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Polyominoes

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nswoll
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Joined: 07/23/2010

Does anyone know where to get polyominoes printed?

I can use Blokus pieces and other DIY stuff for prototyping but now my game is in playtesting stage - preferably blind playtesting.

I can get almost the whole game published through Game Crafter or PrintPlay Productions but neither of those sites offer Token/Tiles shaped like polyominoes.

Any suggestions?

Summary: I want to send out highly polished versions of my game to be untested but one aspect - printed polyominoes- are not available anywhere that I can find.

questccg
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The Game Crafter (TGC)

Hmm... I don't think you are well informed. Why? Because The Game Crafter allows for CUSTOM shapes to be designed for making virtually any chipboard piece.

http://www.thegamecrafter.com/publish/product/CustomMediumPunchout

http://www.thegamecrafter.com/publish/product/CustomSmallPunchout

Look at the tower sample. If they can make a tower, don't you think you can create the shapes that your need? I don't know which size is more appropriate (Large, Medium or Small) ... but you can definitely DO IT!

One of those should be enough for handling your "polyominoes".

Cheers!

nswoll
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Joined: 07/23/2010
Interesting, I didn't see

Interesting, I didn't see that option.

It looks really hard without a template, but I'll give it a try.

questccg
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If you need help get on the CHAT

I've seen them talking before about the SVG files used to create the shapes.

You need to produce a SVG file in Illustrator (or some other tool) and allow for any bleed yourself... And then design the sheet with the shapes you require PER SHEET.

Okay while it's not the easiest thing. Get on the CHAT and ask someone to send you a sample SVG file. I'm sure someone has a sample to share.

Best!

Super-Tooned
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Or!

Another option you can go with is making your own shape. Go to Micheal's, Benjamin Franklin's, WalMart, or any other craft store and get thin wooden panels or sqaures. Cut out your shape from that. It definitely saves more money too and there is lower chance of getting the wrong shape.

In my opinion, The Game Crafter isn't reliable.

-Super

X3M
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Joined: 10/28/2013
Not sure how to put it in words.

Highly polished versions cannot be custom made. Unless you have a 3D printer or other refining tools. But that costs a lot.

I too suggest to go with game crafter. I have seen some of their work. So I know it 'can be' good. If you have all your stuff ready for official printing, try to contact someone from the game crafter. It is only to know for sure, if you are sure enough.

Also, if possible, show some pictures of what you expect to get. In these pictures, you actually show your own creation that closely resembles what you expect of them.

Their work is polished. Custom has a bit of random flaws in general.

The Game Crafter
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Check Out Our Tutorial Help Pages & Videos

Howdy!

This definitely sounds like something you can do through our print on demand service. The product you're looking to make are called Custom Punchouts. Visit our help page for various tutorials on how to make them and what other advanced products you can create with them.

Basic Introduction to Custom Punchouts:
http://help.thegamecrafter.com/article/201-custom-punchouts

List of Tutorials on Custom Punchouts:
http://help.thegamecrafter.com/search?query=custom+punchout

Hope that helps! If you have additional questions we recommend jumping into our "general chat" in the bottom right corner of our website. You can talk to hundreds of other game designers in the community who use The Game Crafter to make their games. It's great because you can get help in real-time from other users. You need to have a user account on www.thegamecrafter.com and be logged in to type into chat.

Otherwise, you're welcome to contact support by using the green "support" button on the right side of the page. We'll be in touch within 1 business day. Thanks!

Regards,

Tavis Parker
The Game Crafter

The Game Crafter
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Thanks for the referral

Thanks for sharing Questccg! We appreciate it.

questccg
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Joined: 04/16/2011
It's only hard the first time.

Designing your custom SVG files is only hard the FIRST time.

After that you'll be able to "print" multiple copies of the same template (or of several templates).

I would suggest to not go the hand crafting route, this will require you to do manual labor each time you want a prototype of your game...

You do the SVGs ONCE and then The Game Crafter can print out as many of them as you need. If you do one template per polyominoe and there are six (6) shapes per page, then you just need to figure out how many for each page.

I say six (6) because I'm just thinking in relative terms to the size of your shapes. I know the smaller template can handle ten (10) shapes but then your "objects" will be pretty small. You'll need to figure out how large you want those polyominoes to be.

Best.

Examples:

"OOOO" x 6 on one (1) Template. Each template produces 6 "bars" and then you just need to figure out how many "multiples" of six (6) you need. Rinse & repeat for other shapes too...

Super-Tooned
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Okay.

Okay. Game Crafter is an okay system but it's not reliable. Colors or shapes don't come in right. It cost a bit and takes a while for your order to come in. The hand crafting route might be more work but it's cheaper and you feel more fullfilled as a game designer in the end.

For my game right now, I'm taking the hand crafting route and it's better.

But what do I know? I'm not a "professional" game designer.

-Super

questccg
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There is a time for hand-made

Usually my FIRST prototype of a "version" of one of my designs is all made by hand. That version is only used by me and I do my own playtesting to see if the game is worth investing more time into it...

Then after a couple days of playing the game, I can determine if the game is worthy of a 2nd prototype. This prototype requires me to do a "nicer looking" version of the Black & White cards that I used before. And to get full color, I make and upload all my files to "The Game Crafter" (TGC).

Once done, I can order my own copy and then playtest with strangers. I've had many people comment to the "quality" of my prototypes. And TGC is a testament to great quality - especially cards.

From that point onwards, I don't use hand-made "anything". When I bring my prototypes to stores, people are already asking me "when the game will be available"... And my response is: "This version is still a prototype."

So good luck to you whichever road you choose. If you are already getting the remainder of your game done on TGC, my recommendation would be to go the custom punch-outs for your polyominoes.

But hey, that's just based on your OP ... saying you want something OTHER than a DIY solution.

Note: Hand-made and DIY prototypes are also great when playtesting with family and friends too! Usually when you go to a game store (FLGS) and bring a Black & White prototype, the patrons will be more critical of your game. This is because it's less professional looking than a prototype from TGC. Even if your cards are printed on your B&W Laser Printer, the odds that you have to pair them with standard playing cards (due to the rigidity) is one DIY solution.

But getting people close to you (family and friends) is a GOOD test for your game. Family may be supportive but your friends will probably be honest enough to tell you if your game has potential.

I don't want to discourage DIY development, it's just that at the stage you are referring to (Blind Playtesting) ... DIY parts may "cheapen" a fairly high quality prototype that you've invested time and effort to have made by a service like TCG.

Super-Tooned
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Fine.

Okay. I'm not gonna argue over which is better. Hope you come to a decision. Good luck on your game.

-Super

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