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Games are more than just entertainment; they’re a product of creativity and careful craftsmanship.
While playing a game feels effortless, bringing one to life is a completely different story, it requires dedication, technical expertise, and advanced manufacturing techniques!
This is exactly how "Nakarat" came to life—a game designed with precision and a vision to bring something unique to the table. Want to know how it all came together? Let’s discover the journey that turned this idea into a tangible reality…
About Nakarat
Industry
Product
Why Fab Lab Egypt
Solution Provided
The Challenge: Nakarat’s Path from Vision to Prototype
“Nakarat” started as an ambitious vision by Sharif Mansour,
"I've been interested in board games for years, playing them with friends and my brother. During my teaching career, I always looked for ways to make students excited about attending my classes. I would design lessons that incorporated activities and games inspired by the board games I knew, blending educational content with fun to make learning more engaging."
The concept of "Nakarat" features a double-sided hexagonal board, with each side offering five to six flick-based games. Each game has its own themes, characters, and rules. However, turning this game into something tangible wasn’t easy!
“I wanted to create something new and unique. I was inspired by a video featuring a game that used pegs on a small board. I decided to make a larger board and designed a prototype using cardboard,” said Sharif Mansour, the owner of Nakarat.
The early cardboard models and paper sketches fell short of what was needed for a sturdy, high-quality board game.
"Nakarat" needed more than just ideas; it required expert resources and precise execution to become a reality.
“Nakarat originally started as a very large game designed for beaches. I began working on a smaller version, about 60 cm in size, using cardboard. I started developing the prototype with a cardboard model, then moved to an MDF version, and later worked on a wooden model,” said Sharif Mansour.
After 9 prototypes over three years of development, Nakarat was finally ready to take its final version!
The Solution: Nakarat Meets Digital Fabrication Technology
To bring the vision of "Nakarat" to life, ideas were transformed into CAD (Computer-Aided Design) models, ready for production using laser cutter, CNC router for wood shaping, and vibrant UV printing on wood.
The game was carefully designed to maintain high quality and a great look, whether making one piece or many, the design ensures effortless assembly, delivering a smooth and enjoyable experience for players.
“We’ve been testing samples for everything—from the edging parts and spinning mechanism to the board itself,” said Sharif Mansour.
As the game moved from a low-fidelity prototype to a near-complete, fully functional, and polished product, "Nakarat" truly came into its own. By using the right technical solutions, the game evolved into something unique, ready to stand out and capture the excitement of players
The Result: Nakarat Ready to Play
With the right tools and thoughtful design, "Nakarat" is now a fully realized game—durable, visually striking, and ready for players to enjoy..
The game features a variety of ideas, including:
Baltaga: A fast-paced, easy-to-learn game where players compete to knock each other’s pieces off the board, collect points, and secure victory.
Shatara: An advanced version of Baltaga, adding layers of complexity and interaction for a more challenging experience.
Kam-Fi-Kam: A more strategic game inspired by card games like "Concan," where players gather specific sets and earn bonuses, all within a beautifully designed ancient Egyptian theme.
“Right now, we have an incredible prototype. People are excited to play it, and many want to buy it,” said Sharif Mansour. “We just need a couple more steps with the Fab Lab team to finalize everything.”
The game has already sparked interest in Sharif’s local community, and its potential is only growing as more people experience it!
Conclusion
With the help of digital fabrication and practical problem-solving, "Nakarat" went from an idea to a real, playable game. It shows how creativity and the right tools can turn concepts into reality!
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