So you've designed a board game or card game, and now you want to hold a real, finished copy in your hands. Turning a great idea into a manufactured product is very doable — but it helps to know the steps before you start. Here's the whole process, start to finish, in plain English.
Step 1: Finalize your game design and rules
Before anything gets printed, your game needs to be truly finished. That means the rules are complete and clear, the card list is locked, and you know exactly what's in the box. Manufacturing is the wrong stage to still be tweaking gameplay — every change after this point costs time and money. Read your rules out loud, have other people play without you in the room, and fix anything confusing now.
Step 2: Make a prototype
A prototype is a physical, made-to-order sample of your game. It's the single best way to catch problems before you commit to a full production run — you get to see the real card stock, the real box, and how everything fits together. Prototypes are also invaluable if you're planning a Kickstarter, since backers and reviewers want to see a tangible product. At Chicago Game and Card, prototypes are our specialty, and they cost the least when included with a manufacturing order.
Step 3: Prepare print-ready files
Your artwork has to be set up correctly for a printing press — this is where a lot of first-time creators get tripped up. In general, a manufacturer will need:
- High-resolution PDFs (300 dpi for cards, 600 dpi for boards and boxes)
- Trim marks and bleeds, so nothing important gets cut off at the edges
- Vector artwork, with all fonts converted to outlines
- Files set up to the manufacturer's templates and specifications
Don't worry if that sounds technical — a good manufacturer will send you templates and tell you exactly what they need. If your files aren't perfect yet, that's normal at the quoting stage.
Step 4: Choose your components
This is the fun part: deciding what actually goes in the box. Every component is a choice that affects the feel, durability, and cost of your game. Common pieces include:
- Cards — card count, size (poker or bridge), stock, and finish (a linen finish holds up best to heavy shuffling)
- Game boards — fold-out boards in standard or custom sizes
- Boxes — from simple tuck boxes to rigid, magnetic-closure keepsake boxes
- Pieces — pawns, dice, tokens, chips, spinners, sand timers, and custom parts
- Rules — a folded sheet or a full printed booklet
Step 5: Get a manufacturing quote
Once you know your components and quantities, you're ready for a quote. Costs depend on how many copies you're making, what's in the box, and whether you produce domestically or overseas — so the accurate way to price a game is to share your specs and get a real number back. The more detail you provide (card count, sizes, box style, quantities, and your timeline), the more precise your quote will be.
Step 6: Approve proofs, then produce
After you place an order, you'll review a proof — a preview of how your game will actually print. This is your last chance to catch typos or color issues, so review it carefully. Once you approve, manufacturing begins. Production timelines vary: a domestic run is typically faster, while overseas production is cheaper but adds shipping time.
Step 7: Fulfillment and shipping
Finally, your finished games need to get where they're going — whether that's your garage, a fulfillment warehouse, or straight to Kickstarter backers. Many manufacturers offer storage and fulfillment services, shipping via UPS, FedEx, DHL, or USPS. If you're running a crowdfunding campaign, plan this step early so you're not scrambling after the games arrive.
USA or overseas: which is right for you?
Overseas manufacturing usually wins on price for large runs, but it comes with longer lead times, higher minimums, and less hands-on communication. Domestic (made-in-USA) production costs more per unit but offers faster turnaround, lower minimums, and a real person you can call. For prototypes, small runs, and first-time creators, domestic is often the smarter choice — and you can always scale up later.
Ready to make your game?
Chicago Game and Card has manufactured hundreds of board and card games over 35+ years — from single prototypes to full production runs, made right here in the USA. Tell us about your project and we'll send you an exact quote.