Before we dive into printing, let’s take a moment to appreciate what board games truly are.
They’re not just a pastime—they’re a way to bring people together, away from screens and into real, face-to-face connection. Whether it’s a family night, a party with friends, or a strategy-filled competition, board games remind us how fun interaction can be.
Xinyi Card Game Factory offer you a cost-effective solution: printed directly from the source, with lower prices and high consistency.
When you begin designing and manufacturing your own board game, one of the most common questions is: what components should my board game include? A board game is more than just the board itself — it’s a combination of game pieces, printed elements, and design features that work together to create an engaging play experience.
For new designers and seasoned creators alike, understanding key game elements helps you plan both game mechanics and production. Whether you’re preparing for crowdfunding, retail release, or custom board game printing, this guide breaks down the most important parts your game could include.
What Should a Board Game Include?
The Game Board
The central element of any board game, the game board defines the playing area and visual theme of your game. Boards can be single-panel or folding, and may include modular sections that change with each playthrough. Choosing the right board shape and size helps ensure players have enough space to interact with components and game mechanics.
Cards and Decks
Game cards are versatile and can represent actions, resources, characters, events, and more. Most modern board games use printed card decks made from laminated cardstock for durability. Including custom artwork and icons enhances player engagement and supports the game narrative.
Regular card sizes:
| No. | Popular Size | Diamention | Corner radius |
| 1 | Mini American cards | 41mm x 63mm (1.61″ x 2.48″) | |
| 2 | Mini European cards | 44mm x 67mm (1.73″ x 2.64″) | |
| 3 | Bridge cards | 57mm x 89mm (2.25″ x 3.5″) | R4 |
| 4 | Poker cards | 63mm x 88mm (2.48″ x 3.46″) | R3 |
| 5 | Tarot cards | 70mm x 120mm (2.76″ x 4.72″) | R6 |
| 6 | Jumbo cards | 88.5mm x 126.5mm (3.46″ x 4.96″) | R5 |
| 7 | Small square cards | 64mm x 64mm (2.5″ x 2.5″) | R7 |
| 8 | Medium square cards | 70mm x 70mm (2.76″ x 2.76″) | R5.5 |
| 9 | Large square cards | 88.9mm x 88.9mm (3.5″ x 3.5″) | R7 |
Tokens, Counters, and Chips
Small components like tokens, counters, chips, and coins serve many functions — from tracking scores to showing player resources. These pieces are usually printed or molded and come in a range of shapes and materials, helping reinforce your game’s mechanics and theme.
Dice, Spinners & Randomizers
Small components like tokens, counters, chips, and coins serve many functions — from tracking scores to showing player resources. These pieces are usually printed or molded and come in a range of shapes and materials, helping reinforce your game’s mechanics and theme.
Player Pieces: Meeples, Miniatures & Pawns
Player representation ranges from simple meeples and pawns to detailed miniatures that visually enhance gameplay. Meeples are iconic for many strategy games, while miniatures add thematic depth and collector appeal. Your choice will depend on your game’s style and budget.
Rulebook and Instructions
Without rules, players can’t play your game. A clear, well-designed rulebook should explain gameplay mechanics, setup, and objectives. You can print this as a booklet or full-color manual to help players learn quickly and reduce confusion.
Custom Game Mats & Inserts
Beyond the basics, many designers include game mats for specialized play surfaces and custom inserts for component storage. These printed elements make setup easier and improve the overall player experience.
Game Box and Packaging
The first impression of your board game comes from its packaging. A strong custom game box not only protects all components, but also communicates theme, quality, and brand identity. High-quality board game printing services offer custom box design, inserts, and finishes for retail readiness.
Board Game Market Size
The global board game market has seen steady growth over the past few years. According to compiled market research data, the market size exceeded USD 3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach approximately USD 15 billion by 2025. This growth trend highlights the significant potential of the board game industry on a global scale. Research also shows that the market is predominantly led by Europe and North America. Europe holds the largest share, accounting for over 40% of the global market, while North America—especially the United States and Canada—represents another major region, with a large and active base of board game enthusiasts and consumers.
In 2023, the global board game market reached approximately RMB 20.1 billion. From 2019 to 2023, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was around %, and the market is expected to maintain a stable upward trajectory. By 2030, it is forecast to reach nearly RMB 37.5 billion, with a projected CAGR of 9.3% over the next six years.
As January 2025 approaches, a wave of new and highly anticipated board games is hitting the market, drawing attention from online retailers and gaming enthusiasts alike. This article will highlight some of the standout titles that are rising to the top, offering insights into the most in-demand products. Whether you are a retailer sourcing unique games or a wholesaler or enterprise looking to expand your offerings, these bestselling titles are sure to capture your customers’ interest.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for board game components — each game is unique and depends on your concept, mechanics, and audience. However, including a thoughtful mix of boards, cards, tokens, player pieces, clear instructions, and quality packaging will help ensure your game is playable, enjoyable, and ready for printing or manufacturing.
If you’re preparing your design for production, partnering with a professional custom board game printing and packaging provider can help bring your ideas to life with precision and quality — from prototype to final boxed product.
