Crowdfunding has given the card and board game industries a huge boost. Nowadays amateur game designers all over the world are doing their utmost to release the next big thing, using funding from fans as a means to get started. However, with increased popularity comes increased competition!

If you're currently in the process of making a card game, these tips will help.

Pick a Relevant Theme

When you're designing a card game, mechanics are your number one priority. After all, they are what actually make a good game once you've formed the base game, design characters, storylines, items and objectives around it. While you may be passionate about fantasy, the graphic design may be more suited to a futuristic sci-fi or Lovecraftian horror. Trying to force a theme into a game without having mechanics that compliment the style and vibe will only worsen the experience.

Choose Original Typography

This is probably the most important element of branding. If your card game is a Gothic horror, Times New Roman or Courier just won't look right. In this case an old-English or calligraphy font would be more suitable. There's a reason why certain fonts are used time and time again to represent certain themes – because they work!

In addition, your typography should be seamlessly integrated with the graphic design across the entire game, from the box to the instruction manual. This not only strengthens the brand, but will create a more immersive experience. While there are plenty of free fonts available, sometimes hiring a graphic designer who has actually played your game and understands exactly what you're looking for is more suitable.

Find a Unique Art Style

One of the reasons why so many people buy card and board games is for the artwork. First impressions are everything, and if your art doesn't hook the customer, then it doesn't matter how great your game is. Unless you're an artist yourself or know somebody who is willing to help, the artwork design will more than likely be your biggest expense. Think about your favourite board game designs, pick and steal the elements you'd like to use, and find a graphic designer who can present them in a unique way.

Limit In-Game Components

Most card games require more than the cards themselves. If you have punchboard for tokens or other in-game components, try to have them all printed on a single sheet of card. Creating the template is generally a bigger expense than the printing itself; therefore, if you can fit it all into a single space, you'll save money. In addition, speak to your manufacturer before you finalise the game to find out how many cards can fit on each printed sheet. If they can only fit 52, but you require 56 cards, then removing four from the game will make it more cost efficient. 

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