Gamerboard Review

Gamerboard is a clever combination of ideas developed by some gamers over in Austria. In it’s very basic form it’s a magnetic white board. However our Austrian friends have put it together with transparent gridded sheets to make it altogether more usable.

The version I was sent for review was A1 in size (884 x 637 mm total dimensions, 841 x 594 mm internally) but they also sell A2 and A3 versions. I also opted for the 25 mm square and 25 mm hex grids. There are others available starting at 10 mm square and 9 mm hex. There is also the top transparent sheet which you can write on using dry erase pens. The creators recommend Staedtler Lumocolor pens – which my review version came with. Finally, there was a selection of magnets that you can attach to your miniatures to ensure they don’t move about on the board by accident.

Maps

Using the board with just the grid and you have a standard battlemat configuration with the added bonuses of a wipe-clean surface should anyone spill something and miniatures that won’t shift when the table is nudged. This presumes you have applied the magnets to the bottom of the minatures’ bases. However, the board really comes into its own if you have built up a collection of printed maps.

I’ve got a number from various publications over the years that I’m not all that keen on using normally in case they get damaged. That isn’t an issue any more. You can just “unclick” the sides, pop them under the transparent sheet and away you go. If they don’t have a grid but you need one, just put that sheet on top as well. And, of course, you can now write on them without fear of damaging the original. It’s a genius idea and I can’t believe it hasn’t been thought of before. I also used it, propped up against a wall, while running Storm King’s Thunder to highlight particular places in the Realms as shown below.

Size

As I previously mentioned, the board comes in three sizes. I reviewed the A1 size and, while it’s great, it’s a little too big if you’re likely to be transporting it regularly. For that reason I would be more inclined to go with the A2 version. Or even the A3 version if you’re likely to attend conventions and want to be really portable. Regardless of which one you fancy, I can highly recommend it. I’ve used it recently in a game of D&D and also X-Wing Miniatures.

Price

I feel that the boards are reasonably priced but shipping to the UK might put them beyond most people’s budgets. However, that isn’t a problem because although the Gamerboard is available for sale, you can also download instructions on how to make your own.

In trying to provide a balanced review I’ve been racking my brain to find a disadvantage to these boards and all I can come up with is the shipping price which, as I’m sure you will agree, can’t be held against the makers.

Rating: 10/10

You can buy the Gamerboard (or download DIY instructions) from gamerboard.tp-media.at.

A version of this review was originally posted on UK Role Players in 2016.