Print-n-play?

[scalydemon]

So I have a few games I would like to try that are print and play. I have the files. Now here is my dumb question - what do I do?

They are supposed to be color and some on card stock and such. Can I just take the file in on a zip drive to kinkos and say "here you go make it look like this"?

Anyone have experiences with this to share?
Thanks

[derv]

I have a bunch of print & play games sitting on my hard drive. I've tried a few that I simply printed out on my home printer. A couple I had to redo the counters to make them more printer friendly. I prefer b&w maps and counters that I can print on color card stock instead of using up color ink.

I think it really depends on the designer, though. Some designers have home production in mind. But, there are a number of games that are pretty graphic heavy with a lot of components. Many of which would be too ambitious for me to want to tackle. In those cases, I think the cost of production would end up being on par with buying a regular game. If that isn't a deterrent to you, then I think kinkos might be your best bet.

Probably the best place to get advice would be on boardgamegeek.com

[scalydemon]

Thanks derv.

Here is an example www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/16196/sword-and-sail of something that looked worth some effort

I also have a WWI card game from a digital zine that I have to find that looked very cool

[coffee]

As soon as you said Sword and Sail, I thought "I have that one!"

You can find a lot of talk online about adhesives to stick the counters onto heavy cardboard, so you can cut them out and actually use them. I'm horribly lazy, though, so I just got full page labels (check your local office supply store). Stick that down on heavy cardboard and cut with a hobby or craft knife.

Game maps can usually be printed in parts on letter-sized sheets, and either taped together or pasted onto big sheets of heavy cardboard (if you want a mounted map). You should be able to find suitable cardboard at an office supply or art supply store.

Hope that helps!

[scalydemon]

Thanks coffee, guess I'll have to do a little art/craft project. Could be fun.

[derv]

Coffee gives some good general advice. The Sword and Sail P&P looks pretty straight forward. But, there are always options- the quickest is to simply print it out with your home printer on whatever paper you have available. Glue the counters on some cereal box cardboard with a craft glue stick and cut them out with scissors.

If you want something a little more long lasting, you will need a few items: Steel straight edge, sharp razor knife, spray on adhesive, foam board and/or mat board, round corner punch (optional for cards).

This game was designed to be printed on A4 sized paper (8.27 x 11.69). Personally, I'd print it all on 110 lb. card stock. Here in the U.S. you will probably have to print it out at Letter size. So, select "Shrink Oversized Pages" from the pdf when you go to print. Also, select "Specialty Paper, Best Quality" if this is an option for your printer.

Use your straight edge and razor to separate the counters from the map and cards. Then use spray adhesive to mount counters to mat board. Mat board can be found at Michael's. It's the stuff they use to frame around photos. It can be bought in different colors and textures, but a smooth white will suffice, since I believe the counters are meant to be double sided. After adhesive has set up, use your razor knife and straight edge to cut the counters out and put them in a little baggy.

For the cards, I would just cut them out as is, but you could mount these too. An option is to use a round corner punch on all the card edges (this won't work if mounting). Lastly, if you want the map to last longer, you could mount it to foam core board (It's light and rigid and can be bought at Michael's). What I would do instead is get it laminated. This size map shouldn't cost much to laminate at Office Depot or Staples.

Good luck-