Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of board game card design? Buckle up because we’re about to dive deep into the essential steps to create cards that will make your players go “Wow!” and keep them coming back for more.
But before we get started, let me tell you a little story. Back in 2022, Amy and Dustin were high school sweethearts and nerds. They approached us at LaunchBoom. They had an idea for a board game called Botany. It had Victorian-era intrigue. It also had madcap adventures and beautiful flowers. We were thrilled to help them bring their vision to life!
The stunning card designs were crucial to the game’s success. They captivated players with detailed art. The art was intricate and drew people in. The game was immersive. Botany made the designs. And guess what? With LaunchBoom’s help, Botany beat its funding goal in just 16 minutes. It raised over $1M on Kickstarter.
So, what’s the secret sauce behind designing board game cards that stand out and leave a lasting impression? Let’s find out together as we explore how to design board game cards!
Key Takeaways
- Cards are the unsung heroes of board games. They shape the game and engage players.
- A game world, great art, and smooth mechanics are the pillars of good card design.
- Follow our 10-step process to go from concept to creation, and watch your cards come to life!
Contents
What Are Cards in Board Games and Why Are They Important?
Cards are the heart and soul of many board games. They are not just cardboard. They are the storytellers. They drive action and create immersion. Whether they represent characters, events, or resources, cards have the power to make or break your game.
Think about it: when you sit down to play a board game, what’s the first thing you do? You reach for the cards! They’re the gateway to the game world, and their design can either draw players in or leave them feeling disconnected.
Take the Alpha Clash Trading Card Game, for example. This Kickstarter sensation raised an impressive $422,809. It did so thanks to its visually striking and well-designed cards. The vibrant artwork and clear layout made the game accessible and engaging for players of all skill levels.
3 Considerations when Developing a Card Game
1. Game World: Building an Immersive Universe
Close your eyes and imagine the game world you want to create. Is it a fantastical realm filled with mythical creatures, or a gritty, noir-inspired city? The game world is the foundation upon which your cards will be built, influencing every aspect of their design.
Take Codex, for example. This is a strategy card game. David Sirlin created it. It takes players to a high-fantasy world through its vivid art. Each card feels like a window into a rich universe. It makes the gameplay experience more engaging.
2. Artwork & Production: Crafting Visual Masterpieces
Your cards are mini works of art, and their visual appeal is just as important as their functionality. Invest in high-quality artwork that brings your game world to life and captures the essence of each card.
The Dresden Files cooperative card game is based on Jim Butcher’s popular urban fantasy book series. It is a prime example of how great art and detailed character cards can capture the spirit of a beloved IP. They create a visually engaging experience for fans.
3. Game Mechanics: The Gears That Keep the Fun Going
At the core of every addictive card game are well-oiled game mechanics. They dictate how your cards interact, how players make decisions, and how the game flows. Aim for a balance between complexity and accessibility. Make sure your mechanics are easy to grasp but offer enough depth to keep players engaged.
Hero Realms is a fantasy-themed deck-building game. It shows the value of making cards that look different and are easy to recognize. In a game where players must quickly assess and react to the cards in their hand, clear and concise card layouts are a must.
10 Steps to Design Board Game Cards
1. Define Your Game’s Purpose
Before putting pen to paper (or stylus to tablet), ask yourself: what do I want my players to feel when they play my game? Is it the thrill of strategic decision-making, the excitement of exploring a new world, or the joy of bonding with friends over a shared experience?
Consider the success of Creed’s Codex. It’s a 5E supplement that launched on Kickstarter with help from LaunchBoom. The creator, Brendan Jonesrebandt, had a clear vision for his game’s purpose. It was to provide great content that improves players’ experiences. This focus guided his card design decisions. It helped him create a product that resonated with his target audience, demonstrating how to design board game cards and how to design your own card or board game effectively.
2. Craft a Compelling Theme and Story
A strong theme and narrative are the threads that weave your cards together and give them purpose. Whether you’re creating a world of feuding factions or a whimsical land of talking animals, ensure that your theme is cohesive and captivating.
3. Choose the Right Type of Card Game
Will your game be a deck-builder, a trading card game, or a standalone adventure? Each type comes with its own set of design considerations and player expectations. Understanding these nuances will help you make informed decisions about your card design and mechanics.
4. Generate Ideas and Conduct Research
Inspiration is everywhere! Look to existing games, literature, art, and real-world experiences to fuel your creativity and spark unique ideas. Analyze successful card games in your chosen genre and identify what makes them tick.
5. Develop Engaging Game Mechanics
Game mechanics are the gears that keep your cards in motion. Craft mechanics that are intuitive, balanced, and, most importantly, fun! Consider factors like turn order, resource management, and player interaction. And remember: playtesting is your best friend when you’re learning how to make card designs for board games!
6. Design Eye-catching Visuals
Work with talented artists. Together, create a cohesive and captivating visual style. It should match your game’s theme and mechanics. Pay attention to card layout, typography, and iconography to ensure that your cards are both visually appealing and easy to read.
7. Strike a Balance Between Form and Function
While gorgeous artwork is a plus, never sacrifice playability for aesthetics. Use visual cues, like color-coding and symbols, to convey important information at a glance. And don’t forget about practical considerations, such as card size and durability.
8. Incorporate Player Feedback
Your players are your greatest asset! Seek out feedback from playtesters and potential customers to refine your design, clarify rules, and enhance the overall gameplay experience. Remember: designing a great card game is an iterative process, and player input is invaluable when you design board game cards.
9. Embrace Iterative Design and Testing
Designing the perfect board game cards rarely happens on the first try. Be prepared to experiment, tweak, and refine your design based on playtesting results and player feedback. The more you iterate, the stronger your final product will be.
10. Collaborate and Conquer
No designer is an island! Collaborate with artists, fellow designers, and industry professionals to bring fresh perspectives and insights to your card design. Embrace the power of teamwork to create something truly extraordinary.
Real-Life Inspiration: Successful Kickstarter Card Games
Need a dose of inspiration? Check out these wildly successful Kickstarter card games that nailed their board game card designs:
- Exploding Kittens
With its quirky artwork and laugh-out-loud gameplay, Exploding Kittens took the world by storm, raising a whopping $8.8 million from 219,382 backers!
- Joking Hazard
This hilarious party game, created by the minds behind the popular webcomic Cyanide & Happiness, proved that combining comic strip panels and player creativity is a recipe for success.
- Bears vs. Babies
From the makers of Exploding Kittens comes this absurdly adorable monster-building card game that captured the hearts (and pledges) of over 85,000 backers.
- Vicious Gardens
Created by Ross Bruggink, Vicious Gardens is a fun yet strategic card game where players compete to become the Official Master Gardener. This game stands out with its stunning artwork and engaging mechanics, which involve growing eccentric plants and sabotaging opponents. The Kickstarter campaign for Vicious Gardens quickly surpassed its funding goal, thanks to its captivating theme and well-crafted card design.
Final Thoughts
Phew, that was quite the journey! But don’t worry, you’re now equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to create board game cards that will make players’ jaws drop and their hearts race.
Remember: designing great cards is a labor of love. It requires passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow. But the payoff – seeing players fall in love with your game and clamor for more – is absolutely worth it. By following these steps on how to design board game cards, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable gaming experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sketchpad, gather your team, and start designing the next big hit in the world of board games! And when you’re ready to bring your creation to life, book a call with a LaunchBoom expert today. We’ve helped countless creators achieve crowdfunding success, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
How To Design Board Game Cards: Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure that my board game cards are durable and long-lasting?
Choose high-quality cardstock and finishes like linen or UV coating, and work closely with your manufacturer to ensure your cards meet your specifications.
What’s the best way to collaborate with artists when designing board game cards?
Provide a detailed design brief, share reference images, schedule regular check-ins, and be open to the artist’s creative input and suggestions.
How many cards should I include in my board game?
The number of cards depends on factors like gameplay length, complexity, and intended audience. Playtest with different quantities to find the sweet spot for your game.
What’s the best software for designing board game cards?
Popular options include Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Canva for beginners, and specialized software like nanDECK and Strange Eons for tabletop game design.
How can I make my board game cards stand out in a crowded market?
Focus on creating a unique theme, engaging gameplay mechanics, eye-catching visuals, and design with your target audience in mind. Don’t be afraid to take risks and think outside the box.
