Rigid box
Rigid boxes
Two-piece lid and base boxes in wrapped greyboard. The box people keep on a shelf.
Rigid board
Rigid box · Rigid board
Custom game boxes
A custom game box is a printed rigid or folding box built around a game's components: a board, cards, dice, tokens, a rulebook. We make board game boxes, card game boxes and video game packaging, draw the structure for free, and production takes 10–12 days from proof approval.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Style
- Rigid or folding box
- Board
- Greyboard or paperboard
- Best for
- Board, card and video games
- Best value starts at
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Quote reply time
- 12–24 hours
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What goes into a game box?
The catch is the fit inside. Games are judged by how the box opens and how the pieces sit, so the tray matters as much as the cover. Send the component list and sizes and we'll draw the tray with the box.
A board game box has a lid, a base and a tray with cut-outs for each component. The lid carries the art. The tray stops the pieces rattling in transit and on a shelf.
A card game often fits a smaller tuck-end box or a book-style box. Video game and CD packaging uses a shallow rigid or folding case.
- Lid and base. Rigid, wrapped in your art.
- Tray. Paperboard cut-outs for each component.
- Dividers. Separate cards, tokens and dice.
- Rulebook slot. A recess so the book lies flat.
Specifications
Custom game boxes: specifications
Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Rigid lid and base, book-style, tuck-end for card games, shallow cases for video games |
| Board | Wrapped greyboard or paperboard |
| Wrap art outside, and optional inside print | |
| Inserts | Paperboard trays and dividers cut to the components |
| Add-ons | Ribbon pull, thumb notch, spot UV on the title |
| Size | Drawn to the components |
| Ships to you | Rigid assembled. Folding cartons flat |
| Recyclability | Paper and greyboard recycle. Laminates and foam don't |
| Order size | Best value from 50 units per design, because of logistics and shipping. Smaller orders can be considered |
| Structural design | $0. We draw the dieline around your product |
| Proof | Digital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes |
| Production | 10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top |
| Default finish | Aqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box |
| Point of contact | One packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery |
Board and build
Which game box?
Pick by the game's size and the number of parts.
| Game | Box | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Large board game | Rigid lid and base with a tray | Holds a board and many parts |
| Card game | Tuck-end carton or book-style | Compact, easy to carry |
| Expansion pack | Shallow rigid or folding box | Fits on a shelf next to the main game |
| Video game or CD | Shallow rigid or folding case | Holds a disc or card and a leaflet |
For the fullest range of rigid builds, see custom rigid boxes.
Compare
Rigid or folding game box?
Both work. They differ in feel and cost.
| Rigid | Folding | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Heavy, stiff, keepsake | Lighter, cheaper |
| Arrives | Assembled | Flat |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Collector and retail games | Card games, small runs |
A rigid box needs a mailer around it for shipping. See ecommerce packaging.
Sizing
Sizing a game box
List every component with its size: board folded, card decks, rulebook, token bags, dice. Send the list and the board's folded size, and we'll set the box dimensions and tray.
Don't add clearance yourself. We add it when we draw the dieline. See how to measure a box.
Who uses custom game boxes
- Indie game designers. A short run for a launch, a campaign or a convention.
- Publishers. A reorder of a proven box.
- Video game and music sellers. Collector editions.
- Electronics and accessories brands. See electronics packaging.
Finishes
Print the art, finish the title.
Aqueous coating goes on every box by default. A single spot finish on the title is plenty.
Spot UV
Gloss on one area of a matte box. Good for a logo, bad for small text.
Foil stamping
Metallic foil on the logo. It catches the light on the shelf.
Embossing
A raised shape you can feel with your thumb. No ink needed.
Aqueous coating
Water-based and on every box by default. It recycles with the box.
Quote
Get a quote for custom game boxes
One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.
How it works
Four steps, one person.
The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.
Step 01
Tell us what you're packing
Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.
Step 02
We draw the structure
Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.
Step 03
You approve the proof
Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.
Step 04
We make and ship
Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.
FAQ
Custom game boxes: questions.
What is the minimum order for game boxes?
Best value starts at 50 units per design, because of logistics and shipping. If you need fewer, tell us: we can consider smaller orders.
How long do game boxes take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top and depends on where the boxes are going.
Do you charge for structural design?
No. Structural design is $0. We draw the dieline around your product, and you only pay once you order boxes.
Can you make a tray for my game's components?
Yes. Send the component list and sizes, and the tray is drawn with the box.
Can you make video game cases?
Yes, as shallow rigid or folding cases sized to the disc or card and any leaflet.
Can I order a small run for a crowdfunding campaign?
Yes. Best value starts at 50, and campaigns often order more. Tell us your quantity.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
You need printed card decks or game components
We make the box, not the cards or the board. If you need printed decks, use a game component printer. Come to us for the box.
You only need a handful of boxes
Best value starts at 50 units, because of logistics and shipping. For 10 or 20 we can consider it, but the cost per box is higher and a stock box with a printed sticker may cost you less.
You need boxes next week
Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.
You want plain brown boxes
If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.
What's in the game?
Send the component list with sizes and the number of boxes you need.
Start a projectPopular boxes
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