Before a board game hits store shelves, it often goes through multiple versions, some of which never see the light of day. These early board game prototypes can differ wildly from their final forms, offering a glimpse into what could have been. Whether they were shelved due to budget constraints, playability issues, or marketing misfires, many of these prototypes have developed followings among collectors and hardcore board game fans. If you’re someone who loves hunting for rare gaming artifacts, these 7 board game prototypes might just be your next obsession.
7. Betrayal at House on the Hill Sketch Kit
Before it became a classic, Betrayal at House on the Hill existed as a sketchbook of room layouts and possible scenarios. The game was tested with paper cutouts and placeholder tokens. This prototype emphasized modular design, which would become a key feature in the final game. Original sketches occasionally show up in design retrospectives or board game museum exhibits.
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6. Trivial Pursuit Index Card Set
Believe it or not, the earliest version of Trivial Pursuit was nothing more than a set of hand-typed questions on index cards, accompanied by a rough-drawn game board. Creators Scott Abbott and Chris Haney used this homemade prototype to pitch the concept to investors. Some of these original sets are now in private collections, making them valuable in the world of board game prototypes.
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5. The Game of Life’s 3D Path Prototype
Milton Bradley’s The Game of Life was originally built as a physical 3D path game, complete with ramps and mini flags. The prototype was far more elaborate than the retail version and used mechanical components for movement. This version was only shown to test audiences and executives, but photos and partial sets have occasionally appeared online.
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4. Candy Land’s Watercolor Test Boards
Designed to help children recovering from polio, Candy Land’s original designs were made with watercolor paints and paper cutouts. These board game prototypes look more like children’s artwork than a game map, but they laid the foundation for what would become a household favorite. Occasionally, concept boards surface at auctions tied to Hasbro’s history archive.
3. Risk: World Domination Cardboard Concept
Risk’s original prototype was a French game called La Conquête du Monde. When Parker Brothers acquired it, they developed a simple cardboard prototype with colored dots instead of mini armies. This early version of Risk lacked the plastic pieces and refined rules we know today.
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2. Settlers of Catan Hand-Drawn Wood Version
Before it became a household name, Settlers of Catan existed as a hand-crafted wooden set that designer Klaus Teuber used to pitch the game. Hex tiles were manually cut and painted, and cards were laminated with handwritten labels. Only a few of these early board game prototypes still exist, and they fetch a pretty penny at auctions.
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1. Monopoly’s Round Board Prototype
The earliest known version of Monopoly didn’t look anything like the square board you know today. Designed by Charles Darrow, this prototype featured a circular layout and was drawn by hand. Though the board changed significantly, the prototype has become a prized piece among collectors. One even resides in the Strong National Museum of Play in New York.
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