Hi, I'm a newbie here but wanted to get some feedback on a question I have. At present I have my boardgame ready for the first professional prototype, all artwork sorted etc but still debating on whether to go for plastic or moulded pieces. It is a 2-8 player boardgame and would either be 8 different coloured plastic standard pieces shaped like pawns from Chess, or moulded pieces depicting a character from the game, obviously this would be a huge expense, what I need to know is do you think it is worth doing, or, if the game is good enough will the plastic pieces be ok.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Many thanks.
Plastic or Moulded Pieces?
Mon, 10/05/2009 - 16:44
Mon, 10/05/2009 - 19:45
#1
If you can use the cheaper
If you can use the cheaper pieces and they accurately depict what you're looking for and are easy enough to differentiate, then I suggest going for it. If this is a game that you are basically creating for your family and friends with no intentions of pursuing publishing, then maybe the extra expense of really nice pieces is more justified.
Personally, I'm cheap. Go with the pawn pieces.
Tue, 10/06/2009 - 01:22
#2
I am . . .
. . . all for bits.
If I saw two similar games--one with generic pawns, and one with cool sculpts-- I would always buy the sculpts, as long as it wasn't that much more.
If your print run is small however, it WILL be a lot more.
Okay. I totally missed a little bit of the original post, but I blame the poster above me who also seems to have! :P
If it's just a prototype, don't waste money on custom molds. If the game is good, play-testers and potential publishers will see that.
:)
Tue, 10/06/2009 - 08:39
#3
In addition to being cheap,
In addition to being cheap, I'm also claiming to be barely literate so that I can continue to misread things. :)
Tue, 10/06/2009 - 10:07
#4
ShopGirl ...
What do you plan
ShopGirl ...
What do you plan to do with the prototype? What is your ultimate goal for the game?
Are you going to use it for showing to publishers, submitting to contests, playtesting it with family/friends/strangers, etc.?
-Bryk
Fri, 10/09/2009 - 13:32
#6
Caveat Emptor
Many thanks for the tips, we are actually getting our first prototype made in China and putting in our first order if that comes back ok, we have our trademark now and pre-sales are in place based on our "home-made" prototype, I am just in two minds about the plastic pawns, but am going to look at getting someone to design it and then email over to manufacturers to see how much it would cost to get the mould done as I think that is the way to go, but instead of eight different moulds, just the one in different colours to add a little bit of originality to the game, rather than normal plain pawns.
Gets proofs, real physical copies of everything before approving the print run. Chinese game manufacturers are notorious for problems. This may be due to miscommunication or corner cutting. I don’t know but I do know several publishers that had serious issues with quality.
Thu, 10/22/2009 - 15:46
#7
Hi!
I have created a word
Hi!
I have created a word game consisting of a plurality of playing pieces. I am currently using the tiles from another game but I will be getting a professional prototype eventually. Will you recommend to me the company you are getting your prototype? I would appreciate it very much if you will be able to forward to me the company's name and the company's background as well as your experience working with them. I am very much interested to find out how much it would cost to get the mould done for all the pieces, approx 30.
Thank you!
Fri, 10/23/2009 - 15:41
#8
I can mold pieces
I can mold pieces for your game out of plastic. If you send me the sculpted pieces I can give you a very reasonable quote. Contact me directly at gto@iowatelecom.net
Be sure to put "Game Pieces Needed" in the subject line.
Sat, 10/24/2009 - 03:30
#9
game pawns
Naturally, custom pieces are always the coolest! :)
If you do end up deciding to go with generic game pawns, you don't necessarily have to use boring old joystick pawns! We've been expanding our inventory of game pawns and accessories and you can check them out at: http://www.thegamecrafter.com/shop/game-parts. We've got some cool stuff like pirates, spaceships, planes, avatars, rockets, tanks, submarines, avatars, pegs, printable tokens, and a whole pile of other stuff. We try to add new parts every month and if you have suggestions on what to add, leave us a suggestion on the Ideas forum! We'll do our best to get them in-stock.
It's very exciting to get that first prototype built and in your hands! I hope everything comes out to your liking. Cheers!
Sat, 10/24/2009 - 21:38
#10
We can make prototypes for you
We're mainly manufacturer in rapid prototyping and molding from china,apply to Medical Equipment,Auto Parts,Electronic and Toy's Area etc. Our main service:
kinds of Moulds(Lead time: 15 to 35 days)
Rapid Prototyping(Lead time: 2 to 5 days)
SLA(Lead time: 2 to 5 days)
Metal/Plastic Parts production/CNC Machining Parts(Lead time: 3 to 5 days)
Die casting mold(Lead time: 2+ weeks)
We have experiences in this area than 10 years, Rainbow Rapid Manufacturing Company offers the best of the west,but at One-tenth of the price.
If you has any questions,pls contact us freely.
CoCo
Rainbow Rapid Manufacturing Co.,Ltd
http://www.china-rapidprototype.com
Phone: +86 133 4723 0346
Email:sales@rainbow-prototype.com
MSN:song8860@126.com
Skype:paioyi5212002
Sun, 12/21/2014 - 22:02
#11
Plastic or Moulded Pieces?
Plastic or Moulded Pieces?
Learn more you can Click Here.
Email:saler@foxconn-precision.com
Contact us!
Tue, 12/23/2014 - 23:36
#12
3D printing
I would look into 3D printing for your prototypes.Then using the design files get your quotes and samples. The compare them to your 3D printed prototype.
Using 3D printing for prototyping is less expensive then getting a mold made only to find the parts don't look like you envisioned.
Many thanks for the tips, we are actually getting our first prototype made in China and putting in our first order if that comes back ok, we have our trademark now and pre-sales are in place based on our "home-made" prototype, I am just in two minds about the plastic pawns, but am going to look at getting someone to design it and then email over to manufacturers to see how much it would cost to get the mould done as I think that is the way to go, but instead of eight different moulds, just the one in different colours to add a little bit of originality to the game, rather than normal plain pawns.