Choose a game idea
Define the objective
Decide the player count
Set the game theme
Create the core rules
Design the board layout
Design the game pieces
Create cards, tokens, or dice if needed
Write setup instructions
Write turn order rules
Write movement rules
Write win and lose conditions
Make a prototype
Test the prototype
Revise the rules
Balance the gameplay
Improve the components
Playtest again
Finalize the design
Produce the finished game
Package the game
Write the rulebook