Cardboard Edison

Cardboard Edison

Looking for a new challenge in 2017?

How about designing a board game?

In a world of digital technology and computer games, it might seem that there is little market for the traditional board game, but they still prove popular.

Each year people from around the world submit their game ideas to the Cardboard Edison Award. All entries must be previously unpublished and not available commercially. They must have an English rulebook and it is important that a prototype of the game can be sent to America, where the competition is judged by an extensive panel.

The 2016 winner was Dan Cassar; he designed a game called ‘The Blood of an Englishman’. This is a two player card game based on the story of Jack and the Beanstalk; one player is Jack, the other the Giant. You find out more about Dan’s game here. His idea is now being promoted on social media in the hope that a Games Company might publish it.

Getting Started

If you fancy giving it a go, a good starting point is to think of a theme.

You then need to consider the aim of the game and what it takes to win. Can the players use strategy or knowledge to gain the advantage, or is it a game of chance?

How will the game hold the players interest and incite them to play again?

The closing date for initial submissions for this year’s competition is 31 Jan 2017. The finalists then have until March to send a prototype.

Cardboard boxes are great for developing ideas for the board, playing pieces and other physical components. They can form the draft versions that lead to the final design for a prototype.

We could even print add a game onto your cardboard packaging for added appeal. If this sparks an idea, get in touch!