Navigating the Board Game Market in Jakarta: Strategies for Success

If you have a board game idea and you live in Jakarta, you may wonder how to sell your concept. Despite the challenges, there are strategies you can implement to get your game off the ground. This article will guide you through the process of promoting and selling your board game idea in Jakarta.

Exploring the Board Game Scene in Jakarta

To understand the board game market in Jakarta, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the local scene. Attend popular events such as Pop Con and Comic Con, where you can find board game booths. These events are great opportunities to discuss your idea with interested parties and potential investors. Talking to organizers and people involved in the game industry can provide valuable insights and contacts.

Learning from Local Success Stories

Indonesia has produced some fascinating board games, and you can learn from these successes. You can reach out to local toy companies or individuals to share your idea. For instance, the author of this article has recently started a toy company and is open to new ideas. If you wish to connect with them, you can send a message via WhatsApp or email after June 12, as the owner will be away on a mini trip to an island.

Legal Considerations: Selling a Board Game Idea

It's important to understand that game ideas are free and not protected by copyright law. Patents also do not cover the core mechanics of board games, such as rolling dice or using cards. Therefore, the only way to monetize your idea is by producing it yourself and selling it.

Self-Publishing and Marketing Your Game

If you decide to go the self-publishing route, there are resources available to help you. Reading books on game development and marketing can provide a comprehensive understanding of the process. Two main options include:

Pitching your game to a game company to handle the marketing and sales. This can take time and you might earn a smaller portion of the proceeds, typically around 2-3% of the selling price. Producing and selling your game yourself, which involves a significant amount of work in production, storage, marketing, and customer support. This route can potentially yield more money but comes with higher risks and more effort.

Unfortunately, you cannot expect to directly go to large retailers like Toys R Us, Waterstones, or Walmart to get your game on their shelves.

Expanding Your Market and Overcoming Language Barriers

To truly succeed in the board game market, you need to be in the right place at the right time. Building an initial market is crucial. A great example of this is the city of Bandung in Indonesia, where creativity is highly valued, and board games are less unusual. Regular board game sessions in cafes like Kummara have helped grow the market there.

Overcoming Language Barriers

The primary challenge in selling board games in non-English speaking markets is language. However, there are effective ways to overcome this barrier:

Play with locals and demonstrate the fun of your game. People tend to enjoy and share products they have experienced and enjoyed themselves. Host your own board game sessions with friends and family. This can serve as a starting point for word-of-mouth marketing. Participate in game expos and events. While it may take time for people to show interest, continued engagement and interaction can lead to more sales.

Building a community around your game through these methods can help you expand your market and attract more potential customers.

Conclusion

Selling a board game idea in Jakarta is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By understanding the local market, exploiting available resources, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, persistence and passion are key to making your board game idea a reality.