Hello there! Are you interested in making your own card game? Well, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of creating and selling your very own card game. It’s an exciting journey that will require some effort, but it’s totally worth it. So, let’s get started!
Step 1: Determine the Gameplay
First things first, you need to figure out the gameplay for your card game. This is the foundation upon which your game will be built. If you’re looking to create a card game with entirely new mechanics, be prepared for a challenge. The process of refining the game mechanics can take years, involving playtesting, prototyping, and adjustments. However, if you’re using existing game mechanics and adapting them to your healthcare theme like I did, it becomes a bit easier.
Step 2: Find a Designer
Once you have your gameplay sorted out, it’s time to find a designer. You’ll need someone who can bring your vision to life, create captivating artwork for your cards, box art, and instruction manual. Look for talented designers on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Make sure to review their portfolios to find someone whose style matches your game’s aesthetic. Good communication is key, so choose a designer who is responsive and open to feedback.
Step 3: Seek a Manufacturer
Finding the right manufacturer is crucial for the success of your card game. Consider factors such as the expected volume of production, whether they offer on-demand printing, pricing per unit and volume discounts, availability of custom pieces, quality preferences, and manufacturing lead time. It’s a good idea to evaluate multiple vendors and even run test copies with a few. Personally, I chose to work with The Game Crafter due to their print-on-demand capabilities and card quality. However, you can explore both US and Chinese manufacturers, weighing the costs and benefits of each option.
Step 4: Select Your Sales Platform
Deciding where to sell your card game depends on various factors, such as your ability to generate demand, expected volume of sales, and your involvement in customer service and returns. You can either sell the game on your own website or use third-party marketplaces like Amazon. Selling on your website eliminates the need to pay marketplace fees, but you’ll have to handle customer service and fulfillment logistics. On the other hand, marketplaces like Amazon handle customer service, generate demand, and offer fulfillment services.
Step 5: Choose a Third-Party Logistics Company
If you decide to sell on platforms like Amazon and need assistance with order fulfillment, a third-party logistics company can be invaluable. Consider factors such as expected sales volume, turnaround time for inventory, fulfillment speed, geographic coverage, and any special packaging requirements. For my Amazon sales, I found it convenient to use Fulfilled By Amazon. It allowed me to qualify for Prime and benefit from their shipping rates. However, if you plan to sell on multiple platforms, you may want to explore options like Shipbob or Shipmonk.
Final Thoughts: The Economics
Creating and selling a card game involves costs, and it’s essential to consider the economics. After factoring in expenses like manufacturing, design, logistics, and marketplace fees, the profit margins per game can be relatively low initially. However, as order volumes increase and fixed costs get amortized, the margins can improve over time. It’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that the profitability may vary greatly based on factors like volume, pricing, and market demand.
That’s it! I hope this guide has given you some insight into the process of creating your own card game. It’s an exciting journey that allows you to bring your creative ideas to life. Whether you’re in it for the learning experience or hoping to make some profit, remember to enjoy the process and have fun along the way.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help!
Thinkboi out,
Nikhil
P.S. Special thanks to Peter Levin, the creator of the Incohearent card game, for generously sharing his knowledge and answering my many questions.
