Category: Design Processes

Developing a board game prototype process…

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is: ‘What is the process of making a board game prototype?’ Or ‘How do I develop a working board prototype?’ Or questions to that affect. And it is a fair question about something that can be as complicated and nuanced as making a working prototype of a game!

For those who are curious, I have tried to illustrate a ‘typical’ process of how I will design, develop, and send a prototype to print for a client.

Not every project is identical, but there are some common themes and patterns to developing a board game prototype. Whether it is a low-fidelity ‘grey-box’ mock-up, or a fully rendered test print for testing and playing.

My board game prototype process, at least the design! Is not dissimilar to how my graphic design process works in many respects. Although there are some significant differences when developing what is, in essence, a full product! Graphic design is but one aspect! A stage within the whole process of making a board game prototype.

Before I divulge my process and workflow for developing a board game prototype, let’s start with the basics first.

“This step may need to be repeated multiple times, depending on what is required of the prototype and client budgets!“

What is the process of making a board game prototype?

A prototype is an early, preliminary version of a product, item, system, or concept, or in this case, a board game. It is a pre-production model – an iteration of a product. Developers and designers can create more than one version or prototype – sometimes going through multiple versions of the same concept before arriving at the final design.

I have helped design and develop board game products, STEM products, low-cost items, and products for the gifting market.

Processes can vary from person to person and from company to company, but this is how I roll!

Developing a board game prototype may consist of :

• Establishing the purpose and requirements of the game.
• Creating balanced gameplay and rules.
• Conducting initial tests with play testers.
• Factoring components.
• The visuals and the theme.
• Adding the final touches to the game prototype before getting it ready to print.

That is a general overview of developing a board game prototype, omitting the nitty-gritty details! Each project is unique and can come with its own trials and challenges. Each unique project can come with creative exploration, too!

Process Overview | Developing a Board Game Prototype Process

From early ideas to a polished, playable prototype, it always includes a workflow and process. This post is a journey and overview of how to take a game from concept to something you can see, test, and refine.

• Discussion.
• Research and inspiration.
• Early ideas and rough concepts.
• Developing the core gameplay.
• Refining and balancing the game.
• Playtesting and final adjustments.
• Prototype completion and handover.

Shorthand Answer | Designing & Developing A Board Game Prototype – Example

It is sometimes easier to show rather than to tell.

For the reader’s sake, I have tried to make this post as digestible as possible – but it still only touches the surface of what is involved! This is an example of my process for developing a board game prototype in action.

1 ) Talk | Brief – Plan

A client reaches out, provides a brief, shares details about the project and themselves, and I determine whether I can help. It is in this stage that I try to understand both the client and the project.

2 ) Finalising Paperwork | Research, Materials

Paperwork, information, and materials are supplied by both parties.

Paperwork will consist of various pieces of information. Documentation may list work to be carried out, what is to be made, and source materials and relevant information from both parties. Copyright releases, payment terms are outlined, and parties involved are written in. In short, this is all pre-making and paperwork for the project.

3 ) Developing the Core Game

From rules and mechanics to world-building! This is a core stage of establishing the game and what the game wants to be.

Depending on how a brief is presented, it is possible that a client will have established the initial game concept in principle. I can, however, either help a client further by building upon their idea or help them from scratch! It should be noted, though, that one is more expensive than the other.

In this step, it can manifest in the form of some of the following :

• Developing gameplay.
• Refining game components.
• Greyboxing.
• Playtesting… playtesting, and sometimes some more playtesting.

4 ) Board Game Aesthetics

The look, the vibe, and the general appearance of the prototype. I can, and do, help clients with developing the appearance and visual narrative around a game. This is how I started the career path.

5 ) Refine, Polish

Without screaming the importance of playtesting board game prototypes as an important part of the development process ( hint – it is ). It is after playtests that you will polish, tweak, and amend the game prototype. This can also apply to the visuals.

Playtest… Playtest.

6 ) Developing the Prototype ( getting it printed )

Either the client can send the project to print, or I can handle it for them. I can act as a middleman. A middleman with experience in developing products. Sending files to print in the Far East, the UK, and Europe.

7 ) Sign Off – The End… For Now

As a final phase of developing a board game prototype process, this is when the client and I will sign off on the project and part ways! All the best with the journey, see you on the next venture.

Short Summary | What is the Process of Making a Board Game Prototype?

From helping the client to write a brief, offering consultation, and designing a game ( which is important ), to helping a client to build a prototype and establishing the core look of a game! I try to act as a sherpa in the client’s journey to developing a board game – whether it be their first or last!

Below is more information on my process and the ins and outs of developing a board game prototype process.

1) The Brief | Setup, Planning, Defining the Goals

This is the foundation of an entire project! A crucial step in mutual understanding is outlining what needs to be developed for your board game.

I cannot, and don’t, take projects without a written brief and goal to adhere to. Whether these goals are more open or closed is another matter, but regardless, an endpoint is a must.

Money, timeline, and estimate – with the outline of a project established and a list of either rough or polished notes, I will give the client an ‘estimate’. Please take note of the word ‘estimate’. An estimate can cover anything and all, from guessing time-frames to the scope of work to budgets. But it is a complete guess. As each project is bespoke.

When embarking on a new project, I like to try to get to know and learn about the person behind the client! Their goals, the reason for the project, what they like, and what they are like.

In short, I like to learn whether the prototype is part of a bigger goal or part of a passion project, which ties into how I see and approach the project.

I have previously written a post on how to guide a client in writing a Graphic Design brief, which shares some similar attributes to developing a board game prototype and its processes.

Brief First Phase: Defining What is What for the Game Prototype

At this stage, we’ll define:

• The core idea or theme.
• Target audience (casual, family, strategy players, etc).
• Game goals and player experience.
• Constraints (time, materials, complexity).
• Client expectations.

When writing a board game brief and as part of the board game development process, the more planning and ground rules established at the start of the project, the better. This phase may also include:

• Helping to write a basic game concept ( * Co-writing, I am not a proofreader, by trade, and can’t offer copywriting as a service/ Especially in its final form! That’s for the writers! ).
• Outlining rules.
• Deciding on components (cards, board, dice, etc).

*Tip | If you are sending a brief or a project, try to include as much information as possible. Components, aim, type of game, etc. Also, any preliminary research for your project will be a great benefit also.

2 ) Paperwork, Gathering Information, and Consolidation

Not all the core stages of developing a board game prototype are purely about the ‘design and making‘. The paperwork, the research, and the information gathering are as important as action!

Perfect planning and all that.

In this stage, I will review a specification – often written by me- and establish the work to be undertaken. This is part and parcel of planning.

It is in this pre-step that I will formulate a written agreement and gather any initial research for the project. It is also here where I will discuss formalising the project, from the outline of work to be undertaken to the payment terms. I can, and have written and signed any copyright releases, NDA’s, or waivers – depending on the mutual terms.

Research – Example Developing a Board Prototype

With the foundations of the project and the paperwork in place, I will carry out any additional research where required.

This includes, but is not limited to :

• Looking at similar board games.
• Studying mechanics (deck-building, core aims and goals, is it fun! etc).
• Gathering visual and thematic inspiration.
• Identifying what works — and what doesn’t.
• Analyse competitors.
• Note gaps or opportunities for innovation.

Research can be the food and fuel for imagination when it comes to developing a board game prototype. It is all part and parcel to the process!

3) Early Ideas & Rough Prototypes ( Design & Gameplay )

This stage can vary from project to project, especially since each prototype is typically bespoke!

However, I do have a common development process for a full prototype. If I have been commissioned to develop a board game prototype in full, my approach is collaborative, explorative and experimental. From creating a ‘greybox’ mock-up to helping a client develop gameplay, this phase can be quite exciting and open to possibilities.

I can also help with world-building and creativity. From the visual theme for the game to developing artwork and spot pieces. Whether this is for a party-type game or something with a broader theme and setting. I love storytelling, both visual and written.

Developing rules, very rough mock-ups, or some or all of the aforementioned, depending on the depth of my involvement.

This phase of the process will resemble the following:-

• Sketching mechanics and systems.
• Creating rough rule ideas.
• Building very basic prototypes (paper, pen, placeholders), this is also called “greyboxing”.
• A roughing of the theme and concept drawings.

Nothing is final here and exists to explore and experiment with the game – if any artwork is created, if at all – it is generally very rough and will tie in with the core components.
If I am creating a game, the grey boxing stage. Examples include:

• Handwritten cards.
• Simple boards.
• Quick mock-ups of gameplay and components.

Below is a real-life low-fidelity mock-up!

OR…

This is about thinking fast and putting this down on the table. Nothing is sacred in this early phase of developing a board game prototype process. Artwork, if any, will be ‘stick people’ at best.

“the board game developer needs to make sure they have a working game!“

4) Developing the Core Game

From the early ideas to visualisation, the client and I will select the strongest concept and components and develop these further.

This stage can manifest in many ways, from helping to arrange play tests to building upon the rules. Sometimes it is necessary to go back and forth between stages as per player feedback and experimentation.

Be it through taking a more introspective view of gameplay, or running playtests, here is an itemised view of developing the core game :

• Help in expanding rules.
• Clarifying player actions.
• Structuring turns and gameplay flow.
• Defining win conditions.

This is assuming I have been commissioned to help design a game prototype from scratch or from a primitive stage in the game developer’s journey.

Assuming I have been commissioned to work on ‘the full monty!’ this may also be required:

• Reviewing core game components.
• How can these be designed and made.
• Visual theme and aesthetics.

At this point in the journey, it is no longer about generating ideas – it’s about improving one! This phase of the journey must also adhere to the mantra that ‘nothing is sacred’ as well. Being rigid, rather than flexible, in the phase can do more harm than good to the final product.

Developing a Board Game Prototype Process: How I try to do the heavy lifting

My role in helping clients to design and develop a game prototype can be complex, although I try my utmost to absorb the burden where I can.

Creating a board game can straddle a couple of creative professions, from publishing to product design. Within the process of making a prototype or developing a board game is a complex variety of skills! Many of these skills are professions in their own right. My main skills lie in the creative and technical aspects of making a prototype.

I’m not a copywriter, proofreader, editor, legal expert, manufacturer, warehouse owner or logistics person!

Past and present, I have helped clients to design a prototype from scratch to a hardcopy object they can hold. My very first experience comes from working at a ‘gifting company’ where I was involved in creating party games towards the latter end of my tenure.

Graphic Design – Visual Storytelling

There is such a thing as the cart before the horse, and this is especially true with graphic design and artwork for board games. Before obsessing over backgrounds, colours, and cover work, the board game developer needs to make sure they have a working game!

THEN…

Once they have a working game that people can understand and play, then look at the visual elements. Nothing is worse than a well-dressed piece of crap! I have played ‘completely broken’ and untested games, and it is annoying when graphic design is used to disguise a poorly executed game.

If I am commissioned as the Graphic Designer ( art director! ), I will start with creating the general vibe for a game, then take a more granular approach to the design of each component.

More on that next.

5) Developing A Game Boardgame Prototype: Refining, Balancing & Improving

With a working prototype in place and a solid proof of concept ( perhaps a ‘greybox’ version of the game ), I will try to refine the product further.

This stage includes :

• Adjusting rules for clarity ( however, editing should be in the hands of the pros! ).
• Balancing mechanics (fairness, difficulty, pacing).
• Improving usability and player understanding.
• Tweaking components and layout.
• Graphic Design & Artwork ( if commissioned on that part ).

For those who are interested, I have written a dedicated post about my graphic design process.

Some of you may also wonder what a graphic design process even is. Well, it is not just drivel and magic dust; there is a process. Here is a general overview when working with a human!

5 ) Solidifying the Core Product Concept – Important note:

This is not the stage for major redesigns — only improvements.

Big changes here may require making significant changes across multiple elements and components and can be costly to do. Sometimes, this is required to make a better and more compelling product, but if at all possible,I try to encourage a client to make these pivotal changes earlier in the prototype development process. Hence, a brief and discussion in the beginning.

But, saying that, making something is a journey and not always a straight road!

6) Developing a Board Game Prototype Process | Playtesting & Final Adjustments

This is where the game is truly tested. I gather feedback through:

• Self-testing
• External playtesting (friends, players, target audience)

I observe:

• Is the game fun?
• Are the rules clear?
• Are there exploits or imbalances?

Feedback is then used to:

• Fine-tune mechanics.
• Simplify where needed.
• Strengthen the overall experience.

This step may need to be repeated multiple times, depending on what is required of the prototype and client budgets!

7) Prototype Completion & Handover

The final stage. The development of a board game prototype process is now in its latter stages, and my part in the project is most likely drawing to a close. ( A solitary tear… )

Once the prototype is tested and refined:

• Rules are clearly written ( Find a professional proofreader! ).
• Components are finalised ( or near-final ).
• The game is packaged into a presentable prototype and sent to a printer!

This may include:

• Printed cards and boards.
• Rulebook/rules / rulesheet.
• Other components.

At this point, the prototype is ready for:

• Demonstration.
• Pitching.
• Further development or production.

Or, you may take your prototype and ask yourself whether it needs more fine-tuning. Doors and options are open.

Developing a board game prototype process example: print liaison

Optional, and not always part of my service, but I can and have acted as a mediator to arrange the printing and manufacture of a board game prototype for a client.

In short, I deal with the headache at a cost!

This is not always the case for every project. On occasion, the client may prefer to arrange the printing themselves or make amendments to the product. A real-life scenario is if the client wants to amend game rules or text in InDesign.

There are advantages and disadvantages to the client working with print themselves.

My Board Game Prototype Process | Final Take Away

Creating a board game prototype is not a straight path…


It’s an iterative journey of:

• Testing
• Refining
• Eliminating weaker ideas and building an initial core game!

You start broad, then narrow down to the strongest concept.

Like sculpting – you shape, refine, and remove all until the final form emerges! Metaphorically speaking, the same applies to developing a board game or board game prototype.

AND after all that, there is still no guarantee that the developer will make their millions or their money back. Developing a product hard path, without a golden egg or promise at the end.

What is the process of making a board game prototype? Other posts

Whether you came to this post to read more about developing a board game prototype and its processes ( thank you for reading to the bottom ). Or, whether was to read about my board game prototype development process, you may find some of the following of interest.

From the graphic design process, the journey to case studies.

• Packaging Concept Project: Aardman Wallace and Gromit Build your own kits.
• London Pub Crawl game project & Kickstarter.
• Project from the distant past – developing a successful party game at a company.
• Eager Elephants Game box and game components.
• How to write a design brief.
• Example play test of a board games project.
• How to edit your own card text in InDesign.
• Why can’t I edit my text in INDESIGN.
• Working with black in print!

My Board Game Prototype Process | Services

Thank you for reading. Here is a list of relevant services and skills I can offer in helping you to bring your vision to life. All pages are hosted on my commercial portfolio website.

• Board game design services page.
• Board game consultation and 1-to-1.

Dragon Bone Games:-

In addition to my commercial board game design services hosted on Jimmsdesign – my portfolio website, I also run a hobby game blog celebrating the passion of making board games. In addition, it celebrates other aspects of the board game hobby! I would encourage you to read and bookmark it! Thanks, awesome reader!

Dragon Bone Game Website Links :

• How to make a prototype.
• Board game fulfilment companies based in the UK.
• London-based board game cafes – list.

My Board Game Prototype Process | Other interesting Sources and information

You may or may not know, but I am also an artist! I have produced artwork for games! Feel free to take a look at my art website.

JD Illustration

All content in this article is copyrighted by me and their respective owners.

Jimmsdesign 2026.