And how Boardssey makes it easier than ever to use
If you’re a game designer right now, you’ve probably felt the tremors. Tariffs are hitting hard. Manufacturing costs are up. Importing from China feels like trying to roll a natural 20 with a cursed die. And for indie designers or small publishers? It can feel like the game is rigged. That’s why many are turning to print and play options to keep their projects viable.
But here’s the thing: you’re not out of options. In fact, you might have more power in your hands than ever, because this is the perfect moment to go digital, go small-batch, and embrace print-and-play solutions.
At Boardssey, we’ve built tools specifically to help you create professional Print and Play games with ease.
Why Print and Play is a Lifeline for Game Designers
Print and Play games let you get your designs into players’ hands, without freight costs, customs headaches, or minimum orders. You can test your game, build a community, and even sell P&P downloadable files directly through platforms like Itch.io or Kickstarter. Game designers are using PNP not just as a placeholder for the “real” product, but as a legitimate, accessible format in its own right.
But until now, creating a professional Print and Play game was tedious and time-consuming, and often required expensive software or a degree in graphic design.
Creating Professional Print and Play Games with Boardssey
We built our P&P Cards Layout Tool with you in mind. Here’s how it works:
The P&P Card Layout Process Made Simple
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Access the P&P Cards Layout Tool – Click on Tools and navigate to our specialized PNP creator.
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Import Your Card Data for Print and Play Format – Drag and drop the fronts and backs of your cards into their respective boxes. If your cards have only 1 back, upload a single file to Card Backs.
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Choose your Print and Play Page Layout – Use our prebuilt card formats or create your own. Want Tarot-size cards? Standard poker cards? Tiles? We’ve got templates for all your PNP needs, complete with bleed and cut lines.
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Export Your Professional Game – Hit “Generate PDF” to get a print-ready PDF, already laid out for easy home printing for quick prototyping or selling a finished product directly to gamers all over the world!
Why Designers Are Using PNP Right Now
With Print and Play technology, you don’t need to wait for a shipping container or a manufacturing quote. You can test faster, iterate better, and share more freely. Whether you’re prepping for a playtest night or planning a digital-first launch, our Print and Play tools cut down friction and help you stay agile in a volatile market.
Tariffs can’t touch a Print and Play PDFs.
Print and Play Game Design FAQ
What makes a good Print and Play game? The best Print and Play games balance component count with gameplay depth. Consider using fewer unique cards but with more strategic options, and optimize your layouts for standard paper sizes.
How can I market my Print and Play game? Share free demo versions on communities like BoardGameGeek, Reddit’s r/tabletopgamedesign, and Discord servers for game designers. Collect feedback and build a following before launching a paid version.
What materials should players have for PNP games? Most players already have access to printers, scissors, and card sleeves. Design with these basics in mind, suggesting optional upgrades like cardstock or lamination for enthusiasts.
Take Control of Your Game Design Journey
Start creating professional P&P games in minutes – try Boardssey’s P&P Card Layout Tool free for 14 days.
Start Your Free 14-Day Trial. No credit card required • Unlimited team members • Full feature access
