made of clay. I have been searching for more suitable specific pieces.
If I am understanding correctly, my next step is that I need more prototypes to have others play the game.