As a game designer and publisher, I know that when it comes to launching a board game, it’s not just about the mechanics, art, or components—it’s about the whole package. And by “whole package,” I mean the packaging itself. After all, the moment a customer sees your game on the shelf or receives it in the mail, the packaging is their first impression. It serves not only as protection for the game but also as a powerful marketing tool. In this article, I’ll share why packaging is so important in the world of board games and how Sunday Games ensures that your packaging is as high-quality as your game itself.
1. Why Packaging Matters So Much in Board Game Manufacturing
The packaging of a board game does far more than hold the pieces together. It plays a key role in several areas:
- Protection: The packaging keeps the components—cards, game boards, miniatures—safe during the shipping process. Well-designed packaging ensures that your game arrives at its destination without damage.
- Branding and Appeal: The packaging is a marketing tool. A visually appealing box or packaging design can draw customers in and convey the feel of the game inside. Great packaging can be the difference between a game being overlooked on a store shelf or being picked up.
- Customer Experience: Beyond aesthetics, packaging plays a functional role in providing a smooth, frustration-free unboxing experience. It organizes the game components, helping players quickly get to the action without hassle.
Packaging isn’t just about making the game look good—it’s a fundamental part of the player’s first interaction with the game. From the moment they pick up the box, it sets expectations about the quality and experience of the game.
2. The Importance of Packaging Materials
When we talk about packaging, the materials used are just as crucial as the design. Durability is key—poor-quality materials can lead to boxes that dent, tear, or degrade easily. You wouldn’t want your beautiful, carefully designed game to show up at the customer’s door with a damaged box.
The most common materials used in packaging are:
- Chipboard: Often used for the main box, chipboard is durable, lightweight, and can be printed on easily. The thickness of the chipboard can affect how sturdy the box feels.
- Corrugated Cardboard: Used for shipping boxes, it provides extra protection and helps ensure the game doesn’t get damaged in transit.
- Foam Inserts: These protect delicate game pieces like miniatures, dice, and cards. They help organize components and prevent damage during shipping.
- Plastic Blisters: These are used to package smaller components, such as tokens or miniatures, and offer visibility to the buyer.
A 2020 report by Statista found that 58% of consumers stated that packaging quality strongly influenced their purchasing decision, and 36% reported they would be less likely to buy a product again if it arrived in poor-quality packaging (Statista, 2020).
3. How Sunday Games Ensures Top-Tier Packaging
When it comes to Sunday Games, we take packaging seriously. We understand that it’s not just about protecting your game—it’s about creating a positive first impression that continues throughout the entire user experience. Here’s how we ensure that your game’s packaging meets the highest standards:
Premium Materials
We use only the highest quality materials for packaging. This includes sturdy chipboard for the box, corrugated cardboard for shipping protection, and high-density foam to secure delicate components. The materials we use ensure that your game stays protected during transit, while also providing a premium unboxing experience for your customers.
Customization to Fit Your Game
Every game is unique, and its packaging should reflect that. Whether you’re designing a compact card game or a deluxe collector’s edition, we provide customizable packaging solutions. Our team works closely with you to choose the best material and design to reflect the essence of your game.
Sustainability
As more and more consumers value sustainability, we offer eco-friendly packaging options. We ensure that our packaging materials are recyclable and made from sustainable sources whenever possible, helping you meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible products.
Functional Design
Great packaging is not only about looks—it’s about functionality. We design packaging that is easy to open, organizes components efficiently, and protects against wear and tear. Whether it’s organizing cards in a neat compartment or adding foam to protect miniatures, we pay attention to the little details that enhance the customer experience.
4. The Financial Impact of High-Quality Packaging
It’s not just about aesthetics—quality packaging has a direct impact on sales. According to a 2021 GAMA report, 46% of game publishers noted that the quality of their packaging had a measurable impact on customer satisfaction and repeat business (GAMA, 2021). Games with well-designed, high-quality packaging tend to receive fewer returns, are less likely to suffer damage during shipping, and receive positive reviews from customers.
A 2021 ICv2 report found that 47% of consumers stated that premium packaging made them more likely to buy a game, especially when the box included well-designed inserts and compartments that helped organize components (ICv2, 2021).
5. Real-World Example: How Packaging Drives Success
One of the best examples of how packaging can make a huge difference is “Gloomhaven”, a cooperative strategy game that has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. Its success can be attributed not only to its innovative gameplay but also to its premium packaging. The heavy-duty box, with compartments for each piece, as well as the clear, organized instructions, makes for an unforgettable unboxing experience.
The quality packaging allowed Gloomhaven to maintain its integrity during shipping, ensuring that players would receive all components in perfect condition. The result? The game has become a modern classic and one of the highest-rated games of all time. According to BoardGameGeek, Gloomhaven has maintained a 9.2/10 rating from over 50,000 users (BoardGameGeek).
6. Why Choose Sunday Games for Your Packaging Needs?
At Sunday Games, we don’t just manufacture games—we manufacture experiences. When it comes to packaging, here’s why we’re the right partner for you:
- Premium Materials: Only the best materials, designed for durability and aesthetics.
- Custom Solutions: Tailored packaging options that perfectly fit your game’s needs.
- Eco-Friendly: Sustainable materials and practices that resonate with today’s consumers.
- Attention to Detail: From design to production, we ensure every aspect of your game’s packaging enhances the overall experience.
Conclusion: The Importance of High-Quality Packaging
In board game manufacturing, packaging is an integral part of the product that impacts everything from first impressions to customer satisfaction. By partnering with Sunday Games, you ensure that your packaging is just as high-quality as your game itself—protecting your components, showcasing your brand, and delivering a memorable experience to your players.
Don’t underestimate the power of great packaging. It can make a world of difference in how your game is received, helping it stand out in a crowded market and boosting sales. We at Sunday Games are here to make sure your packaging is nothing less than perfect.
Sources:
- Statista, 2020 Consumer Packaging Influence Survey
- GAMA, 2021 GAMA Report
- ICv2, “The State of the Board Game Industry” 2021 ICv2 Report
- BoardGameGeek, Gloomhaven Page
