#7 Safety Tests for Games

CE Mark/Certificate For Board Games

Posted on February 18, 2021July 31, 2023 by Hero Time Limited

18
Feb

CE Mark/Certificate for Board Games.

What is the CE mark for?

Certification for board game, The CE mark is a symbol affixed to the package of product to recognize which product confirms to the standards set forth by the European Council for toy safety. The product safety directive applies to all products manufactured in Europe or imported into Europe from a third country. If you manufacture your games in Europe you should also have a CE test report. Check the EC Europa website.

Does my board game need a CE mark on it?

The council for toy safety has detailed in its Annex that a toy for people over the age of 14 is not considered a toy and does not need a CE/ certification for board game. However, if your game will be played by kids as well, it is the utmost importance that you ensure the safety of players and get a test report for your game.

Whose name should be on the CE test report?

If you are an importer or a distributor of games, you have the same responsibility towards the games as the manufacturer does. Hence, you should have a test report showing that the games you are selling conform to the standards. Having a report from a manufacturer is not enough to cover in case your company and games are audited.

Is the CE mark on my board game applicable to other countries as well?

Though the UK is Brexiting (looks like it) from Europe, still the two governments are in transition, and many of the rules that applied in Europe still apply to the UK. As long as the UK government does not declare otherwise, the CE safety standards apply to the UK as well.

As for the USA, CE does not apply and is not a sufficient proof for safety standards. In the USA, the federal government has established the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), and they have a separate set of standards under the ASTM F963 act. For more information, check our article about getting an ASTM test report.

However, CE and the European standards are still most widely used and though countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, and Korea have their own set of standards, the CE standards will do.

Check our article about overlapping tests.

What does the CE standard tests include for board games?

Certification for board game, Overall, toys are all under the EN-71 category, however, within this category, there are various tests.

For board games’ CE, the most common tests are as follows.

Physical and Mechanical Properties – making sure that the physical property of the game do not present any risk, such as sharp edges that can cut or small pieces that can cause asphyxiation.
Flammability – to make sure that the toys are not prone to burn.
Chemical substances – to ensure that the chemicals used in the board game do not harm human health. This largely relates to heavy metals used in coating and color.
Checking the labeling on the package to make sure it is according to standard.

Some tests such as electrical properties, radioactivity, elasticity etc. understandably do not apply to board games. There are additional tests required by the European Union namely the REACH test, but we will discuss them in a separate article.

Click here to download the proceedings from the CE Safety council.

How to get the CE standard check?

Hero Time cooperates with world-leading testing labs and can help with the standard test. In general, there are 5 steps your game should go through to permit the affixation of the CE mark.

Make 3-5 proof samples of your game.
Send them to the testing lab.
The testing lab will take apart your game and check for the mentioned standards.
After a week, the lab will give you back the results of the test with a test report, and also a license.
Once you get the test report, you can affix the CE mark to your game.

Feel free to contact us

Download the official CE mark here.

What documents will I need?

As you are looking to sell your game in Europe, you will need the following documents.

The test report from the testing lab
An official declaration of conformity from the manufacturer.
The CE mark on your game

If you want to learn about other required labeling, simply go and download the required labels.

How Much does the CE Test Cost?

The price largely depends on the game that is being produced. Each component in the game should undergo the mentioned tests.

EN 71-1 costs 70 USD per item,
EN 71-2 costs 80 USD per item,
and EN 71-3 costs 105 USD per material and color.

an item refers to a whole set of a component. For example a set of cards is one item. The outer box is considered one item, and so are the meeples and other components.

In the Chemical test each color needs to be tested for chemical composition, and so does each material, so if you have multiple-color meeples, each color needs to be tested. If you have two meeples same color but made from different material there is also a need for two tests.

Paper or cardboard tokens need only one EN 71-3 test, as they are all printed on one sheet.

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#7 Safety Tests for Games

Getting a US Safety Test for Your Board Game(CPSC)

Posted on February 18, 2021July 31, 2023 by Hero Time Limited

18
Feb

What is the CPSC protocol?

Unlike the CE which has been around since the late 1980’s , in the USA a federal standard took longer to legislate. Only in 2008 did the federal government mandated that products for Children need to conform to CPSIA standards. (The consumer product safety act), and only in 2018 did they decide to enforce this protocol on manufacturers and importers. Now at the beginning of 2021 Amazon requires every product sold to children to have a CPC (Children’s Product Certificate)

*a child is considered to be anyone under the age of 14

If you want to learn about the CE test click here.

What safety standards does the CPSC have for board games?

Safety test for board game, On the whole, the CPSIA works on aligning its standards with the CE standards. but they do have some additional tests that are mandatory.

1- ASTM F963 – Physical properties of the game:

Checking the accessibility of sharp corners, edges, and small parts

2- ASTM F963 Flammability test:

Making sure your game is not flammable and does pose danger to kids who play it in warm areas of the house.

3- ASTM F963 – Soluble Heavy Metals tests:

Mostly in regards to heavy metals used in the process of making paint, coating, paper, cardboard, plastic, and other components.

4- CPSIA Lead in substrate and coating:

This test also includes the specific children’s lead test of ASTM F963, and the specific CA65 lead test for California.

(When testing it is crucial to add the later ASTM lead. and CA65 lead in the test report, though it is done together with the CPSIA lead test)

5- CPSIA Phthalates 8P :

This test includes the specific California CA65 Phthalates, and like in the lead test, it should be specified and included in the test report.

6- CPSIA specific tracking label requirements

How to label a board game according to the CPSIA?

In this regard, the CPSC is similar to the CE standards. The label should notify the users of the appropriate age of players. Because, If it has small parts clearly specify that it is not for the use of children under the age of 3. and state any hazardous warnings related to the game. Some common hazardous aspects are sharp edges and small pieces.

Download the label here

In addition, the CPSIA states that the game should have:

1- Manufacturer’s name

2- Production date

3- Batch number

4- Detailed location of production, Street, City, and Country

5- Importer / seller name

6- Importer / seller address

7- Importer/seller contact information (website is good enough)

8- It is not enough to find a factory with a previous CPC, the CPC must be specific for the game. and have the seller and manufacturer’s name on it as well.

* if you have a simple cards game with only a tuckbox you need to have one card with that information, as the CPSIA regards a tuckbox as a disposable package

How to make sure my game passes the tests?

Hero Time will make a few samples of your game first to send to the testing lab, and once you get the certificate. Hero Time will continue with mass production. If your game only has standard components. It is also possible to simply send games to the testing lab from the mass production.

How much does a safety standard test cost?

The physical properties, flammability, and labeling test for the whole game cost 95USD
The costs for testing heavy metals, lead, and phthalates P8, is 130USD per material and per color: for example, cards, playing board, punchout sheet, wood tokens of the same color, etc.
For plastic and wood components, there is an additional 130USD per color, as each color uses different substrates.

Saying that, heavy board games with multi-color miniatures and wood components are better off simply stating. and they are for the ages of 14 and up.

Which testing lab should you use?

Testing is not a matter to take lightly, That’s why in Hero Time we chose to work with one of the most known testing labs in the world Bureau Veritas

#4 Costs of Manufacturing A Game

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Board Game?

Posted on February 18, 2021July 24, 2023 by Hero Time Limited

18
Feb

A critical part of running a successful board game business is understanding how much it will cost to actually make your game.

The cost to make a board game can vary significantly based on the components used in your game, their customization level, how complex they are to produce, and a whole range of other factors.

Each game has different sized tokens, playing boards, cards, and other components. There is no one-size-fits-all price to manufacture your own board game, but rather each game involves its own unique manufacturing process and quote.

You can contact us to talk to our team about how much it will cost to make your board game or card game.

Although the exact cost can vary from game to game, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any underlying guidelines for quoting the price to manufacture your game.

In general, you can expect to pay a similar amount to the figures below for your game, based on the complexity of your game and the size of your order:

For a simple one-deck card game, between $0.50 and $1.90 USD per unit.
For a simple two-deck card game like Sabobatage or Chicken Challengers, between $1.40 and $5 USD per unit.
For a multi-deck card game like That Sound Game or Made Up Movies, between $2.70 and $7.50 per unit.
For a light board game with some decks of cards, tokens and other pieces, like Snack Time or Moonshell, between $4 and $11 USD per unit.
For a medium-weight board game with seven to 12 components such as Sauria, Project EOS, or Ahau, between $7 and $20 per unit.

For a massive board game like Gloomhaven or Deliverance with miniatures and lots of pieces, between $14 and $35 USD per unit.

Note that the low price points above are for orders of 10,000 sets, and the high price points are for orders of only 500 sets. In addition to manufacturing, services like board game design and prototype manufacturing can affect these figures.

In this article, I’ll explain as clearly as I can how games are quoted, as well as the general cost of manufacturing a board game.

So far, most board game manufacturers have kept this knowledge secret — usually, it’s hidden from public view and isn’t widely shared with board game makers until late in the sales cycle, if it’s even disclosed to sales staff.

So, you shouldn’t be surprised if you end up knowing more about board game production costs than your current factory contact after you reach the end of this guide.

If you need any help understanding the costs outlined in this guide, or want to talk to us about the process of making your game, feel free to contact us.

The Basics of Board Game Manufacturing Costs

All board games consist of board game pieces. Covering all of these is a job too long for one page, so we’ll first start with the price of printed board game components.

The price for the printed materials that make up your board game is composed of:

Raw materials costs
Board game printing costs
Coating and card linen finish
Gluing and cutting
Assembly and packaging

Let’s start with the raw materials costs, then cover the other components that make up this part of your board game’s total manufacturing cost.

Raw Materials Cost

The raw materials used for creating your game board and other printed materials are primarily papers and cardboards. These make up a significant percentage of your game’s pieces, so it’s important to keep them in mind when assessing costs for your game.

Papers and cardboard are sold in units of roughly 1 square meter (sqm), with two precise sizes — 780*1080mm and 882*1182mm.

Each sheet of paper is made to a specific weight. If you’ve received a pricing quote from us, you probably saw the term “gsm” in your quote, which stands for “Grams Square Meter.”

GSM refers to the weight of each sheet of paper. Some cards are only 280gsm, while others are 350gsm or 400gsm. Some board game boxes are made of cardboard that’s only 800gsm, while others are 2,000gsm.

There’s no “perfect” type of cardboard, but generally thicker and heavier is stronger and offers a more premium feel. Thicker, more dense cardboard and paper is also more expensive. The best option is totally dependent on the feeling you want your game to have.

Paper & Cardboard Prices for Board Games

In manufacturing, paper and cardboard are priced by ton. Low-grade paper and cardboard costs around $600 USD per ton, while higher-grade paper and cardboard will cost around $1,500 per ton, or even more.

As a board game manufacturer, the first thing we do is calculate the amount of raw material that is needed for your game’s production run. This amount of raw material doesn’t solely include the net amount of the final game sets you will receive, but also any waste/leftover materials.

It also includes any paper or cardboard sheets we will need to discard due to quality issues that can occur during the supply process.

It’s important to know the exact specifications of your game before we give you a final quote for paper and cardboard. Also, remember that the more complex your game is, the more errors can occur, which can result in more raw materials going to waste.

Typical raw materials cost for paper and cardboard: $600 to $1,500 USD per ton.

We know this can sound confusing and overwhelming, so if you have any questions about paper or cardboard for board games (or other aspects of this part of production), feel free to contact us via email for a personalized answer.

Board Game Printing Costs

Printing your board game is generally a fast process. We use modern, state-of-the-art machines that are capable of printing 10,000 sheets in one hour.

The main sources of costs when it comes to printing your game are the process of creating the printing plates, calibrating our printing machines, and covering the operator’s hourly cost during the printing run.

Many creators and people in the industry think the price of printing is per sheet. This isn’t really accurate — it’s more of a fixed price to create the plates and calibrate machinery.

For this reason, the cost per unit for a small print run is significantly higher than the board game printing price for several thousand sets of your game. In fact, the total price to print 500 sets of a game isn’t very different from the price to print 10,000 sets, as it takes the same amount of time.

Typical printing cost: $200-$1,000 USD per printing side, depending on the machine size and accuracy that’s required for your game.

Variations of Machines

One important thing to keep in mind is that there is variation in pricing between different printing machines. We offer printing machines with three different sizes:

Small, up to 280*440mm (+/- $250 USD)
Medium, up to 540*780mm (+/- $400 USD)
Large, up to 882*1182mm (+/- $800 USD)

Certain features offered during printing, which are available on some machines, may affect this cost.

If your game’s cards and tokens can be printed using a smaller machine and fit within a smaller paper or cardboard size, it can reduce the printing costs by a significant amount.

Coating and Card Linen Finish

The cost for the coating is priced differently and goes per meter of paper. The thickness and the quality of the oil used during this step can affect pricing.

Typically, each sheet of paper in your game will cost between $0.05 and $0.35 for lamination or oil varnish. You can check out all of the different finishes we offer here.

Adding texture on the card (aka linen finish) is both a fixed cost for installing the stamping plates and a fixed price of $0.06 per sheet.

Typical finish costs: $0.10 to $0.35 per sheet.

Gluing & Cutting:

Gluing for paper and cardboard is charged per sheet. A sheet of paper can cost anywhere from $0.10 to $0.30 USD to glue.

Cutting is divided into two parts: cutting cards and cutting cardboard pieces. Cards are cut by a machine and are +/-0.15USD per deck.

On the other hand, cutting cardboard pieces involves (1) a fixed cost for making the cutting die, and (2) a price per sheet for cutting. Both of these processes have an initial configuration fee of approximately $100.

Cutting Method and Results

It’s important to note that die-cut molds cut best when they are smaller than 30*30cm (12*12”). This means that if the cut is very customized and with a lot of little details, we will need to make multiple cutting dies, preferably under 30*30cm.

In this regard, I must add that some factories don’t consider this at all before starting production of a game. Only during production do they realize the error, which can potentially lead to defects in your final product.

Typical gluing and cutting costs: $0.15 to $0.70USD per sheet.

Assembly & Packaging:

The assembly and packaging process for creating board games involves collating all the pieces, shrink wrapping them, putting them into boxes, and sealing them. This process is mostly manual labor.

Unlike the other steps, which are done by machines, this part is done by people and can come out quite expensive — it generally ranges from $0.25 to $0.55 per game.

Shipping Cartons

This step also includes putting the games into the shipping cartons. Shipping cartons should be at least five layers thick so they will protect the merchandise. This is not something to save money on, as the shipping can damage many games, and the shipping insurance will only cover damages if the cartons are high grade.

Typical assembly and packaging costs: $0.25 to $0.60 USD per item.

Contact Us

As I mentioned above, there’s no one-size-fits-all cost to make a board game. Depending on the number of pieces in your game, its packaging, and other factors, your cost per unit may vary from less than $1 USD to $10 USD or more.

If you’re interested in manufacturing a board game and want a more precise quote or pricing information, feel free to contact us. Our team can provide a detailed, accurate quote for your board game production and help you with every step of the process.

#4 Costs of Manufacturing A Game

How Much Does it Cost to Print a Board Game?

Posted on February 18, 2021July 24, 2023 by Hero Time Limited

18
Feb

The cost to print a board game can vary based on several factors, including the raw material costs, the cost of the printing plates for your board game, and the process of calibrating the printing machines. These all add together to result in a total printing cost.

One thing to be aware of is that printing is mostly made up of fixed costs, such as making the printing plates for your custom board game and setting up the machines. This means that the smaller your print run, the higher your cost per unit of your game will be.

If you’re planning to make a board game, it’s important to keep in mind that the total cost per unit is made up of more than just printing.

For example, in addition to printing your game pieces, there’s also the cost of coating, gluing, cutting, assembly, and then packaging to keep in mind.

We’ve explained the printing process for games and its costs below. If you need more help working out how much it will cost to print your game (or if you need help with any part of the board game design and manufacturing process), please contact us.

Pricing for Board Game Printing Basics

The cost to print your game will vary based on the following factors:

Your choice of paper size. Paper comes in several sizes, each of which requires a different type of printing plate. Creating a cost-effective board game involves choosing a paper size that allows you print everything you need while minimizing waste per sheet.
Your game artwork. Your artwork plays a big role in determining your printing costs, as the time required to set up a printing sheet can take anywhere from an hour with good art assets to one month for badly made artwork.
If your assets comply with printing standards, the price of your game can be lowered by up to $200 per component type. Our team can work with you to make sure no space is wasted and your print run is as efficient as possible.
Your print run size. Because the printing process involves a lot of fixed costs, large print runs are much less expensive on a per-unit basis than small runs or the creation of a prototype.
The grade of paper you choose. Paper comes in various grades, or weights, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). It’s also available in different levels of whiteness, which determine the color quality of the final printed item.
The “perfect” weight can vary based on the type of game you’re creating and this, with your choice of paper whiteness, will impact your raw material costs for printing.

The quality of the printing machine. Many different printing machines are used for board game printing, and some machines may offer pricing advantages over others.

Printing Plate and Paper Sizes for Board Games

A critical thing to keep in mind in terms of printing costs is the numerous varieties of paper sizes and printing plates.

As there are numerous combinations of paper sizes and printing plates, we cannot cover all of them in detail. Instead, we will cover the most frequently used options, I’ve shared the most cost-effective and relevant dimensions for board game creators.

If you have a question, please comment at the bottom of this article, or contact us.

Disclosure: This article is written mostly for Small and Medium Publishers. If you are a large publisher that exceeds 10 tons of a single raw material per print run, you can customize the size of paper to your game’s needs without any additional costs.

Paper Size Categories

There are two elements to consider regarding the size of paper for a board game or card game:

The first is the size of the printing plate. In our manufacturing facility, we use the following four types of printing machines, with corresponding plate sizes:

1. S: Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 52-2 with a printing plate size of 490X330mm (19X12 inch)
2. M: Heidelberg Speedmaster SX 74 with a printing plate size of up to 540X780mm (21X30 inch)
3. L: Heidelberg Speedmaster SX 102 with a printing plate size of up to 720X1020mm (28X40 inch)

The LITHRONE G37 with a 64x94cm printing plate. (25x37inch) (Used for game creators that want low quality books)

There are also other types of printing machines available in the industry, so if you are already using a printer, ask them for their sizes.

The second is the size of paper that’s used for printing. The sizes of paper can be divided into three major categories: small (S), medium (M), and large (L). For the best value for money for your printing process, we need to match the size of the printing plate with the correct size of paper.

Offset Printing Paper Sizes

While large publishers can customize their art and paper to fit the printing plate’s size, small and medium publishers are constrained to the paper size. Your goal should be to waste as little paper as possible. Using excess paper isn’t just environmentally wasteful — it can also increase the cost of printing your game.

Here are available off-the-shelf papers:

Small (S) Size Paper

295x295mm (total print area 285x285mm) – (11*11 inch). Many game creators wrongly use this size for token sheets. It’s best used for tuckboxes and small token sheets.
294x440mm (total print area 280x420mm) – (11*16 inch). Best used for token sheets, a few reference cards, small boxes, and small rulebooks. This is the most cost-effective paper size.

Matching Printing Machine

These two paper sizes all fit into the smaller Speed Master SM52 printing machine.

Cost Range

The cost for setting up the small printing machine is roughly 160 USD, including waste.

Then the cost for printed paper is 0.011 USD per sheet.

(*not including price of paper, coating, cutting, and gluing if needed.)

Common Uses

These small sizes are best used for tokens, a few reference cards, small boxes, and small rulebooks.

Medium (M) Size Paper

394x440mm paper (total print area 374x420mm) – (15*16 inch) – This is best used for small foldable game boards.
440*590mm paper (total print area 410*560mm) – (16*22inch) – This is best used for medium size rulebooks, medium game boxes, large map tiles for your game, and foldable game boards
540x780mm paper (total print area 520x760mm) – (20.4x30inch) – This is the default sheet for playing card printing and some larger game boxes.

Matching Printing Machine

For these paper sizes, we use the Heidelberg Speedmaster SX 74 which is the most common in commercial printing and has the best color control across all sizes.

Cost Range

The cost of setting up this machine can go up to $300 USD.

And each sheet printed with the machine is roughly $0.019 USD.

(*not including price of paper, coating, cutting, and gluing if needed.)

Common Uses

Please note, that token sheets with small cuts should not be used with these paper sheets as they will not cut properly.

Large (L) Size Paper

- 590*882cm (total print area 570*862mm) – (23*33 inch). This paper size is most commonly used for large rulebooks, and for large boxes.
- EXTRA LARGE 780x1080mm (total print area 760×1020).

Matching Printing Machine

For these papers we will use the Heidelberg Speedmaster SX 102 or the LITHORNE G29, depending on the quality of print you need to use in your game.

Cost Range

The set up cost of this printing machine is roughly $620 USD, and printing each sheet is $0.03 USD.

Note that this is the machine used also for printing on holofoil and PVC though printing on these materials is an additional $200 USD set up and an additional $0.005 per sheet, due to the immediate UV coating the printing assets get.

(*not including price of paper, coating, cutting, and gluing if needed.)

Important note:

The 780×1080 cannot be used as boxes or game boards as it is too large to cut safely.

Recent Developments

Recently, there have been developments in card cutting and collating technologies, and with careful printing, we can actually fit 64 poker size cards in one sheet. If you have a game in the process, feel free to contact us about this.

Important Notes:

There are several other important things to take into account regarding graphic design and printing:

Don’t forget to add a bleed to your art. Bleed should be 3mm on each side and should be considered when choosing the right paper size.
Bleed for playing boards and boxes should have an extra 15mm on each side. Don’t forget to add it to the calculations.
Use millimeters (MM) , not inches. We have added some sizes in inches for convenience, but you should always use millimeters when preparing your art and determining which paper size is most suitable for your project.
For color-rich art, avoid adding too many printing components. Sometimes it’s best not to add too many printing components if your game art is color-rich, as the colors might not turn out sharp. For heavy board games, it’s best to first consult with the machine operator.
There should not be more than 80 cards in one sheet. It will harm the cards in the cutting process.
We did not include cutting and finishing prices in this article. Like mentioned previously, the cutting process depends on your components, and finish adds anywhere from $0.15-0.30 USD per sheet.

Large publishers who want to become more cost-effective should control the supply chain all the way from the paper mill to assembly. The printing factory does not necessarily know the ins and outs of paper sizes.

Contact Us for Help

If you need help working out the printing costs for your board game or card game, or with any other step in the manufacturing process, we’re happy to help.

Contact us now to talk to a member of our team and get a free quote for your game, advice on the manufacturing process, or anything else you need.

#4 Costs of Manufacturing A Game

Cardboard Costs

Posted on February 18, 2021July 24, 2023 by Hero Time Limited

18
Feb

Cardboard is vital for board games; it is used in components such as the board game box, playing board, score trackers, tokens, characters, and many others.

However, most creators don’t really understand the additional costs these cardboard components add to their game. Even more so, they don’t really understand why the cardboard prices vary so much between factories.

1. Card Board Costs for Board Game Details:

In this article, I will try to set the record straight and clearly explain the price of cardboard with their different quality, thickness, and size.

*This article is a continuation of the previous two articles: Printing Cost, and Overall Cost Structure. And although I add a short recap, I strongly recommend rereading the previous two articles if you find this article overwhelming. You can learn more about Hero Time Board game manufacturer here.

2. The Different Grades of Card Board:

If you are making a box, a player board, or tokens, in addition to the printing costs in the previous article, there are also the pieces’ cardboard costs. Generally,

There are three levels of cardboard that can be used for a board game:

1. Standard (B) quality.

2. (A) quality dense/high dense.

3. (Double-A) Extra high density.

(as far as I know, only Hero Time uses extra high density).

* Unless you manufacture at Panda Games or Print Ninja, don’t take for granted the grade factories tell you as many factories and their salespeople can’t really tell the difference themselves; they buy off the shelf whatever wholesalers give them.

To learn more about the capabilities of these different grade cardboards, you can view the following two videos

3. Cost for Different Grades of Card Board:

Standard B Quality = 700USD per ton
A quality Dense/High Dense = 1070USD per ton
Hero Time’s Extra Dense cardboard = 1230USD per ton.

These costs however are not static and they change every quarter. It follows the Producer Price Index of Wood Pulp.

To assess what these costs mean for your games in specific, we first need to decide the thickness of the cardboard you want to use and the sheet’s size suitable for your game.

4. The Sheet Size Suitable for your Components:

In the last article, we covered the price of printing on different sheets of paper and showed the standard paper sizes used in your game. To review, we buy from the paper mill a standard size sheet of 88.2*118.2cm.

we have six ways of cutting it most cost-effectively:

29.4*29.5cm (total print area 26*26) – (10*10inch)
29.4*39.4cm (Total Print area 26*36.cm) – (10*14inch)
39.4*44cm (Total Print area 36*41) – (14*16inch)
44*59cm paper (Total print area 41*56) – (16*22inch)
54*78cm (Total print area 51*75cm) – (20*29inch).
The large size paper is 59*88.2cm (Total print area 56*85cm) – (22*33inch)

The thickness of the cardboard

5. The Thickness of the Card Board:

we have six ways of cutting it most cost-effectively:

29.4*29.5cm (total print area 26*26) – (10*10inch)
29.4*39.4cm (Total Print area 26*36.cm) – (10*14inch)
39.4*44cm (Total Print area 36*41) – (14*16inch)
44*59cm paper (Total print area 41*56) – (16*22inch)
54*78cm (Total print area 51*75cm) – (20*29inch).
The large size paper is 59*88.2cm (Total print area 56*85cm) – (22*33inch)

Overall, there are three thicknesses that board game creators like to use for their game:

700-1000gsm (1.25-1.5mm thick),
1200gsm (2mm thick),
2000gsm (3mm thick).

As mentioned in our first article, cardboards are priced per ton, and we calculate each sheet’s weight by gsm (Gram Square Meter). Each master sheet size 88.2*118.2 is a square meter, and one ton equals 1,000,000 grams. So:

If you choose the thin 1.25-1.5mm(700-1000gsm), we can fit around 1000 master sheets in one ton.
2mm thick (1200gsm) means we can fit about 800 master sheets in one ton.
3mm thick cardboard (2000gsm) we can fit 500 sheets in one ton.

See what thickness of cardboard you need for your game in the following video:

The size and cost of the sheets used in your game

6. The Size & Cost of Sheets used in your Game:

Card board costs for board game also consider the thickness of card board. After deciding the thickness of your cardboard, the quality grade, and the sheet size needed for your game, you can calculate how many master sheets fit into one ton and check how many smaller cardboard pieces you can make out of those sheets.

A) Standard Chart Sheet:

To make it easier for you, I have compiled everything into on price table for reference. In this table, you can see the cost per piece according to its quality and GSM. You should add this cost to the printing cost mentioned in “How Much Does it Cost to Make a Board Game – Printing Costs”

*as mentioned in our first “How much does it cost to make a board game” article, you should also consider the waste and defect product, which vary between 10 and 20% depending on your pieces’ complexity. If you want the 2mm cardboard and cut it into six pieces, the price per ton should be calculated for 4000 pieces instead of 4800. We have already included it in the table.

*You probably came across the newest Blue Core cardboard in our videos; this is the latest cardboard type on the market and is perfect for tokens and player boards. The blue core cardboard is a thin cardboard 1.5mm (1000gsm), but it has a 2000gsm A quality cardboard durability. Its price is 1400USD per ton, but it is only relevant for large orders of 10 tons and up.

#4 Costs of Manufacturing A Game

Gluing and Cutting Costs

Posted on February 18, 2021July 25, 2023 by Hero Time Limited

18
Feb

So far, we have covered the cost of printing and cardboard costs. To finalize your printed components’ price, we next need to determine the gluing and cutting costs.

In this article, we will go by the manufacturing process and cover first gluing and then cutting

1. Gluing Methodology for Papers & Card Boards:

There are three ways to glue printed papers and cardboards.

1. By hand

2. Semi-Automated

3. Fully automated.

When making your game, we need to decide which gluing machine to use. They all have their advantages, disadvantages, and set up / operational costs.

There are two things to consider when choosing the best machine for the game’s needs:

1. Size and shape of the component.

2. Quantity.

1. Feature of Fully-Automated Machine:

The fully automated machine can run up to 7-10 pieces a minute and has a 95% accuracy rate.
It can glue playing boards with wrap around the edges and even make boxes up to 25*25*7cm in size.
However, it has a high setup fee of around 300USD, and hence it is only reasonable to use it for orders larger than 1500/2000 sets and up (which will take a couple of hours and not get done in an hour or so). (operated by 1-2 people).

2. Feature of Semi-Automated Machine:

The semi-automated machine is perfect for small two side token sheets and pages up to 44*59cm.
It is cheap to set up, only around 50USD, and it has relatively good accuracy (+-85%).
Also, it has a high output of up to 10-12 sheets per minute.
However, it is limited in its option and will not be suitable for playing boards, boxes, and boards with wrap around the edges. (operated by 2 people)

3. Gluing By Hand:

The third gluing option is by hand. There is no setup fee, the output is about four pieces a minute, and it is incredibly versatile.
You can make with it any size box, any size playing board, and anything else you would like.
The only downside is the high hourly labor cost for the machine and the relatively low accuracy of around 70-80%, leading to additional hours and waste. (Operated by at least 4 people).
So for quantities of less than 1500 or for large/complex components, it is best to glue by hand.

Cost of Gluing By Hand:

As gluing is a simple process, the price of labor for it in China is about 4USD an hour for good in-house staff.
To check the cost of gluing for your game, you can calculate 4 pieces per minute * 60 minutes to see how long it will take to make your component,
Then multiply the number of hours by the number of people required for the job—gluing by hand costs around 0.1USD per side.

1. Cutting Cost for Board Game:

1. Cutting is a more complicated process and requires a machine operator that understands the cutting mold’s capabilities; it cannot be done just by anyone.

2. Hence, the hourly rate for such a person is between the 9-10USD an hour.

3. The cutting machine’s output is 4-5 sheets per minute as it requires constant checking of the mold and the cut, so it comes out around 4 cents.

2. Labor Vs. Cutting Mold:

Besides the labor costs, there is the cost of making the cutting mold, which can be between 30-100USD.
For simple straight lines, it will be 30USD, while for a token sheet with up to 30 pieces, it can be $60, and for larger sheets (for playing boards) or sheets with over 30 cut-out pieces, it can reach even up to 100USD.
Therefore, for a standard board game the mold cost, will be between 0.015 for 3000 sets and 0.13 for 500 sets.

Frequently Ask Question:

Gluing and cutting costs, Some creators ask if we can keep molds and reuse them, thus saving the mold’s cost. However, it is not possible as the knives are made of metal which rusts after 3-5 months, and has to be changed.

The final cost you get from Hero Time is the component’s cost, including all the mold gluing and finish costs.

Feel free to comment and ask us any questions.

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#1 Designing A Board Game

Stages of Board Game Design Process

Posted on February 18, 2021April 23, 2024 by Hero Time Limited

18
Feb

Talk to Our Team About Creating Your Board Game

From design to manufacturing, we can help you with every aspect of turning your game concept into reality. Contact us to talk to our team and get expert, insider help on the game design and manufacturing process.

"Making a Board Game"

1. Whether you’re Eric Lang or Rob Daviau, one thing is sure – Making a board game is a process in which you edit and alter your prototype, intending to refine it. This refinement process is called game development.

2. It includes everything from base mechanics to artwork, rules, and even down to the optimal components to be used in manufacturing.

3. Here you’ll find some tips and resources, which will help you along the journey of developing your game.

1. Understand Your Approach When Making a Board Game

When it comes to game design, there are two approaches, which are referred to as – “Top-down” and “Bottom-up.”

1. Top-down Methodology:

1. Top-Down Methodology, means that you start with a very broad idea of the game- all of the mechanics you want the game to have, the theme, etc.

2. Then you work your way into the details from there. R. Eric Reuss (Designer of Spirit Island) uses a similar approach and refers to it as “pruning”,

3. As it is similar to pruning a tree – you get all of your ideas out and cut the ones which don’t work during testing while keeping the good ones.

2.Bottom-up Methodology:

1. It can be seen as the opposite of top-down because you start with a simple mechanic and expand when you find that it works well. This process can be seen as “growing” your game.

2. A great example of a designer who uses this technique is Bruno Cathala (designer of over 50 games, many of which on the. On many occasions, he has said that he starts out with a “sparkling idea”, which he then grows into something bigger.

3. Both of these approaches are valid and have led to great games being produced. It is essential to know which method you need to use in your own game.

A) Ask Yourself ?

Steps for making a board game, Ask yourself this question – Does my game tend to overwhelm or underwhelm? Do I need to simplify and cut, or does the game need something added to spice it up? Asking these simple questions can give your game direction and will undoubtedly speed up your development process.

Check out these articles to learn more about the approach when it comes to game development:

Killing your Darlings

This article focuses on cutting and how a good designer should become alright with cutting elements of the game when it will ultimately help the game.

2. Different Approaches to Game Design –

Here are four simple ways to start working on your game. This can be a good start for the “bottom-up” approach.

3. Know Your Strengths and Find Allies to Help You Make the Board Game

While yes, game designers generally wear many hats, it is an integral part of the process to find help where you need it and learn what you can and can’t handle.

A) Main Kickstarters Vs. Small Publisher:

The main reason why companies like Kollosal Games, Awaken Realms, and CMON can produce huge Kickstarters, again and again, is because they have the funds to split up their workload. There are multiple steps for making a board game. Of course, as an independent designer or small publisher, this is not always an option, but finding allies which you can work with will almost certainly help you make better games.

B) Game Testing & Reviews:

1. Find the things you are good at, be it balancing game mechanics or a good eye for graphic design. One way of doing that is by asking playtesters or other designers in online forums.

2. (The Board Game Design Lab Facebook Community is a great place for that) what the weak points of the game are? If you keep getting an answer like “The rules are not easy to understand” or “The turns aren’t as satisfying as I’d like”, think about ways you can get help.

C) Game Expert Opinions:

1. Steps for Making a board game should consider for smooth working process. Two heads are better than one is more often than not correct when you find the right people. There are plenty of other game designers who can help you out with mechanics, rulebook editors for rules, graphic designers for graphic design, and specialists in almost any game-related area you can think of!

2. Find those people and ask them to help out (of course, find a way to return the favor, whether monetarily or by other means); you’ll find that the right person can help make your vision a reality!

D) Finding Allies:

1. More Facebook Groups: I recommend you join all of these groups; these are the places where you’ll most easily find whatever you need. There are groups for reviewers, artists, marketers, and all potential allies you may need on your journey.

2. Tips for Working with a Codesigner: This post by Carla Kopp has more information about what to expect when working with other people.

4. Nothing is Written in Stone – Adjust Your Board Game:

1. Growing attached to your ideas is natural, but it can lead to many plateaus when it comes to development. If you’re developing your own game, this can be especially challenging, but it’s necessary to master the craft of developing games.

2. “Nothing is Written in Stone” is precisely what it sounds like; you must be alright with moving things around and trying out different approaches to the way your game works.

3. You must see the state your game is in now as temporary, even if you’ve grown attached to it. You can always go back to the game the way it is now, so it’s better to have more options to choose from.

A) Make a Good Rule of Thumb:

1. Once you’re ready to make changes, make them. A good rule of thumb is- “if you’re unsure if something should stay, cut it. If you don’t miss it, don’t bring it back” This part of the process can be some of the most fun… if you can see it that way.

2. You’ll find that your game is capable of much more than you thought before looking at it with the developer’s eyes. It’s usually during this process when you’ll find what the key “fun factor” of your game is (sometimes referred to as the games’” core” or “core fantasy”); once you know that, things become a lot easier.

3. Of course, you will have to be careful not to stay too long in this part of the process. Your main objective should be to get your game out into the world in the best state possible.

4. Once you have a good core, it will be easy to expand on it by returning to this part of the process and making slight additions and changes to the game’s mechanics.

5. I’ve talked to dozens of designers, and I’ve never heard any of them having trouble with expansions if their game had a strong core.

More:

1. Working with a Developer – This article goes in-depth on the job of a developer’s job when you’ve signed your game with a publisher. This will help you see your own game with “developer’s eyes.”

2. Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics – This concept is fascinating, as it delivers a fresh look at games in general. The video is based on this research paper, and I love the way Eduardo Baraf breaks it down

5. Check Your Board Game(Playtesters and Editors):

1. Steps for making a board game also consider the playtesters & editors. All good writers have editors who help them refine their work. We have something even more remarkable… Playtesters! Make it a habit to ask your playtesters for objective opinions after playtests.

2. Ask your playtesters these two questions every time you test the game – “If you have to cut 10% of the game, what would you cut?”. Then, ask them the opposite “If there is one thing that must stay in the printed version of the game, what would it be?”

3. Under no circumstances should you underestimate your playtesters because games are a collaborative process, whether you like it or not. If you watch your playtesters carefully and grow accustomed to really listening, your game will be better for it.

4. Knowing which criticism to take when you should watch the game, and watch your players are skills you will have to develop by seeing your game played by diverse groups and having both blind tests and tests in which you (the designer) participate.

More:

1. The Designer Effect – This article goes into things that may come up in playtests when the designer is present.

2. Leading a Playtest – Tips on how to conduct playtests

6. Optimize Your Board Game:

1. Steps for making a board game also include your board game optimization. Like anything, there are ways to optimize your development process. Things like keeping a record of the changes which have been made to the game and reports from play sessions can really help you optimize the process.

2. I would say that the best way to perfect your craft other than practicing it, is watching how others practice it. So, make time for playing games, reading design diaries, watching videos, listening to podcasts and seeing what decisions other designers and developers have made.

3. A wonderful place for more articles to check out about everything game design is Board Game Design Lab’s Designer Resources

#3 Board Game Pieces

Playing Card Finishes

Posted on February 9, 2021July 25, 2023 by Hero Time Limited

09
Feb

Playing Card Finishes

All printed components should have a finish on them especially playing cards finishes. Without a finish, the ink will smudge away, and the printed components will very sticky. However, many creators do not know which is the best and most suitable playing card finishes for their game.

On this page, we will cover lamination, oil varnish, and linen finish, and provide you a clear explanation of each.

"Oil Varnish VS Lamination playing card finish"

1. The first things to consider when choosing between oil varnish and lamination is the use of the pieces and the nature of players that play the game. Lamination is a plastic base finish, and as such, it is very thick and durable.

2. It is perfect for kids games, who tend to sometimes may very rough on anything they hold in their hand. Lamination will ensure that the cards will not tare and that even when bent they will maintain their shape for a long time. In comparison the oil finish is just there to protect the ink from coming off and doesn’t add any extra durability to the card itself.

However, lamination also has a downside. Because it is a plastic layer it is:

A) not eco friendly

B) it prevents an easy and fast shuffle.

3. The static friction made by the lamination layer causes many times the cards to stick together and not shuffle too easily. While oil varnish actually smoothest the cards and lowers friction and enhances the shuffle.

4. The second thing to think about is the glossy or matte effect. While in lamination there is either matte or glossy, oil varnish is in the middle. Oil Varnish is sometimes called Semi-Glossy finish.

5. For board game boxes it is always recommended to use lamination, as the box needs as much protection as possible. Even the most delicate board game collectors can’t stop a box from getting scratched when taking the box in and out of the shelf.

6. In addition, the most annoying thing that can happen is a box corner splitting open, and lamination can make sure it doesn’t happen.

"To Conclude"

Use Oil Varnish When:

Players are gentle with game pieces.
Shuffling is an essential part of the game.
you can’t decide between matte or glossy.
The board game box is light, and semi-glossy is essential.
You want Eco-Friendly Production

Use Lamination When:

Target players are Children
Cards are meant to played a lot and are always at hand.
Cards are not shuffled too much.
Board Game box is medium to heavy.

"Playing Cards Linen Finish"

Linen finish on cards is done by a press machine with steel plates that have a certain pattern. The paper goes through the machine and is pressed to get the same surface pattern.
Linen finish on cards is used when you either want your cards to shuffle more easily or alternatively have an attractive looking surface.
However, the Linen finish on any paper make the paper thinner, so, we recommend to first use at least a 350gsm card stock, and second to lower the press pressure of the linen finish so it doesn’t damage your card.
Linen finish is a process that is done independently of the other surface materials so it can used on any surface. Whether you have lamination, oil varnish, or aqua based finish to your cards, the linen finish can also done.
The price for linen finish is about 0.15USD per sheet of paper.

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#3 Board Game Pieces

Board Game Foldable Game Board

Posted on February 9, 2021July 25, 2023 by Hero Time Limited

09
Feb

Boards for Board Games

Many board games, and sometimes even card games, use a playing board in their game. The board is used as the game map, a point tracker, a game layout, and more.

Some games prefer having a dynamic/versatile game board (usually adventure/RPG), and for that, they use map tiles, which were covered in board game tiles. This article will cover a one-piece board for board games and talk about foldable game boards, their dimension, material, and template.

"Foldable Game Board"

Foldable game boards are used when the playing board is too large to fit in the box in one piece. There are various ways of folding a game board, but generally, there are three ways.

1. No Fold:

A no fold game board is simply one piece of cardboard. As board games are generally limited in size and packaging, it is recommended to not pass the 30*30CM (12.5*12.5 inch).

2. Bi Fold Game Board:

A bi-fold game board can be seen largely in classic games such as Scrabble. Boxes with these boards tend to be rectangular to contain the length of the game board when it is folded. It can be folded horizontally or Vertically.

3. Quad Fold Game Board:

If your game board is a square, it is best to use the Quad fold game board, as it will ensure that when your game is folded it will maintain its square dimensions.

4. Six Fold Game Board:

A game board that has a long side to it, can be folded into a six-Fold. a six-fold is used in many current Euro and Indie games; they are rectangular and are usually very large. They max out at 640x880mm

Generally speaking, there are two ways to make a foldable game board; one way is a covered fold, and the other is a clean cut. View this video to learn more.

"Board Game Board Material"

The game board, like the chits and tiles, should be ideally made out of cardboard. We recommend using a 2mm thick cardboard to keep the game board from bending out of shape. In that regard, the game board should also be made of high-quality, dense cardboard to prevent it from cracking, as there is a lot of weight applied on the seams during the folding and opening action.

However, unlike chits and tiles, which are best made with 250gsm paper, game boards are better off using 157gsm paper. As 250gsm is thicker, it will not allow the game board to fold completely flat and separate easily from the connected two pieces.

To ensure the thinner paper does not tare and that the game board does not crack in the seam, Hero Time offers a new reinforced game board with a fabric line holding the two pieces of the board. Ask us about it.

"Board Game Board Sizes"

In this component, there is a difference between large and small publishers. While large publishers can customize the paper size they get from the paper mill, small publishers need to stick to the standard dimensions to lower costs. We covered this in more depth in the series of How Much Does it Cost to Make a Board Game.

But to go straight to the point, here are the most cost-effective sizes, and they are divided by Small, Medium, and Large. The game board does not have to fit precisely to the size mentioned but can be within the given scope.

SMALL

360x390mm (14×15.3 inch)
380x430mm (15x17inch)

MEDIUM

390x540mm (15.3×21″)
430x580mm (16.9×22.8″) *430x580mm is not available for 500 sets, only 1000 sets and up.

LARGE

480x730mm (19×28.5″)
530×770 (21.3×30.3″)
540×840 (21.2×33″)

EXTRA LARGE

580x880mm (22.8×34.6″) This is available only from 1000 sets and up.
640*880mm (25×34.6″). From 2000 sets and up.

In addition to these sizes, there are two popular sizes for board games. However, they are not cost-effective for small publishers and will increase the price of the game.

These sizes are: 508x508mm (20x20inch) , 609x609mm (24x24inch). Due to the large waste in these sizes, it is best to have them only from 2000 sets and up.

"Board Game Board Template"

We are currently working on developing an automatic template generator. We will notify you when it is ready.

"Board Game Board Binding"

Boardgame boards can either be open edge or wrapped edge. Wrapped edge is about 0.15USD per board, so it is best to use it if you have only one board in your game. If you have multiple boards, it is better to use an open edge.

Download Our Free Board Game Safety Labeling Checklist

CE Mark/Certificate for Board Games.

What is the CE mark for?

Does my board game need a CE mark on it?

Whose name should be on the CE test report?

Is the CE mark on my board game applicable to other countries as well?

What does the CE standard tests include for board games?

How to get the CE standard check?

What documents will I need?

How Much does the CE Test Cost?

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Download Our Free Board Game Safety Labeling Checklist

What is the CPSC protocol?

What safety standards does the CPSC have for board games?

How to label a board game according to the CPSIA?

How to make sure my game passes the tests?

How much does a safety standard test cost?

Which testing lab should you use?

Download Our Free Board Game Manufacturing Brochure

The Basics of Board Game Manufacturing Costs

Raw Materials Cost

Paper & Cardboard Prices for Board Games

Board Game Printing Costs

Printing your board game is generally a fast process. We use modern, state-of-the-art machines that are capable of printing 10,000 sheets in one hour.

Variations of Machines

Coating and Card Linen Finish

Gluing & Cutting:

Cutting Method and Results

Assembly & Packaging:

Shipping Cartons

Contact Us

Download Our Free Board Game Manufacturing Brochure

Pricing for Board Game Printing Basics

Printing Plate and Paper Sizes for Board Games

Paper Size Categories

Offset Printing Paper Sizes

Small (S) Size Paper

Matching Printing Machine

Cost Range

Common Uses

Medium (M) Size Paper

Large (L) Size Paper

Important Notes:

Contact Us for Help

Download Our Free Board Game Manufacturing Brochure

1. Card Board Costs for Board Game Details:

2. The Different Grades of Card Board:

There are three levels of cardboard that can be used for a board game:

1. Standard (B) quality.

2. (A) quality dense/high dense.

3. (Double-A) Extra high density.

(as far as I know, only Hero Time uses extra high density).

3. Cost for Different Grades of Card Board:

Standard B Quality = 700USD per ton

A quality Dense/High Dense = 1070USD per ton

Hero Time’s Extra Dense cardboard = 1230USD per ton.

4. The Sheet Size Suitable for your Components:

we have six ways of cutting it most cost-effectively:

29.4*29.5cm (total print area 26*26) – (10*10inch)

29.4*39.4cm (Total Print area 26*36.cm) – (10*14inch)

39.4*44cm (Total Print area 36*41) – (14*16inch)

44*59cm paper (Total print area 41*56) – (16*22inch)

54*78cm (Total print area 51*75cm) – (20*29inch).

The large size paper is 59*88.2cm (Total print area 56*85cm) – (22*33inch)

The thickness of the cardboard

5. The Thickness of the Card Board:

we have six ways of cutting it most cost-effectively:

29.4*29.5cm (total print area 26*26) – (10*10inch)

29.4*39.4cm (Total Print area 26*36.cm) – (10*14inch)

39.4*44cm (Total Print area 36*41) – (14*16inch)

44*59cm paper (Total print area 41*56) – (16*22inch)

54*78cm (Total print area 51*75cm) – (20*29inch).

The large size paper is 59*88.2cm (Total print area 56*85cm) – (22*33inch)

700-1000gsm (1.25-1.5mm thick),

1200gsm (2mm thick),

2000gsm (3mm thick).

If you choose the thin 1.25-1.5mm(700-1000gsm), we can fit around 1000 master sheets in one ton.

2mm thick (1200gsm) means we can fit about 800 master sheets in one ton.

3mm thick cardboard (2000gsm) we can fit 500 sheets in one ton.

The size and cost of the sheets used in your game

**29.429.5cm (total print area 2626) – (10*10inch)**

**29.439.4cm (Total Print area 2636.cm) – (10*14inch)**

**39.444cm (Total Print area 3641) – (14*16inch)**

**4459cm paper (Total print area 4156) – (16*22inch)**

**5478cm (Total print area 5175cm) – (20*29inch).**

**The large size paper is 5988.2cm (Total print area 5685cm) – (22*33inch)**

**29.429.5cm (total print area 2626) – (10*10inch)**

**29.439.4cm (Total Print area 2636.cm) – (10*14inch)**

**39.444cm (Total Print area 3641) – (14*16inch)**

**4459cm paper (Total print area 4156) – (16*22inch)**

**5478cm (Total print area 5175cm) – (20*29inch).**

**The large size paper is 5988.2cm (Total print area 5685cm) – (22*33inch)**