The Steps

Here are all the Steps on how to get a board game published, in sequential order:

Step 1: No one’s going to buy a board game without a board

Step 2: How to Stay Motivated (MVP)

Step 3: Be Versatile (MVP)

Step 4: Persistance Pays (MVP)

Step 5: What Comes First: Theme or Mechanic?

Step 6: Does your Theme Match the Game?

Step 7: The Need for Balance

Step 8: When to Make the First Prototype

Step 9: The Importance of Solo-Playtesting

Step 10: Pretty up your Prototype: Stage 1 – the Computer

Step 10: Pretty up your Prototype: Stage 2 – Tools and Resources part 1

Step 10: Pretty up your Prototype: Stage 2 – Tools and Resources part 2

Step 11: The Most Important Commodity: The Playtesters

Step 12: Honest Feedback? Honestly?

Step 13: To Self-Publish or Not To Self-Publish

Step 14: Create Sales Sheets

Step 15: Rules for Making Rules

Step 16: Elevator Pitch

Step 17: Finding Publishers

Step 18: Approaching a Publisher via E-Mail

Step 19: Conventions – Choosing the Right One

Step 20: Getting Your Game in Front of a Publisher: Preparing for a Convention

Step 21: Getting Your Game in Front of a Publisher: Packing

Step 22: Getting Your Game in Front of a Publisher: Now You’re at the Convention

Step 23: Getting Your Game in Front of a Publisher: Approaching the Publisher

Step 24: Getting Your Game in Front of a Publisher: Showcasing Your Game to a Publisher

Step 25: Getting Your Game in Front of a Publisher: Playing Your Game with a Publisher

Step 26: Getting Your Game in Front of a Publisher: Taking Feedback from a Publisher

Step 27: Getting Your Game in Front of a Publisher: Leaving the Game with a Publisher

Step 28: Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents

Step 29: The Big Wait (for Board Game Publishers to Respond!)

Step 30: Board Game Contract Negotiation, Part 1 of 3: The Offer

Step 30: Board Game Contract Negotiation, Part 2 of 3: The Money

Step 30: Board Game Contract Negotiation, Part 3 of 3: Rights

Step 31: Working with a Developer

Step 32: Working with an Artist

Step 33: Promoting your Game

18 thoughts on “The Steps”

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  13. Hey Jay, I don’t know if you guys have considered it before, but the info and experience you’re offering could be monetized. Have you ever thought of offering some paid services related to getting started and pushing to success in the game development industry? Like an eBook, or paid advisory sessions (like game dev coaching) where you’d go into much more detail than you do in the blog. Even help with brainstorming is worth a lot, and a lot of folks might pay you for your thoughts one-on-one.

    I know game development is what you got in for, but since you’re the kind of guy who likes to share your experiences so others can benefit, I bet you’d enjoy doing it for a living!

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