JAJT
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I started a puzzle business, which is a quite a bit different from board games, but I am a board game nut and considered starting my own board games before.
The biggest issue right now it seems is that shipping costs are getting absurd and the general attitude from developers in the market is frustration. They are being quoted one price at the onset, then receiving double that price by the time it's done. Will people pay $120 for a game that looks like it should be playing in the $60 price range? That's the concern.
If you're interested in reading about Stonemaier's story (Scythe, Wingspan, Viticulture, etc) and kickstarter approach, there's an EXCELLENT resource at their site, here:
Crowdfunding Lessons Full List
This is a compilation of all of Jamey’s posts for crowdfunders, creators, and entrepreneurs. You can support this blog by becoming a Stonemaier Champion. If you don’t have time to read …
stonemaiergames.com
There's a popular Chinese manufacturer (started by Americans, I think?) that you can also look into, that many board game makers like using, here:
Panda Game Manufacturing
pandagm.com
Personally it's not something I'd get into, even if I had a killer idea. It's just a brutal industry to compete in and unless you really, really knock it out of the park, you're likely in for a lifestyle business where you do it for the love, not for the success.
Cards Against Humanity is probably the most successful "board game" (card game) I can think of where an indie company struct just absolute gold. I have to imagine those founders are sitting on a huge pile of gold right now with everything they've done since initial release. Everyone copied them to absolute death and they basically popularized the entire genre of "adult / shock" gaming but I'm really hard pressed to think of how someone could replicate this kind of success without looking like another knock-off.
A game that's getting a lot of interest, and I think is worth exploring as a genre more, is "The Crew". It's essentially a trick taking game like you've played a million times before, but with a story and challenges thrown in. It's ultra addictive, easy to get to the table, challenging, and is hitting a lot of "best of 2020/2021" lists despite literally being the card game "Oh Hell" with extra steps. I think any smart money right now would look at timeless classics and facelift them into more of a "board game" experience like The Crew did.
Hope these thoughts help
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