6 Truths about the Board Game Industry

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Today’s video is brought to you by my wonky glasses that have clearly been stepped on a few times 🤓

[@Kuptain]

Poor glasses. 😂

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

@@Kuptain 😢

[@raycollishaw673]

wonky is the new black.

[@ZomBevan]

Thanks for sharing!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

@@raycollishaw673 gonna put this on a t-shirt 😂

[@raymyers700]

Number 1....swing it! YEESSSS! I get exactly what you are saying. However, I think that almost every gamer needs to 'realize' the why for themselves. For me...I got really sick and tired of shipping games OUT. I had no problem getting rid of games but the process of finding a buyer, getting it sold, packaging it up and taking it to the post office got REALLY old. I've done this enough that I kind of recognize the type of games that I would buy and then get rid of. The other thing I did was look at the frequency of how often I got to play and divide that into the number of games I have currently. Have 300 games and playing once per week: it would still take me almost SIX YEARS to play all my games once. That really opened my eyes to the 'time' aspect of this hobby.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Wow that is wild when you break it down like that!! So keeping my collection at around 50, that’s a different game a week for 1 year. That still seems like too much 😂 Also, I only sell my games locally, on Facebook Marketplace since I also don’t like dealing with shipping and packing up games!

[@ericimagines]

As a self-publisher / experience designer, it's awesome to focus on enjoying events with others, building community and creating indie games using tried and true principles. It's gonna be interesting to see how the big game publishers do over the coming years. Publishing is changing. (I.E - Books) Thanks for this video, many great points Pam!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks for watching, Eric! 🙌

[@fleazapp]

I hear ya sister! I am a big supporter of everyone who talks about consumerism. I also understood that people, including me, who buy a lot of games are just buying a feeling that will never fullfill. When I buy a game I imagine playing it and having a great time etc, but the reality is, everyone I know have the same thought and if I manage to play my game once in 12 months I'm lucky. Other feeling I was buying was comnected with FOMO and discounts. I was so opsessed with buying games for the best possible price, just for the sake of hunting, and being excited that I found a good deal. Again, no playing. And part of the blame also goes to publishers. Too many products are released each year. Because of this games are becoming more and more recycled (gameplay, core idea) with adding more complexity or more expensive production to market it easier among casual players. All this brought me to a point in which I don't want to buy anything, as I don't see a point in having anything that I don't plan to play weekly or monthly.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Yeah the market is so saturated, it’s overwhelming! And makes it even harder for your game to stand out. But yeah I still have games that I bought YEARS ago and still haven’t played 😭 Not letting myself buy anything until I’ve played all of them. I put them all in a pile at the end of my game shelf as a visual reminder.

[@padmewan]

On the last few points, designers need to understand that the physical board game market is a fraction, revenue and profit wise, of the digital market. There are absolutely full time jobs over on the other side where margins are simply different

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

I agree with you! And that’s part of why I am learning about video game development as well. Much less financial risk if you want to self publish, easy to fix mistakes/make updates and potential to make significant amounts of money. Just have to either partner with a developer or learn Unity/Unreal and how to code, which is a huge and daunting endeavour.

[@boardgamedesignsa]

Thanks for the share! It's good that you are keeping in real with us who watch as I think some designers have these massive ideas of how things will play out and realizing the truth! Saying that, who doesn't like to dream big... your game advertised over the huge NYC billboards for the world to see! Those brand ambassadors from CK or Dior posing with your game in hand on a massive lit screen... YES PLEASE!😁

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Hahaaaa!! Oh yes, delusion is a necessity for any game designer 😆

[@levimote]

Great video! That rush from punching cardboard is still a powerful thing for me, lol My goal now is to keep my collection to 100

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

I know right, I even love the new board game smell! 😆

[@terry3733H]

thanks for your candid insight 😊 best of luck to your projects

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks so much Terry!

[@kosterix123]

to have a mainstreet distributor control whether or not you get royalties is utterly depressing. Then 5% of a wholesale price of around $20 sold for $34, is $1. Distributor may sell 1000 copies, that's $1000 but over a year later.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Yeah it’s…. not great 😔

[@ProfBoggs]

I've never thought about board games as a form of conspicuous consumption. I really appreciate how you spell out the division of labor in the industry from the eyes of a designer. In many ways, this sounds like book publishing! Does GAMA still run conventions? Or even exist?

[@arcanineryu]

Thanks to your recommendations, ill be attending the origins convention in columbus and trying to network to find people to help distribute my card game!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Best of luck! Have so much fun 🎉

[@AdamBuckingham]

Thanks for this video. I have firsthand experience with all of your points. It's good for new designers to come in with eyes open.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks Adam! Yes, I wish I had this info 8 years ago… But, I’m glad to share it with others now and hopefully give people a more realistic view of what it’s like being an independent board game designer.

[@tommykerbow]

Congrats on the video and the shoutout from Jamie Stegmaier!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks Tommy! And thanks for being in the video too 😂 And yes that was pretty surreal to get a shout out from Jamey, his book and blog had a huge impact on me when I was first getting serious about game design. Very cool moment!!

[@patatedestenebres]

Hi Pam! It's funny, I also went through this process a few years ago, even trying to reduce the number of games in my home to 50! Ultimately, it's more than enough, and doing reviews, publishers send me a lot of games, which allows me to run this collection.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Yes someone made a good point that 52 games = playing a different game every week for a YEAR! That puts it in perspective. And doing reviews seems to be a great way to try a bunch of new games without breaking the bank 🙌

[@dr.masquesretroelixir5360]

I Saw you on Board Game Design Lab. Thanks for all the tips. 👍

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Sure thing! Thanks for watching 🙌

[@alexandershmaev1392]

Thank you for the great, highly insightful vid! Will you attend Spiel this year?

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching :) And no plans to attend Essen (that’s what you mean by Spiel right?)

[@RisenShine22]

fellow board game designer here and all I can say is dito to everything

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

I’m glad you see these things too! Thanks for watching 🙌

[@CBs_Bill_from_Montana]

I’d really like to talk to someone about board game design that has true experience like you do. I have a couple of friends that are about to make bad decisions designing a game but they won’t listen to reason. They are so new to it that they just don’t understand. I keep telling them to just give it at least a 1,000 hours before releasing it but they don’t listen. They could make money but can’t see the whole picture. Any suggestions? Edit: I just saw you can take an appointment. I’ll go that route! Thank you!! Re Edit: this is literally the best video I’ve ever seen on board game design. No fluff, no commercials, no music, just facts. I love KZbin!!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks so much!! I’m glad this was helpful for you and yes, I meet with designers often and would gladly speak with you or your friends. And I try to give a realistic, but hopeful, view on being a game designer, so I’m glad it resonated with you. Thanks for watching! 🙌

[@denisgiles]

Another great video! Your quality continues to improve. Thanks for putting in the effort.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks so much Denis! And I just love seeing that little die next to your name 🎲

[@ryanbarker5217]

marketing/advertising is life. that will never change no matter what and we do it ourselves all the time without realizing it (or necessarily doing it well, lol).

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

I agree, it really is one of, if not the, most important factors of a game’s success.

[@ryanbarker5217]

@@PamWallsGameDesign you can sell a lot of mediocre product... if you market it right. that's really the problem with being an indie-whatever. your game, movie, t-shirt, car, hot sauce, to paraphrase the movie, doesn't have to be good, it has to be bought. sad, but true. we market ourselves, too, it's how we nail the job interview, get the prom queen, get out of a traffic ticket....

[@RobertDoman]

Really insightful, thank you Pam!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks for watching Robert!

[@jamesbrazeal3847]

Thanks for sharing this video. It is important for people to be realistic, and practical. ❤

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks for watching James! :)

[@ElfLady]

What do you think the market is like for someone trying to publish independently? Granted, it's a lot more work, but do you think it's a viable approach?

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Personally, I don’t think it’s a viable approach. Most of the people I know who self publish have lost money rather than made money. It is possible, but the market is so saturated, it’s hard to stand out, especially for self publishers. And there is a considerable financial risk trying to publish yourself. But, there are people who have done it successfully, like Jamey Stegmaier who runs Stonemaier games and wrote a book about crowdfunding and whose blob about Kickstarter is necessary reading for anyone wanting to self publish, in my opinion. But thanks for watching and for being a member! I see that 🎲 next to your name!! 🙌

[@ultimate-voyage]

This is so true ❤

[@antonvs]

Good points!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks for watching!

[@tyeburnham8146]

I'm just stocking up for the apocalypse; I'll be locked in my room playing all my games till I die... I think people buys lots of games because every game is a world, and it's nice to escape into it.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

That sounds like a great post apocalyptic plan. I’ve got enough games to play a different one each week for a year, so after that I might have to come over 😆

[@_Half-A-Beas.T333]

Behold My Stuff!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

😂

[@gadku2574]

Pam, it seem you had to get rid of some of your stuff in the apartment. Are you sure a board game designer can make the ends met?😂

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

A board game designer definitely can’t make ends meet 😂 All I have left is my table and a chair 😂 Nah, I just record from a different angle now, with less clutter in the background 🤷‍♀️

[@raysandrarexxia941]

TLDW: You need a large amount of money to make any money at all.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

I definitely didn’t say that but okay.

[@origenward3845]

Though I don't doubt that there is some extreme consumerism going on, I do sympathize with the want to snag good deals when the opportunity arises regarding one's personal wishlists they may have been stewing on for some time. Game cons happen to be great places to do that from what I've seen, including used sales. Buying in bulk, in some instances, can be thought of as a hedge against having to pay raised prices, on the secondary market, for games that have been out of print, or are just generally more expensive. Also, I don't want to presume that in any instance there might 'not' be someone who just happened to save up for this "day" whereas otherwise they don't make many purchases, if any. Again, I dont doubt that there is extremism out there and perhaps it can be unhealthy but if it makes them happy then maybe it isnt unhealthy. Also as a designer myself, and with my appreciation for this industry to continue to grow, I can't help but wonder if it's better to just live and let live. ...my opinion

[@Timothy271279]

To me i think its whens theres a fall out you have lots if games to play if your city is in ruins

[@Conradlovesjoy]

Point 1 has permeated nearly every aspect of internet culture. Even whiskey suffers from this. If something is popular, people will hoard it and flaunt it.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Yeah, humans are weird 😆

[@TorIverWilhelmsen]

(Looks at the drawer full of camera lenses I used once and put away, blushes slightly) I have no idea what you are talking about.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Yeah and don’t look at the 25 puzzles I just bought either 😅 But! They were all second hand and only $3 each!

[@Greg_M1]

Thank you for your candid sharing of your experiences with board game publishers. I come from the video game publishing side of the world, as a designer for 20 yrs and have worked in-house with several publishers. Everything you say fits that realm equally if not more. At the end of the day most game designers don't know what's really going on behind the scenes at a publishing house. The more details you get into the contract the better off you will be. And as you say, the advance on royalties is critical to protecting yourself from the downside if they don't deliver to your satisfaction. Publishers are famous for saying 'we can't do that' during negotiations, when in fact they could but they're trying to see how far they can take you down that rabbit hole of 'no'. Thanks again for sharing your insights.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks so much for sharing your insight and experience! Yes I’m sure there are a whole bunch of other things I don’t know are happening behind the scenes that I’m not privy to. But I’m happy to share my experiences with others so they can have that info too. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! 🙌

[@simondeqin]

this is the first video I watch in your channel and I am not a designer, but it Is very pleasant to hear you talking! great job!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks for watching! 🙌

[@cometier]

I play on BGA I can get the game novelty feeling without spending money.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Yes! I play on Tabletopia all the time and it’s great to have access to SO many games without breaking the bank/them taking up space in your home.

[@marcbennett9232]

I am not finished yet but your first point really struck a cord with me. I was also buying games in an attempt to get my partner to enjoy them with me more. we are no longer together.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Sorry that happened to you too 😞 It’s always way more fun to play games with ppl who actually enjoy them too!

[@marcbennett9232]

@@PamWallsGameDesign yep totally agree. dont feel bad, my only regret is that we didnt break up sooner.

[@zmollon]

Did you mention the new hotness? I need it now! Oh wait Zoo Vadis and Wandering Towers are sold out everywhere. I have two boxes full of games next to me so I'm glad you don't wan to judge me :D

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

The cult of the new or the “hotness” is definitely a thing!! Best of luck getting through those two boxes 💪

[@ParlorPunch]

Great insights. Thanks again for another helpful video. I've been playing with my VR headset, wouldn't it be great if some of these mega conventions could include a virtual experience for those unable to attend. Anyway, thank again!!

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Ah that is a great idea! And I could see that happening in the future. Would be cool to experience Gen Con but then take off the headset when I didn’t want to be surrounded by masses of people zigzagging in every direction anymore 😆 Thanks for watching!

[@Headbangerr-en2cc]

There is one factor missing in attempt of understanding the reason for posting pictures of huge piles of games. Difference between boys being boys ("my collection is bigger than your collection" stuff, where doesn't realy matter what kind of games are there) and... collectors being collectors, where people proudly present their original first releases of the most wanted titles, combined with some of the greatest newer choices, what says more about what kind of gamer they are than how rich they are.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Yes, and I acknowledged collectors as well, which I totally get. And sharing a photo of an original first release is different from sharing piles of the latest games bought at a convention. At the end of the day, as long as people are truly happy with how they spend their money, that’s all that matters. Just shining a light on the fervent consumerism that isn’t really talked about in this hobby.

[@gadku2574]

Another great video Pam! Thanks for sharing that useful insight to the industry. I found it of great value.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it! And thanks for watching 🙌

[@TabletopFamily]

This is not a unquie board game phenomenon were people discover a new hobby they fall head over heels for and try to consume everything. The correct term is hyper-consumerism, and only applies when the buying does not meet the persons goals. but its not only hobbies people do this with. Houses,cell phones and cars are at the top of people believing there buying something essential but really its usully disguised in our wants and fomo and keeping up with the "insert image" Houses are unquie because they do not produce anything. A house can be resold 50 times and be paid off 50 times. Even if the previous owner "paid it off" and died and has no family. The value of the house gets reset and sold again.A transfer of wealth happens.

[@kishorepurohit8010]

Hi Pam - Great Video.. I can clearly relate my situation to what you narrated in the first point… i have been on a purchase drive to fill my shelf and forcing my wife to play the games which i like and later on i realised that she is not much fond of board games… hence now i am having my collection and playing with some solo mode and sometime if she is interested to play… i agree with your point that there is no need to just buy the game…. U can go to FLBG and enjoying playing it without investing in buying the same.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Yeah it's good to be aware that not everyone is as crazy about board games as we are 😄 Maybe you can find a local Meetup gaming group? I also want to try more solo games, I might start with Sherlock Holmes, I was SO excited when I bought it and it has sat on my shelf for YEARS 😭

[@kishorepurohit8010]

@@PamWallsGameDesign Now a days u find the solo mode play rules created by some one and uploaded on BGG… i search for such files and try to use it for my solo play… 7 Wonder Duel - PnP was available on the Asmonde Official site itself. Just got Vikings and saw a solo mode play rule created by one person and uploaded on BGG. Similar stuff for many other games… using that now in case if I don’t get chance to play with the local gaming group

[@ryanbanwart5547]

Nice video reality check! It was interesting learning about your past experiences. I've only been pitching for about 1 1/2 years but everything you said is absolutely true. I'm in for the long haul so it will be neat to see what experiences I've had when I'm a veteran such as yourself.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Ah that’s the first time I’ve been called a veteran 😊 I guess I still see myself as a newer designer compared to others who have been around for many years, but I guess I am a veteran by now.. yeah I’m a veteran! Trying to not let the imposter syndrome kick in 😂 And yes, keep going, great things are right around the corner 💪

[@ryanbanwart5547]

@@PamWallsGameDesign You bet you are! Reiner Kniziwho... Pam Walls flows so much better. 😁 (cue the music) "Nobody gonna slow me down... Oh no... I got to keep on moving." Got a meeting with a publisher tomorrow for a prototype they wanted me to build. The game is super fun! I hope he likes it.... 😬

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Good luck! Let me know how it goes 🤞

[@ryanbanwart5547]

@@PamWallsGameDesign So the pitch went really well! They really like it! He talked about signing it and starting with 3 or 4 language distribution and a possible expansion. They wanted me to add one more layer of complexity to get it from a BGG 3 to a 3.5 and a take that element, which I did over the weekend. It seemed to play really well but I'm not a fan of take that. Maybe I can convince them to make that optional. Now I have to write the rules and build a prototype to send their way. Then if they are happy with all that, we can get a contract going. So much work to do. It's exciting but a little overwhelming.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

@@ryanbanwart5547 wow!! Yay!!! That is so awesome, congrats! I'm also not a fan of take that, you can always push back on that and show why it doesn't work. Best of luck getting the prototype to them and I hope they get back to you asap with a contract. 💪

[@Derek-le4er]

Number 1 is very convicting. I went to my first GenCon this past year (I live in Indiana!) and I loved buying a handful of games for myself but ultimately I have a lot of games I've had for years that I still have not played. I've slowed down greatly this past year or two. Great advice. Not a lot of people are willing to do that self awareness check.

[@PamWallsGameDesign]

Yes I have games that I bought YEARS ago and still haven’t played! I’m not letting myself buy any new games until I’ve played them. And living next to Gen Con must be nice (cheap accommodation!) but dangerous for the wallet 😆 Although, I didn’t buy any games at all when I went, so it is possible!