For board game enthusiasts
Reign for board game enthusiasts. Board game community + trades + reviews.
Board game collectors use BoardGameGeek + Reddit + Discord - bgg is the resource but trades + meetups are scattered.
Reign + BuddyNext + Listora for a local-scoped board game community: game reviews, a trade marketplace and a meetup directory. Both plugins install free; GeoDirectory is the alternative.
Community feed, local directory and meetup RSVPs, free to install. You buy the Reign theme; BuddyNext, Listora and Eventonomy are ours and install free.
- BuddyNext community engine
- Listora directories
- Eventonomy events
Three highlights for board game enthusiasts.
- 01
Game-of-the-month + member reviews.
- 02
Trade marketplace via WP Sell Services, free to install, or WC Vendors.
- 03
Local meetup directory in Listora with Eventonomy RSVPs.
What the site looks like on day one.
You launch with a game directory, member collections, trade listings and reviews, plus a discussion space. Games have their own entries with details and reviews, members list what they own and want, and trades happen between members. The directory plus collections combination is what distinguishes this from a general forum.
What a member actually does.
A member joins to look up a game, lists their collection, and starts posting in threads about games they own. Trading brings them back, because a collection that is visible to others generates offers. Over months the reviews and the game entries become the searchable asset that brings in new members from outside.
How this usually makes money.
Usually community-first rather than commercial: ad revenue once traffic builds, affiliate links to retailers, and sometimes a small supporter membership for an ad-free experience. Some communities run paid events or a marketplace commission on trades, though trades between hobbyists resist commission more than a store would.
The mistake to avoid.
Importing a giant game database. Five thousand empty stubs look abandoned and rank for nothing. Start with the games your founding members actually own, write real entries with real opinions, and grow the directory as the community does.
Board game enthusiast-specific questions.
BGG already has reviews - why duplicate?
Niche down: solo gamers only, party games only, war games only. BGG is generalist; you can be the expert.
Can members list their collections?
Yes, through profile fields or a listings plugin, which is what makes trades work. A visible collection is also the thing that prompts conversation, because people comment on what they recognise.
How do trades work safely?
Set the rules and keep the arrangement between members rather than taking payment yourself, unless you are prepared to handle disputes. Member reputation and a trade feedback record do more for safety than any escrow you could bolt on.
Is a game directory worth building?
It is what brings search traffic, because people look up specific games constantly. Start with the games your members actually own rather than importing a database; fifty well-written entries beat five thousand stubs.
Can members rate and review games?
Yes, and member reviews are what make the directory worth visiting rather than a list of titles. Require an account, moderate lightly, and let opinions be opinions.
How do we handle meetups?
Event listings with RSVPs, which works well for local gaming groups. Many communities find the meetups become the main draw and the site becomes how they are organised.
Buy the theme. Add the plugins free.
BuddyNext, Listora and Eventonomy cost nothing to install, and each has its own Pro plan for later. Running the third-party stack instead? The Reign GeoDirectory kit is the packaged route. Or have the Wbcom team install either one for $699 flat.