If you are reading this article, you have already unearthed the gem that Print-and-play (PNP) games are, and it got you curious- can I give it a shot? Is it worth the try? Is it as captivating as it’s claimed to be?

Are Print-and-play games for me?

To put all your queries to rest, here are some pointers that can help you discover the answer!

Affinity towards DIY Projects
Print-and-play games, more often than not, require hands-on activities like cutting, gluing, and assembling components. If crafting and creativity fall right on your aisle, then you will have a great time preparing the game as much as playing the game itself. Having access to printers, basic stationery items (ruler, pencil, scissors) or game items (dice, pawn pieces, etc.) can also enable you to assemble many print-and-play games with ease. There are many games that can be played with minimal effort for assembling, but as you dive deeper into the realm of PNP, your craftsmanship will come in handy!

Affinity towards board games, or digital games

Are you into board games? If so, then dive into PNP games right away! We call board games the ultimate litmus-test for PNP Games; in other words, if you are into board games, the chances are you will LOVE print-and-play games. Be it cost-effectiveness, the wide variety of PNP games, minimal space requirement, accessibility of games or the ability of supporting Indie game designers- there are too many green flags for board gamers when it comes to exploring Print-and-play games. If you are a board gamer, you have already made up your mind, so head onto our article for everything you need for print-and-play games!

A seeker for Off-Screen time
Let’s face it, we are living in the age of the black box. Be it work, entertainment or just to merely pass time (doom-scrolling!), the digital screen has captivated us in more ways than one. The list of off-screen activities or hobbies is quite long, and PNP games are an integral part of it. With thousands of print-and-play games to choose from, that you can learn in no time, it might just be the perfect hobby to embark upon to get that much needed break from the screens.

Mini-disclaimer: Yes, you will need the ‘screens’ to explore PNP games and their tutorials, but the involvement of the screen is fairly minimal once you get to know how to play the game. There are always exceptions though, in cases where a PNP game also involves an app (e.g. Langdon Manor).

Willing to invest (time, and a bit of money)
When it comes to PNP games, it is always up to you as to how much you want to spend on it, money-wise. As far as the dent on your wallet is concerned, it will be next to none since it’s perhaps the most economical form of games out there. If you are on the fence on printing out a one-page game, you can even draw it out yourself and play it! Like we mentioned in the first pointer, your DIY-capability will be put to test!

As far as time is concerned, we believe PNP games age like fine wine. The more you play each game, the better you will get at it, and the more fruitful the playing experience will get. With that in mind, it’s essential that you invest ample time to learn about the game, assemble the game components with care, and of course- the next point!

Willing to explore a wonderful community
Be it on Reddit, or Boardgamegeek, you can be a part of a wholesome community that indulges in the world of print-and-play. Many YouTubers have also embarked on this wonderful hobby, and have given detailed reviews on the games. You can also be a part of weekly newsletters or blogs (ahem, self promotion) that walks you through all the latest updates of PNP games.

And what’s stopping you from building your own community?

Once you have mastered a handful of PNP games, all you gotta do is nudge your friends or colleagues on a game night! Nothing beats the fun of sharing a highly entertaining game session with your close ones, to create memories that will last a lifetime. So if you have decided to explore the realm of print-and-play games, make sure to also make a list of all your friends/colleagues who might be into it. 

A big fan of Customization

What sets PNP games apart from the board games, is the degree of customization that it offers. You can put your illustration skills (digital, or hand-drawn) to test and modify your favorite PNP game to add some new flavors.

Imagine introducing a PNP game to your colleagues, where the characters of protagonist and antagonists are none other than your colleagues themselves! That would make the game much more entertaining, enticing and personal! It’s guaranteed to create an experience that the group never had before.

Mini-disclaimer:modifications to the existing games are only encouraged for crafting a game for your personal collection!

Willing to try out an alternate means of entertainment

While the whole world is spearheading towards an era of intangibility, indulging yourself into a form of entertainment that involves pen and paper, dice and game pieces, or scissors and rulers can be quite a shift. The tangible gaming pieces that are controlling the game, aligned with your problem-solving and decision-making skills that are determining the outcome of the game, will create an immersive experience for you. 

It is the form of entertainment that you didn’t know you needed! 

Willing to test it out by yourself

The best part of PNP games are, you can start small. There are tons of solo-games that you can download for free, print, learn, and play in under 2 hours. The entry barrier to PNP games is close to none, and all you need is a laptop with internet connection, and a printer. If you are on the fence about printing, or don’t have a printer, then you can draw it out by yourself too. 

Have you made up your mind? Are PNP games your cup of tea? Then it’s time for you to know about everything you need for print-and-play games!

If you are still unsure, it’s perfectly alright. The entire website is made for those who are new to the world of print and play, so you can go through countless blogs, game reviews and even a few print-and-play games that we have developed to make up your mind. So, take your time!