Before you choose to work with a board game and card game manufacturer, you first need to understand which type of game manufacturer you need. Many game designers who are still in the development stage get in touch with mass manufacturers, while a lower quantity manufacturer might be more suitable for them. Essentially there are two types of board game and card game manufacturers: print-on-demand (POD) and mass manufacturers.
In this article we will outline the differences
What are Print on Demand (POD) Manufacturers of Games
Print-on-demand manufacturers specialize in producing low quantities of games, usually starting from 5 games and up. They are a great option for game designers who are looking to produce a limited run of their games before they launch their crowdfunding campaign. POD manufacturers use digital printing technology, CNC cutting, and manual gluing and coating processes to produce games on a per-order basis, so there is no need to maintain large quantities of inventory, and machines.
However, one of the drawbacks of using a POD manufacturer is that you need to handle the artwork set up on your own. This can be a challenge for designers who are not familiar with the technical aspects of game production. In addition, the sizes used in POD are fixed and cannot be adjusted to accommodate larger or smaller game components. This is because creating molds for the manufacturing process is a costly undertaking, and the small quantities produced by POD manufacturers do not justify the expense.
What are Mass Manufacturers of Board Games and Card Games
Mass manufacturers, on the other hand, specialize in producing high volumes of games. They use large manufacturing processes, such as offset printing, to create game components. This allows for more customization options, including the ability to produce larger or smaller game components. Mass manufacturers of board games also typically have in-house graphic design teams that can help with artwork setup and provide a more polished look for your game. You can check some videos of mass production on the Hero Time Youtube Channel
One of the major benefits of using a mass manufacturer is that they are able to produce games at a lower cost per unit. This is due to the economies of scale they can achieve by producing high volumes of games. Mass manufacturers also usually have established relationships with suppliers, which can help reduce the cost of materials and shipping.
Another advantage of using a mass manufacturer is that they often offer financing options, such as 50% deposit pre order, and 50% after the order was complete. You can check Hero Time payment structure here
POD VS Mass Manufacturer in Short
Print-on-Demand Manufacturers
- Focus on producing low quantities of games, typically starting from 5 games and up.
- Use digital printing technology to produce games on a per-order basis, so there is no need to maintain large inventory and machines
- Ideal for game designers looking to produce a limited run of their games, or looking for pre crowdfunding samples.
- Require the game designer to handle the artwork set up, which can be a challenge for those not familiar with game production technicalities.
- Have fixed sizes for the game components that cannot be adjusted, as creating molds is a costly process.
- Require payment upfront for the order.
- Ideal for designers who want to produce a sample run to promote their game before launching a crowdfunding campaign.
Mass Manufacturers
- Specialize in producing high volumes of games.
- Use traditional manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, to create game components.
- Offer more customization options, including the ability to produce larger or smaller game components.
- Typically have in-house graphic design teams that can assist with artwork setup and provide a polished look for the game.
- Produce games at a lower cost per unit, due to economies of scale achieved by producing high volumes of games.
- Usually have established relationships with suppliers, reducing the cost of materials and shipping.
- Offer financing options, such as consignment or pre-orders, to reduce the upfront cost of producing a game.
- Ideal for designers who want to produce a large volume of games and have more customization options.
