The 4 main options for making a game
- Manufacturer specialized French (our case, Ferriotric, Loiseau Plume, Cartamundi France) : dedicated workshop board game, maximum expertise
- Self-service online platform (Game Crafter US, Print & Play Games US, BoardGamesMaker) : automatic quote, MOQ (minimum order quantity) very low, variable quality
- Generalist local printer (your neighbourhood printer) : proximity, but limited game expertise
- Direct Asian Manufacturer (Long Pack Games, Whatz Games, Panda GM) : large economic volumes, but delays and complexity
Option 1 : French specialized manufacturer
Who's this? French workshops entirely dedicated to the manufacture of board games (cards, trays, boxes, pawns). Some names: Craft Your Games (Charente), Ferriot Cric (Aube), Cartamundi France, Loiseau Plume.
For whom: B2B companies (training, CSR, customer gift), communities, independent publishers, premium projects.
Benefits:
- Full expertise game design + manufacturing (not just printing)
- EN71, REACH, toy certifications
- Short time (4-8 weeks all inclusive)
- Direct communication in French, without time lag
- Possibility of visit workshop, validation BAT (Good to pull, validation before printing) physical
- Strong CSR (ESAT, plant inks, PEFC/FSC paper)
- Best x5 carbon balance vs Asia
Disadvantages:
- More expensive unitary than Asia on very large series (50 000+ ex)
- MOQ generally higher than self-service platforms
Option 2 : Self-service online platform
Who's this? websites that offer an online configurator, automatic quote, MOQ 1 often possible. Game Crafter, Print & Play Games (US), BoardGamesMaker (Asia).
For whom: game independent designers, prototype designers, very small personal projects.
Benefits: MOQ 1, Instant quote, simple process.
Disadvantages: variable quality, limited finishes, no game design support, communication in English, transport delay, no visit workshop, toy expertise often absent.
Option 3 : Generalist local printer
Who's this? your neighbourhood printer (business cards, flyers, posters) can technically print simple cards or trays.
For whom: very small single volumes (50 simple cards for personal use).
Benefits: proximity, local language, quick quote.
Disadvantages: No finishings pro cards (linen, black core), no specialized boxes, no pawn hold, no game design expertise, no EN71 standard. For a serious project, it is insufficient. (more about our everything about serious games)
Option 4 : Direct Asian Manufacturer
Who's this? big Chinese specialized board game factories. Long Pack Games, Whatz Games, Panda Game Manufacturing.
For whom: large consumer series (5,000+ ex), international publishers, projects Kickstarter - I'm a big budget guy.
Benefits: unit cost unbeatable on large series, massive production capacity.
Disadvantages:
- Total time 10-14 weeks (production + maritime + custom)
- MOQ often high (1000+ ex)
- Communication in English, time difference 6-7h
- Difficult quality verification at distance
- Hidden costs: transport, custom, compliance REACH/EN71
- Catalyst carbon balance vs France
- No valueable CSR for CSRD/DPEF
Comparison table of the 4 options
| Criterion | Fab FR | Platform | Local print | Fab Asia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOQ | 10-50 | 1 | 50 | 1000+ |
| Total time | 4-8 sem | 3-6 sem | 2-4 sem | 10-14 sem |
| Quality finishes | ***** | *** | ** | **** |
| EN71 compliance | Yes (native) | ! | Rare | ! |
| Unit cost 100 ex | Medium | High | Down | N/A (MOQ) |
| Unit cost 10000 ex | Medium | High | N/A | Down |
| RSE / DPEF | Yes | !️ |
How to choose according to your project
- Unitary or very small run prototype (1-20 ex) : specialized European B2B manufacturer OR self-service platform
- Small and medium series B2B (50-5000 ex) : specialized European B2B manufacturer = sweet spot quality/price/time
- Very large consumer series (10000-100000 ex) : arbitrer fabricator français (quality, CSR) vs Asia (gross cost)
- Kickstarter International Project : Asia for cost + European B2B manufacturer for the FR version of the project
Have a custom game project?
Design, manufacturing, delivery turnkey. Detailed quote within 48 hours, free and no commitment.
Request a quote in 48hSources and references
- INSEE — French games & toys market studies 2025
- European standard EN71 — toy safety (EN71-1 mechanical, EN71-2 flammability, EN71-3 chemical)
- FFJP — French federation of toy and childcare industries
- AFNOR — responsible paper labels PEFC and FSC
- Bpifrance study — SMEs and B2B purchasing 2026
If your project is B2B (business, school, community) Or. small/medium series (50-5000 ex), a specialized European B2B manufacturer is mathematically the best choice: quality, EN71 compliance, CSR for CSRD, short deadlines, direct communication. Brief 48 hours.
Making my game across Europe