Boda Games Manufacturing

September 13, 2023 In Boda Games, Design

Adding a Finish part 1: Spot UV & Hot Foil Stamping

In this series we will take a closer look at the types of finish you can add to board game components. They are commonly used on the game boxes in order to help the artwork stand out. But can also be applied to other paper components such as punchboards, game boards, cards and more. The first two that we will discuss are the ones most commonly found when you look around at a board game store. These are spot UV and hot foil stamping. What do these terms mean exactly? And what kind of effect do they add to your components. And more importantly: how does the manufacturing process work? One of the nice things about being a board game manufacturer is that we apply a lot of different techniques that are normally only used in specific parts of the printing industry. As board game publishers and designers continue to seek out new ways to make their game. We keep on expanding our portfolio of technologies. As a result, our board game manufacturing capabilities include a lot of specialized printing techniques. The two that we will discuss today are printing techniques that aim to enhance the visual appeal of printed materials....

July 24, 2023 In Boda Games, Conventions

Gencon 2023 – Boda Games booth 2603 + First Exposure Hall

With excitement in the air and dice rolling, the biggest board game convention in America, Gencon, is just around the corner. We are thrilled to announce that Boda Games will be exhibiting at Gencon, taking place August 3 to 6. With not one, but two booths, we are all set to make a big splash and connect with the thriving board game community! Our presence at Gencon is not just about showcasing our manufacturing services and products; it's about fostering creativity, forging new partnerships, and bringing innovative board game ideas to life. With booths in the main hall (booth 2603) and the First Exposure hall, we have a fantastic opportunity to engage with publishers, designers, and fellow gamers alike. For those who are unfamiliar with Boda Games, we take pride in being a leading name in the board game manufacturing industry. With years of experience and a passion for crafting high-quality games, we have had the honor of bringing numerous successful board games to life. Our dedication to excellence and attention to detail have earned us the trust of game creators worldwide. Boda Games' booths at Gencon In the main hall, you'll find us at booth 2603, where we will be showcasing some of...

July 14, 2023 In Boda Games, Pre Production

Artwork guides – white lines when exporting to PDF

White lines that appear in exported PDF's are a common question we get from customers. In the process of preparing all the artwork for their board game, artwork files are commonly exported as PDF's. These PDF's are sent to Boda Games and we check whether they are ok for manufacturing. Quite often we get concerned messages from customers who cannot understand why their exported PDF is showing white lines. And more importantly, whether these white lines will show up when we start printing the paper components. We will explain why the white lines appear when exporting to a PDF and how to prevent that from happening. In this guide, we are using InDesign from Adobe. [caption id="attachment_25530" align="aligncenter" width="486"] Another example of artifacts appearing in a PDF file[/caption] Why white lines are visible First of all, in general the white lines that are visible will not show when printing on a high resolution device, even if they are visible on low resolution devices such as monitors. The reason these appear is due to image flattening in combination with anti-aliasing and the existence of transparency effects in the file. When you flatten on export, the page gets cut up into pieces. The way the...

June 15, 2023 In Conventions

Origins 2023 – Boda Games booth 1030

It's that time of year again when the gaming community converges upon Columbus, Ohio for one of the most exciting events in the industry – Origins 2023. As proud members of the vibrant board game community, we at Boda Games are thrilled to announce our participation in this great convention. With our booth number 1030, we extend a warm invitation to all publishers and game designers to join us for an unforgettable experience. Boda Games recognizes the immense potential and value that comes from sharing ideas and insights, and we are eager to engage with publishers and game designers who are passionate about their craft. Visit Our Booth: Our booth, located at number 1030, will be a hub of excitement and inspiration. We invite everyone to drop by and explore the world of Boda Games. Our team of experts will be on hand to showcase our manufacturing capabilities, discuss various production methods, and present a wide range of components that can elevate the gaming experience to new heights. We're bringing all our different samples boxes, brochures and many examples of components for you to see, touch and bring home. Discuss New Projects: Are you a publisher with a groundbreaking game concept that needs the...

June 15, 2023 In Boda Games, Conventions

Origins 2023 Game of the Year nominations

We are thrilled to announce that four outstanding board games, developed by our esteemed customers, have been nominated for the prestigious Origins Game of the Year Awards 2023. To Adam's Apple Games, Smirk & Dagger and Fireside Games, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the talented teams behind these exceptional games, whose creativity and innovation have captured the attention of the gaming industry. Their nominations for the Origins Game of the Year Awards serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to crafting immersive and engaging experiences for players around the globe. As a manufacturing company, we are honored to have played a small part in their remarkable achievements. Once again, congratulations to the deserving teams behind these remarkable board games! Your passion, talent, and dedication have earned you well-deserved recognition in the gaming industry. We eagerly await the announcement of the winners and will be cheering for you every step of the way. Below are each of the nominated games. Boop - Smirk & Dagger Games Boop: A deceptively cute, deceivingly challenging abstract strategy game for two players. Every time you place a kitten on the bed, it goes “boop.” Which is to say that it pushes every other kitten on the...

May 25, 2023 In Boda Games, Conventions

UKGE 2023 – Boda Games

UK Games Expo 2023 - June 2nd until June 4th! The biggest board game convention in the United Kingdom is back for another year. And with more exhibitors, more events and bigger than ever before. Once again held in the amazing NEC Convention Center and Hilton Hotel in Birmingham, the UK Games Expo 2022 promises to be 3 days of non stop fun for all board game fans out there. What can we expect at the UK Games Expo this year? From their UKGE : “UK Games Expo (UKGE) is the largest Tabletop Games Convention in the UK – where all aspects of the tabletop gaming hobby are represented under one roof. The next UKGE will be from Friday 3rd June to Sunday 5th June 2022 at the NEC, Birmingham and Hilton Metropole Hotel. At UKGE there are two huge halls full of exhibitors who want to show you their games. You can see them, you can try them out, and if you like them you can buy them. We also have a huge library of games to borrow and play on hundreds of tables of open gaming – open for anyone to play anything in. You can also meet costumed groups dressed as your...

May 22, 2023 In Boda Games

Certification of quality Boda Games

As a company that specializes in OEM manufacturing of board games for publishers, Boda Games Manufacturing takes pride in its commitment to quality. In order to ensure that our products meet the highest standards. We have obtained several certifications from reputable organizations. Below is an outline of the different quality certifications that Boda Games holds. FSC Certification The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organization that promotes responsible management of the world's forests. FSC certification ensures that the paper and wood used in our products comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. By choosing FSC certified paper, our customers can be confident that they are supporting sustainable forestry practices. BSCI Certification The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) is a European initiative that aims to improve working conditions in factories worldwide. BSCI certification ensures that our products are manufactured in facilities that provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights. This certification demonstrates our commitment to ethical business practices and the well-being of our employees. Disney FAMA Certification The Disney FAMA (Facility and Merchandise Authorization) program is designed to ensure that products featuring Disney characters and imagery. Meet Disney's strict standards for safety, quality, and ethical production....

April 11, 2023 In Boda Games, Conventions

Boda Games @ GAMA 2023 in Reno

The GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association) Trade Show is an annual event that brings together publishers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and other industry professionals in the tabletop games industry. This year's event is set to take place in Reno, Nevada from April 24th to April 28th, 2023. At the GAMA fair, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and experts, attend seminars and workshops on various topics related to the industry, and check out the latest products and services offered by vendors and manufacturers. This event is also a great opportunity for businesses in the tabletop games industry to network, form new partnerships, and discover new opportunities for growth and expansion. Boda Games Manufacturing's participation in the GAMA fair is a clear indication of their commitment to the industry and their desire to connect with publishers and other industry players. We are excited to see what new developments and opportunities will arise from our participation in this year's event! If you're a publisher attending the GAMA fair in Reno and are interested in learning more about Boda Games Manufacturing's services, we'd love to hear from you! We invite you to contact us to set up a meeting during the fair. During the meeting, you'll...

April 10, 2023 In Boda Games, Tutorial

Packaging board games

When it comes to packaging board games, there are two common methods: shrink-wrapping and using stickers to close the box. While both methods achieve the same goal of securing the contents inside the box, they differ in several ways, and each method has its own unique benefits. Shrink-wrap packaging Shrink-wrapping involves using a plastic film that is wrapped tightly around the entire box and then heated to create a seal. The primary advantage of shrink-wrapping is that it creates a tamper-proof seal that cannot be easily removed or resealed without leaving obvious signs of tampering. This makes it an excellent option for games that are being sold in retail stores or shipped long distances, as it provides an extra layer of protection against damage and theft. Sealing stickers packaging In contrast, using stickers to close the box is a method using less plastic. This involves placing a strip of adhesive tape or a sticker over the opening of the box. Between the top and bottom part, to keep it closed. Normally, we place 2 stickers on each side of the box to make sure it is sealed well, but for bigger games this can even be increased to 4 stickers. With one on each...

April 6, 2023 In Boda Games, Pre Production

Board Game Prototypes

Board game prototypes for marketing and promotion can be a powerful tool for generating buzz. And building interest in your board game. By creating demo versions of your game, you can give potential customers a taste of what your game has to offer. And create excitement around your product. It also allows you to draw attention with the artwork of the game and generate interest. How to best use board game prototype There are a few key strategies for using prototypes in marketing and promotion: Create demo versions of your game: A demo version of your game is a simplified, shortened version that can be played in a shorter amount of time. This allows potential customers to try out your game and get a feel for how it plays without committing to a full game. You can use these demos at events and conventions to introduce your game to a wider audience. Use prototypes in your marketing materials: A prototype can be a powerful visual aid in your marketing materials. By showing potential customers what your game will look like and how it will play. You can generate excitement and anticipation for the final product. You can use prototypes to gather feedback. Then, you can...