How to Invent Your Own Board Game

Learn to create a custom family board game from concept to playable prototype with simple materials and creative ideas.

1. Start with a simple idea. Begin by choosing a theme everyone finds exciting. This could be anything from exploring space to running a pizza restaurant to going on a treasure hunt. Ask your family what interests them most right now. Keep your first game simple - focus on one main action like moving around a board, collecting items, or reaching a destination. Write down your theme and main goal in one sentence, like 'Players race to collect all the ingredients needed to bake a cake' or 'Players work together to build a fort before winter arrives.'
2. Design your game board. Use a large piece of cardboard, poster board, or even tape several sheets of paper together. Draw a path for players to follow - this could be a winding trail, a circle, a grid of squares, or even separate locations connected by lines. Make spaces big enough for game pieces to fit comfortably. Add special spaces that create excitement, like 'Draw a card,' 'Move ahead 2 spaces,' or 'Take a shortcut.' Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to make it colorful and appealing. Don't worry about making it perfect - you can always create a new version later.
3. Create game pieces and cards. For game pieces, use small toys, coins, buttons, or cut out simple shapes from cardboard. Make sure each player has a different piece so they don't get confused. If your game needs cards, cut rectangles from cardstock or use index cards. Write clearly and keep instructions simple. For example, cards might say 'Move forward 3 spaces,' 'Switch places with another player,' or 'Collect 2 coins.' Consider making different types of cards with different colors or borders to help players recognize them quickly.
4. Establish clear rules. Write down the basic rules in simple language. Start with how many players can play, what each player needs to do to win, and how to take a turn. Keep rules to one page if possible - the simpler, the better for your first game. Include how the game starts, what happens on each turn, and how the game ends. Make sure to address common situations like what happens if players land on the same space or if someone runs out of cards. Test these rules as you play and be ready to adjust them.
5. Test and refine your game. Play your game with your family several times, taking notes about what works and what doesn't. Is it too easy or too hard? Does it take too long or end too quickly? Are the rules clear or do people get confused? Listen to everyone's feedback and don't take suggestions personally - this is how you make your game better. Make changes between games, even small ones like adjusting how many spaces to move or adding new cards. Keep playing until everyone enjoys it and wants to play again.
6. Add finishing touches. Once your game plays well, make it look more polished. Create a title for your game and write it clearly at the top of the board. You might want to remake pieces more durably using heavier cardboard or laminating cards. Design a simple box or container to store all the pieces together. Write a final rule sheet that's neat and easy to read. Consider adding your family name to the game title, like 'The Johnson Family Adventure Game' to make it extra special.