Writing Your Board Game Rulebook - A Complete Guide : Boardssey

Why a Great Board Game Rulebook Matters

Your board game rulebook is the first interaction players have with your game. It’s not just a set of instructions, it’s the key to unlocking your world. According to a Board Game Geek survey in 2023, 67% of players reported unclear rules as their biggest frustration when learning a new game. The difference between a great game experience and one marred by confusion often boils down to the quality of the rulebook.

💡 Pro Tip: Make your rulebook visually appealing and easy to navigate to encourage players to engage with it.

Understanding Your Audience

Rulebook writing means addressing the diverse ways players learn. Bruno Faidutti, designer of Citadels, explained during the 2022 Game Designers Conference (GDC):

Your rulebook needs to serve both the methodical learner who reads every word and the impatient player who wants to start immediately.

When you teach the game through your rulebook, it’s important to consider the diverse ways players absorb information. Some prefer step-by-step written explanations, while others might benefit from visual aids or gameplay examples. Include diagrams, flowcharts, and highlighted tips throughout the rulebook to meet these needs. These elements help bridge understanding gaps, ensuring that both methodical learners and hands-on players can easily grasp the mechanics. Ultimately, your rules should be a reliable guide that accommodates different learning styles, making it accessible to all.

Here’s how different groups approach rulebooks, as reported by the GAMA Industry Report (2023):

45% read the rules fully before playing.
32% learn as they play.
23% rely on videos or other players for explanations.

Your rule book must cater to all these learning styles, offering clarity, flexibility, and accessibility.

Structuring Your Board Game Rulebook

A strong structure makes rules easy to follow. Research from the University of Washington found that well-structured rulebooks reduce learning time by an average of 37%.

A Winning Structure:

Introduction: Summarize the theme and objective in a sentence or two.
Components: List and label each piece with corresponding images.
Setup: Provide clear, numbered steps with diagrams.
Gameplay Overview: Explain the game flow and turn order upfront.
Detailed Rules: Break down player actions, phases, or rounds logically.
Endgame and Scoring: Outline how the game ends and how to determine the winner.
Quick Reference: Include a summary or cheat sheet for easy access during gameplay.

Quote:

Give players the big picture first. They’ll understand specific rules better when they know what they’re trying to achieve
notes Rob Daviau on the Game Design Round Table Podcast, Episode 284.

💡 Pro Tip: Highlight unique mechanics or elements in your game early in the rulebook to keep experienced players engaged.

Writing Clear and Accessible Rules

When you write a rulebook, clarity should be your top priority. Use straightforward, precise language to explain how the game works. Avoid overly complex sentences or unnecessary jargon that might confuse players. For instance, instead of saying, “The active player proceeds to draw a card from the deck designated as the resource pile,” simply state, “Draw a card from the resource deck.” This approach ensures that players of all skill levels can understand the rules quickly and focus on enjoying the game rather than deciphering instructions. Remember, a well-written rulebook is one of the best tools for creating a positive first impression.

Good writing makes your rulebook user-friendly:

Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon and use clear, direct phrases. For example, “Roll the dice” is better than “The player should roll the dice.”
Be Consistent: Use the same terms throughout to avoid confusion.
Incorporate Examples: Illustrate rules with scenarios to demonstrate gameplay.

Elizabeth Hargrave, designer of Wingspan, shared in Game Designer Monthly:

In Wingspan, we introduce one action at a time, showing how each builds upon the last. This reduced customer service queries by 40% compared to industry standards.

💡 Pro Tip: Use active voice to make rules more engaging and easier to understand.

Playtesting Your Board Game Rulebook

Testing your rulebook is essential. According to Matt Leacock (The Making of Pandemic, 2023):

We observe new players learning the game using only the rulebook. Every question they ask represents a potential improvement to the rules.

To ensure your rulebook truly works, observe how new players interpret it as they play the game. During blind playtest, let participants rely solely on the rulebook to set up and play without any external guidance. This process will highlight areas of confusion or ambiguity, giving you valuable insights into what needs improvement. Pay close attention to moments where players pause or ask questions, as these indicate potential gaps in your instructions. A solid rule book empowers players to confidently learn and play the game without interruptions.

Playtesting Strategies:

Blind Playtests: Have new players learn the game without outside guidance.
Feedback Loops: Track questions and confusion points to refine the text.
Readthrough Testing: Ask someone to read the rule book and summarize it.

💡 Pro Tip: Conduct multiple rounds of blind testing to catch both major and minor clarity issues.

Embracing Digital Integration

Modern board game players often expect online resources. Data from the ICv2 Board Game Industry Report (2023) shows:

72% of new games include QR codes linking to tutorial videos.
84% of players under 35 prefer having digital rulebooks.
63% of rule questions are resolved through online FAQs.

Providing a digital rulebook or tutorial video enhances accessibility and reduces barriers for players.

The Boardssey Advantage

Boardssey simplifies every step of your game development process, including creating the perfect board game rule book. From organizing your rules with our Game Center to gathering playtest feedback in the Playtest Hub, Boardssey equips you with the tools to craft a polished, professional rulebook that players will love.

Join Boardssey today and take your game design to the next level!