The Global Game: Why Are Board Games Not Made in the USA?
Have you ever wondered why so many of the board games and card games lining store shelves are stamped with “Made in China”? While a seemingly simple question, the answer reveals a complex web of economic realities, manufacturing limitations, and global partnerships. The decision of where to manufacture any product is rarely straightforward, and the board game industry, though not a major economic pillar, provides a fascinating lens through which to examine the nuances of globalization and manufacturing choices. This article delves into the reasons why producing board games and card games in the USA isn’t always a viable option, exploring the challenges faced by companies like Steve Jackson Games and Cards Against Humanity.
The Challenges of US-Based Board Game Manufacturing
For consumers seeking to support local economies and reduce their environmental footprint, the prevalence of overseas manufacturing can be frustrating. Why can’t we make these games here? The answer, it turns out, is multifaceted and rooted in a combination of infrastructure limitations, cost considerations, and established relationships.
Lack of Specialized Infrastructure for Game Production
One of the primary obstacles to US-based board game manufacturing is the relative lack of specialized infrastructure. Meredith Placko, CEO of Steve Jackson Games (the creators of Munchkin), highlights this issue. “Some people ask, ‘Why not manufacture in the US?’ I wish we could,” she wrote. “But the infrastructure to support full-scale board game production—specialty dice making, die-cutting, custom plastic and wood components—doesn’t meaningfully exist here yet. I’ve gotten quotes. I’ve talked to factories. Even when the willingness is there, the equipment, labor, and timelines simply aren’t.”
This point is crucial. Manufacturing a board game involves much more than just printing cards. It often requires:
- Specialty Dice Making: Producing high-quality, custom dice in various shapes and sizes.
- Die-Cutting: Precisely cutting cardboard components, game boards, and tokens.
- Custom Plastic and Wood Components: Manufacturing miniatures, pawns, resource tokens, and other unique game pieces.
While individual companies in the US might specialize in one or two of these areas, a comprehensive supply chain capable of handling all aspects of board game production at a competitive price is largely absent. Overseas, particularly in China, these specialized services are readily available and often integrated within a single manufacturing hub, creating efficiencies and economies of scale that are difficult to replicate in the US.
The Cost Conundrum: Price vs. Quality
Even for simpler products like card games, US manufacturing doesn’t always pencil out. Cards Against Humanity (CAH), a game known for its provocative content, attempted to diversify its supply chain by working with a US factory. However, the results were far from satisfactory.
A CAH spokesperson stated that the US factory was “twice as expensive, three times slower, and much lower quality—something like 20 percent of games were unsellable due to production errors.”
This stark comparison illustrates the significant cost and quality gap that can exist between US and overseas manufacturing. While supporting domestic businesses is a noble goal, companies ultimately need to produce profitable products that meet consumer expectations. Higher manufacturing costs translate to higher retail prices, potentially making the game less competitive in the market. Furthermore, a 20% defect rate is unacceptable for most businesses and could severely damage a company’s reputation.
The Allure of One-Stop-Shop Manufacturing
Modern board games often involve a wide array of components, requiring diverse manufacturing processes. Cards Against Humanity, for example, produces games like Head Trip that incorporate “wooden tokens and a round folding board,” while another title, Tales, “has a bound book and 20 tiny matchboxes of prompts.” Managing multiple suppliers for different components can be logistically complex and time-consuming.
Companies often prefer to work with a single manufacturer who can handle all aspects of production. This streamlined approach simplifies communication, reduces shipping costs, and ensures consistency in quality and timelines. Overseas factories, particularly in China, are often equipped to provide these comprehensive, one-stop-shop services, making them an attractive option for board game publishers.
The Importance of Relationships and Trust
Beyond purely economic factors, established relationships play a crucial role in manufacturing decisions. Cards Against Humanity has “used the same factory in China since 2010, and they’ve grown alongside us from a small business to a huge operation,”. “They do great work, we like them, and we feel a moral obligation to stand by them…”
This statement highlights the importance of trust, communication, and shared growth in long-term business partnerships. After years of working together, companies and their overseas manufacturers often develop a deep understanding of each other’s needs and expectations. Switching to a new supplier, even one located domestically, involves significant risk and uncertainty. Rebuilding those relationships and establishing the same level of trust takes time and effort.
Is There a Future for US-Made Board Games?
While the current landscape presents significant challenges for US-based board game manufacturing, the situation is not static. Several factors could potentially shift the balance in the future:
-
Technological Advancements: Automation and advanced manufacturing technologies could reduce labor costs and improve efficiency in US factories, making them more competitive.
-
Government Incentives: Government programs and tax breaks could encourage companies to invest in domestic manufacturing infrastructure and create jobs.
-
Shifting Consumer Preferences: Growing consumer demand for locally made products and a willingness to pay a premium for them could incentivize companies to explore US manufacturing options, accepting the potential for decreased profit margins to align with values and reach a niche market.
-
Re-shoring Initiatives: Ongoing efforts to bring manufacturing back to the US, driven by concerns about supply chain security and national security, could lead to the development of a more robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem for board games and other products.
| Factor | US Manufacturing | Overseas Manufacturing |
| ———————– | —————— | ———————- |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Quality | Variable | Generally Consistent |
| Infrastructure | Limited | Abundant |
| Turnaround Time | Slower | Faster |
| Relationship Building | Difficult | Established |
For smaller-scale or niche board game projects, print-on-demand services within the US may be a viable option. Furthermore, innovative approaches to game design that minimize the need for specialized components could open up opportunities for US-based production. Cards Against Humanity even offers a free PDF download of their game, allowing individuals to print and assemble it themselves – a unique approach that bypasses manufacturing complexities entirely.
Conclusion: A Complex Puzzle
The decision of where to manufacture board games is a complex one, influenced by a range of economic, logistical, and relational factors. While the allure of US-made products is strong, the current reality is that overseas manufacturing, particularly in China, often provides the most cost-effective and efficient solution. Overcoming the challenges of limited infrastructure, higher costs, and the need for specialized skills will be essential if the US is to become a more competitive player in the global board game manufacturing landscape. As technology evolves and consumer preferences shift, the future of US-made board games remains an open question.
What do you think? Is it worth paying more for a board game made in the USA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources & Further Reading:
Original article at arstechnica.com
