30
I spent 1 year solo-building a free board game tool after paywalls ruined my passion project. (300+ cards, prototyping, offline, no-code)
r/IndieDev
6/2/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Notes | https://store.steampowered.com/app/3007420/Mint_Notes/ | Board Game Prototyping | - Free digital sandbox |
- Rapid prototyping
- Offline functionality
- No-code
- 300+ cards
- Steam integration
- Optional premium features
- One-time purchases
- AI integration
- Steam Workshop
- Board templates
- AI bots
- Online multiplayer |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Frustration with subscription paywalls
- Time wasted updating paper cards
- Complexity of tools like Tabletop Simulator
- Lack of offline functionality
- Slow prototyping process
Problems to Solve:
- Need for free prototyping tools
- Desire for rapid digital prototyping
- Requirement for offline functionality
- Demand for no-code solutions
Potential Solutions:
- Free digital sandbox
- Rapid prototyping tools
- Offline functionality
- No-code solutions
- AI integration
- Steam Workshop
- Board templates
- AI bots
- Online multiplayer
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Building a free core product
- Offering optional premium features
- Using one-time purchases instead of subscriptions
- Integrating with popular platforms like Steam
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Leveraging Reddit communities
- Showcasing product through playtesting
- Building community through Steam Workshop
Monetization & Product:
- Free core product with optional premium features
- One-time purchases for premium features
- AI integration for added value
User Engagement:
- Building community through Steam Workshop
- Encouraging user feedback and input
- Providing free core functionality