Size Matters, but not how you think.

To start, there is no one way to design a gameboard. My process to build a gameboard ALWAYS starts with the question: "What size is it going to be?"

Simple right? That's an easy question to answer, gameboard size, or maybe square...or could it be like a map? This unclear question of size is a lesson we learned the hard way. Let's say you want to build a game; well, a board is essential to most board games (it's in the name). So you decide, hey, if it's good enough for Monopoly and a bunch of other games that have made millions, it's good enough for me, and I will make my gameboard 20" x 20".

WRONG!

Here is the formula we created:

Shipping box inner dimensions dictate the size of the outside of the box. Take the bottom box's inner dimensions (of a two-piece box), which will dictate the largest folded size of the board you are planning to use. Multiply the folded size dimensions by two to get a single fold game (Monopoly). Multiply by four and get a "4-panel" gameboard, and so on. Other factors you need to consider, what size are the pieces? How many will be on the board? Will a player be able to set this game up on a table, or will they need to sell all their furniture to make room for the carpet-sized board? All good questions, and each game should answer these differently to continue to create unique games.