Finding a Manufacturer
I want these blog posts to be an insight into what I have learned from development. But even more than that, I plan to use this as a news page to keep followers updated on the status of the game! In this article, I start this transition - I will be giving an update on the state of manufacturing for the game.
You can have the greatest game idea in the world, but if you can't physically make it, no one will be able to play it. But I don't know the first thing about making and printing playing cards! So how does a game designer get over this hurdle? Well, there are a few options.
When I was first developing the game and playtesting with my friends, we played digitally. This was perfect for fast iteration. We would play a round, and a friend would say "hey, the text on this card makes no sense!" In a matter of minutes, we can have the card updated and continue playing without missing a beat. We will see this is a much quicker turnaround then our future options.
For building a prototype, some manufacturers offer on-demand manufacturing. With this, I can browse a website catalog of common game pieces (playing cards, dice, punchouts, etc.) and upload my own art. About 1 month and $20 later, I can have a prototype of the game! This is great for the next state of development: now I can take the game to friends who maybe aren't tech-skilled enough to have a digital card game simulator, and I can get their feedback as well.
But you might have caught the issue with on-demand manufacturing. If the cost to make each game is $20, there's a very small profit margin on each game, that definitely will not cover the other costs of development. (art, legal, shipping, etc.) Which means it's now time to talk to a manufacturer. These people will make physical copies of the game for much cheaper at the trade-off of only selling in bulk. This is perfect for selling the game to backers and buyers!
This is the stage Ducks in a Row is at currently. I have received a few quotes from different manufacturers. I have to keep in mind proof and die costs as well as potential tariffs on manufacturers outside of the US before I make a final decision, but this will be happening soon! Thank you all for the patience as we get this game ready for you all!
Happy Trails!