As a board game designer or publisher, you likely know that quality isn’t just about how a game plays—it’s also about how it looks and feels. One of the most critical factors in this is print quality. The art on the cards, boards, rulebooks, and boxes can elevate a game from “good” to “great.” The print quality influences not only the visual appeal of the game but also its durability and overall player experience. This article will explain why print quality matters, and how a manufacturer like Sunday Games helps bring your designs to life with exceptional print standards.
1. Why Print Quality is Crucial
When it comes to board games, first impressions are important. The art and graphics on a game’s components—especially the cards, boards, and box—are often what draw players in. A poorly printed game can appear unprofessional, detracting from the gameplay experience. But the importance of print quality goes beyond aesthetics.
Clarity and Detail
Crisp, high-resolution prints ensure that every icon, text, and image is easily readable. This is particularly vital for games with complex rules or detailed artwork. If a card’s text is blurry or the graphics are pixelated, players may struggle to understand the game mechanics.
Durability and Longevity
Board games are meant to last. Poor-quality prints can fade or scratch over time, especially with repeated handling of cards or boards. Choosing the right print method and coatings helps ensure that your game can survive through hundreds—or even thousands—of plays without losing its visual appeal.
2. Print Quality Standards in the Industry
When it comes to board game printing, industry standards for quality are high, and the best manufacturers adhere to these benchmarks to deliver a premium product. For instance, the print resolution typically used in board games is 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher, ensuring that images are sharp and text is legible.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by BoardGameGeek:
- 68% of players rated print quality as a key factor in whether they would recommend a game to friends.
- 75% of respondents said they would be willing to pay 10-20% more for games with superior print quality and materials.
With these standards in mind, manufacturers like Sunday Games provide high-quality, professional printing solutions that enhance the player’s experience.
3. How Sunday Games Excels in Print Quality
Sunday Games stands out in the board game manufacturing industry for its unwavering commitment to premium print quality. Here’s how they ensure the best results for your game:
High-Resolution Printing
Sunday Games uses offset printing, which ensures that colors are vibrant and images are sharp. This printing method is capable of achieving resolutions of up to 300 DPI, which is considered the industry standard for professional printing. This level of precision allows your artwork to come to life with the vivid detail and clarity that your designs deserve.
Color Accuracy and Consistency
Sunday Games employs Pantone Matching System (PMS) to ensure accurate and consistent color reproduction. This system helps guarantee that the colors on your game’s components will match exactly what you envisioned, whether it’s the box art, the card faces, or the game board.
Premium Coatings and Finishes
One of the ways Sunday Games enhances print durability is through high-quality finishes. They offer a variety of coatings, such as:
- Linen texture: This adds a premium feel to cards and reduces glare, making it easier to read the text.
- UV coating: A gloss or matte UV coating enhances the print’s vibrancy and protects the surface from wear and tear.
- Matte lamination: This finish reduces scuffing and fingerprints, giving cards and components a longer lifespan.
For example, Sunday Games uses a UV coating for many of their projects, which has been shown to increase durability by up to 30% compared to standard coatings. This helps protect the artwork from fading, scratches, or smudging over time.
4. A Case Study: “The Game of the Year” with Exceptional Print Quality
Let’s consider the success of Wingspan, a popular board game designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and published by Stonemaier Games. One of the standout features praised by players and critics alike is the premium print quality of the game.
The game’s cards, which feature beautifully illustrated birds, were printed with a linen finish that gives them a smooth texture while ensuring the artwork stays vibrant. This high level of detail and care in printing helped Wingspan win the Kennerspiel des Jahres in 2019 and contributed to its incredible sales success. As of 2023, Wingspan had sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide.
The superior print quality was a key factor in its success, and manufacturers like Sunday Games provide similar printing services to ensure your game can achieve that same level of excellence.
5. What You Get with Sunday Games
Sunday Games doesn’t just offer high-quality prints—they offer customization and attention to detail. Here’s what you can expect when working with them:
- Pre-production samples: You’ll receive high-quality prototypes to approve before full production begins, ensuring that every component meets your expectations.
- Strict quality control: With in-house checks and inspections during each phase of the production process, Sunday Games guarantees the highest print quality for every batch.
- Experienced staff: Sunday Games has worked with numerous game designers and publishers, and their team is skilled at making your game look stunning on every component.
The Impact of Print Quality on Board Game Success
The quality of your game’s printing is far more than just an aesthetic choice—it directly influences how players experience the game. Well-executed print quality not only enhances visual appeal but also increases durability, ensuring that your game remains beautiful and playable for years to come.
By partnering with experienced manufacturers like Sunday Games, who prioritize exceptional print quality, you can ensure that your game’s components are vibrant, clear, and long-lasting. This level of detail can make all the difference in attracting and retaining players, building a loyal fanbase, and achieving commercial success.
In the world of board games, quality matters, and with the right manufacturer, your game will stand out for all the right reasons.
