Platforms for Digital Board Game Creation
Robert SeibShare
There are many advantages to digitizing your board game at any stage of its lifecycle:
- The ability to playtest and quickly iterate
- More exposure for the game in the global market
- The opportunity for players to try before they buy the physical version
- A method of easily demonstrating how your game works
This article lists multiple platforms for creating your own games digitally and I will return to update it regularly. I am classifying each by which operating system(s) they support, or if it runs in a web browser, the pricing model, and the learning curve.
As a special mention, Board Game Arena is a fantastic site for playing games. You can publish games to it if you can write or hire someone to write the code.
If you find this resource useful, please consider sending me a message or checking out my games.
Screentop.gg
A 2d web application for creating board games, featuring up to 9 screens/tables to support large games without using a ton of screen real estate. An account is required for making and sharing games, but not for playing them!
Runs on: Web Browser
Price: Free for 3 games, subscription for more
Learning Curve: Medium
Resources:
PlayingCards.io
A simple and intuitive web interface for making games. No account required. Features automation buttons, spinners, and more.
Runs on: Web Browser
Price Model: Free
Learning Curve: Low
Tabletopia
The most cross-platform option.
Runs on: Web Browser, Windows, Mac
Price Model: Freemium (free but subscription to access premium games)
Learning Curve: Low
Tabletop Simulator (TTS)
3-D tabletop environment with physics. It offers scripting and boasts a massive player base.
Runs on: Mac, Windows
Price Model: Pay One Time
Learning Curve: Medium (depends on features you use)
Tabletop Playground
3-D tabletop environment with physics. It is currently in Beta.
Runs on: Mac, Windows
Price Model: Pay One Time
Learning Curve: Low (depends on features you use)
Resources: Game Library
Dulst
Platform for creating and playing card games.
Runs on: Web Browser
Price Model: Freemium (only pay for extended features)
Learning Curve: Unknown
Resources: Dulst Wiki
untap.in
Browser-based simulated tabletop platform designed for play-testing Collectible Card Games (CCGs).
Runs on: Web Browser
Price Model: Free
Learning Curve: Unknown
Resources: untap.in Wiki
boardgame.io
Open source engine for turn-based games. Building games requires coding skills and it has extensive documentation.
Runs on: Linux Web Server, Web Browser
Price Model: Free
Learning Curve: High
Vassal Engine
Engine based on Java for building and playing Internet-capable versions of turn-based, human-vs-human games. Building games requires coding skills and it has extensive documentation.
Runs on: Web Browser, Mac, Windows
Price Model: Free
Learning Curve: High
Resources: Vassal Engine Wiki
Was this guide helpful?
Virtual Board Game Room
"The virtual board game room (VBR) is a sandbox system that allows you to create board games and play them interactively with friends via a network. In addition to a variety of ready-made board game elements such as dice, playing cards and figures, it is also possible to load your own 3D models and add textures." - description from the developer
Runs on: Windows
Price Model: Pay One Time
Learning Curve: Medium (depends on features you use)