Professional Board Game Packaging for Indie and Established Publishers
The board game renaissance is real. What was a niche hobby has exploded into a multi-billion dollar industry with thousands of new titles launching each year on Kickstarter, through retail, and direct-to-consumer. And whether you're funding your first game or publishing your twentieth, the box is the first thing customers see.
We work with game designers and publishers at every stage. From 50-copy prototype runs for playtesting to 10,000+ unit production runs for retail distribution. The principles are the same: your box needs to protect components, display beautifully on a game store shelf, and survive years of being pulled out for game nights.
Board Game Box Construction
Standard Game Boxes (Two-Piece Rigid)
The classic tabletop format: a base and a separate lid. Most games from small-box card games to big-box strategy games use this construction. Made from wrapped chipboard for durability.
- Small box (4" x 6" x 1.5"): $2.25-3.50/unit - card games, party games
- Medium box (8" x 8" x 2"): $3.50-5.25/unit - mid-weight games
- Standard box (10" x 10" x 3"): $4.75-6.95/unit - most strategy games
- Large box (12" x 12" x 4"): $6.50-9.25/unit - big box games
- XL box (16" x 12" x 5"): $8.75-12.50/unit - deluxe editions
Magnetic Closure Boxes
Premium option with magnetic flap closure. Great for collector editions and premium pricing. One-piece construction with hinged lid.
Add 40-60% to rigid box pricing for magnetic construction.
Telescoping Boxes
Lid slides over base with partial overlap. Popular for thinner games and expansions. Slightly lower cost than full rigid.
Reduce rigid pricing by 15-20%.
Chipboard Thickness Matters
We use wrapped chipboard for game boxes. Thickness affects durability and shelf presence:
- 1.5mm chipboard: Budget option. Fine for small boxes and lighter games.
- 2.0mm chipboard: Standard. Good balance of cost and durability. Most games use this.
- 2.5mm chipboard: Premium. Noticeably more solid. Better for larger boxes and deluxe editions.
- 3.0mm chipboard: Maximum durability. Collector-grade construction.
Custom Inserts
A great box with a terrible insert is still a frustrating product. We design and produce custom inserts to organize all your components:
- Vacuum-formed plastic trays: Affordable, lightweight, exact component fit. $0.75-2.50/unit.
- Die-cut cardboard inserts: available with recyclable options by specification, can include branding. $0.50-1.50/unit.
- EVA foam inserts: Premium feel, great for minis and delicate components. $1.50-4.00/unit.
- GameTrayz-style inserts: Multi-layer organizational systems. $3.00-8.00/unit.
Print Finishes for Game Boxes
Game boxes need to look good under store lighting and survive handling:
- Matte lamination: Standard, reduces glare, hides fingerprints. Included in base price.
- Gloss lamination: Bold colors, some glare. Included in base price.
- Soft-touch lamination: Premium velvety feel. Add $0.25-0.45/unit.
- Spot UV: Glossy highlights on matte background. Add $0.15-0.35/unit.
- Foil stamping: Metallic logos or accents. Add $0.30-0.60/unit.
- Linen texture emboss: Classic game box feel. Add $0.20-0.40/unit.
Kickstarter and Crowdfunding
Running a campaign? We understand the unique challenges:
- Prototype runs: 50-100 units for preview copies, reviewer samples, conventions
- Stretch goal planning: We can quote upgraded components in advance
- Fulfillment timing: We coordinate with fulfillment centers worldwide
- Expansion compatibility: Design boxes that stack and store with expansions
Timeline and Minimums
Prototype runs: 50 unit minimum, 3-4 week production.
Production runs: 500+ units recommended for best pricing, 4-6 week production.
Retail volumes: 2,500+ units for optimal per-unit cost, 6-8 week production.
Have a game that needs packaging? Let's talk. We love board games and we love helping publishers create beautiful products.
