Business Plan for “Beneath The Sands”

Executive Summary

“Beneath the Sands” is an innovative choice-based survival game where players immerse themselves in
moral dilemmas and various resource-collecting activities to build their dream world from scratch,
making it ideal for family gatherings and game night; Offering the tabletop game for only 200 HKD
while giving the first 500 purchases exclusive items.

1.)Vision/Mission of Beneath The Sands

● What does Beneath the Sands do?
“Beneath The Sands” is a choice-based survival game centered around being stranded in an abandoned
island with no hopes of finding rescue, but the main goal of building your empire from the very
beginning. Complex game mechanics are involved during the gameplay like wildlife encounters and
challenges to collect resources.

● Where does this happen?

This product will target major retail stores like Toys “R” Us as well as local game shops. Additionally, it
will also take place in e-commerce websites by listing “Beneath The Sands” in online marketplaces like
Amazon and HKTVmall, supported by digital marketing campaigns on social media and Google Ads.

● Who does Beneath The Sands benefit?

Gamers (and/or non-gamers) of all ages would benefit from engaging gameplay that promotes critical
thinking, teamwork, as well as social interactions; ultimately fostering a sense of community among
players as the game provides them a fun and immersive experience. Not only that, but retailers and game
developers are able to benefit as it adds a variety of offering for their customers as well as further
investments in future projects and additional product lines
 ● Why would potential customers care?
First, the game offers an engaging gameplay combining strategy and teamwork which appeals to both
casual and serious players. Hence, players are drawn to this concept that fosters social interactions and
solving dilemmas, which makes “Beneath The Sands” an ideal game for game nights and family
gatherings. Aside from that, the educational aspects of the game promote skills such as critical thinking
and problem solving which parents value for their children’s development.

● How does a card game outshine the competition?

The unique theme of being stranded on an island with a strange monster lurking with no prior warnings to
its next attack allows players to be immersed in the intriguing narrative of the gameplay; it also delves
into complex game mechanics like gathering resources, building shelters, and overcoming obstacles,
basically building your empire from scratch with no plans to escape the island-- but to turn the island into
your empire.

2.)Offer and Value Proposition

We offer an enriching board game, “Beneath The Sands” for 200 HKD, which includes the base game
with illustrated components, with a unique set of situations waiting to be encountered for a dynamic
gameplay experience. The first 500 buyers will be gifted an exclusive limited edition expansion pack that
features mythical creatures and various crafting solutions and houses piled with a limited edition
minifigure to complete the experience.

3.)Audience and Ideal Customer

The expected customers would be families, friends, as well as gaming enthusiasts that enjoy strategic
gameplays that involve a little bit of roleplaying. “Beneath The Sands” targets players aged 12 and up,
appealing to both casual players that seek for social experiences and serious players who look for depth
and complexity. Ultimately, “Beneath The Sands” aims to create a community of players who are into
choice-based games that value both social interactions and entertainment.
 4.)Revenue Streams, Sales Channels, and Marketing

Revenue Streams:
● Product Sales: Online, mobile, wholesale, and in-store sales
● Affiliate Income: Monetizing blogs and social media posts with affiliate links
● Advertising Income: Reserving a website space in commonly used gaming websites for
advertising
● E-Book Sales: Publishing manuals and lore about the characters you play as
● Video Income: Monetizing a Youtube channel related to “Beneath The Sands”.
● Members-only content: Monetize a members-only section of the website that displays early
access and information about “Beneath The Sands”.

Direct Sales Channels:

● Brick-and-mortar Location: In-store sales in a standalone location.
● E-commerce Platform: An online store on an e-commerce platform.
● Social Media Channels: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok shoppable posts/pins.
● Sales Representatives: For wholesale or other rep-driven sales.

Other Income Channels:

● Affiliate Income: Blogging or web content with affiliate link commissions.
● E-Book Sales: E-book sales via Amazon Kindle Direct Publisher.
● Video Income: Youtube channel that has tutorials and gameplay videos for entertainment

Marketing and Advertising

Online Marketing Methods:
● Informative Blog Content
● Social Media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter, others.
● Paid online advertising via Google AdSense or other networks.
● Customer Loyalty Program (via Patreon, etc.)

Traditional Advertising and Public Relations Outlets

● Television
● Magazine
● Direct mail
● Event and Team sponsorships
 5.) Structure, Suppliers and Operations
● Business Structure:
→ Operates as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) as it provides flexibility in management while
protecting owners from personal liability. It further eases investment opportunities as well as the ability to
grow by adding more partners.

● Permits:
→ Business Registration
→ Import/Export License
→ Trademark Registration

● Education or Certifications:
→ Degree or certification in Game Design
→ Degree in Business Management or Administration/Project Management Certification
→ Degree in Marketing or Communications/Digital Marketing Certification
→ Degree in Finance or Accounting/Certified Public Accountant
→ Certification in Intellectual Property Law or Business Law Course
→ Customer Service Training

● Roles and Responsibilities:

1.) Game Designer
They develop the game’s mechanisms as well ensuring quality of work through a collection of feedback
for improvement.

2.) Marketing Manager

They manage marketing strategies through social media platforms like Google Ad. They are able to adapt
with the trends to create relatable and engaging content.

3.) Operations Manager

They oversee daily operations to ensure efficient processes through coordinating with manufacturers and
distributors while also implementing quality control measures to maintain product quality.

4.) Sales Manager

They nurture relationships with retail partners and others in order to maximize product distribution to
execute sale strategies that align with marketing efforts to drive revenue growth; They also monitor the
sales performance in order to have insight in proper decision-making.

5.) Financial Analyst

They handle financial forecasts and budgets to support the business plan while analyzing financial data to
identify trends and other opportunities for cost reduction and revenue enhancement. They also ensure
compliance with financial regulations to avoid damaging the business.
 6.) Customer Service Representative
They provide effective support to customers and gather feedback for product improvements while also
maintaining a database of customers to enhance service quality.

7.) Human Resources

They implement comprehensive recruitment strategy while also establishing a performance evaluation
system for regular assessment.

● Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):

1.) Game Development
Objective: Ensure a structured approach to game design and development
→ Outline initial game concepts and mechanics
→ Schedule regular playtesting sessions and document feedback

2.) Marketing
Objective: Maintain consistency and effectiveness in marketing efforts
→ Develop marketing calendar detailing campaign timelines, channels, and objectives
→ Create promotional materials, ensuring alignment with brand messaging
→ Analyze campaign metrics post-launch and adjust strategies as needed

3.) Sales
Objective: Simplified sales processes and enhance retailer relationships
→ Establish a checklist for onboarding new retail partners
→ Implement a system for tracking sales performance and generating reports
→ Regularly gather feedback from retailers about product reception and customer inquiries

4.) Customer Service

Objective: Provide high-quality customer support and resolve issues efficiently
→ Outline steps for responding to customer inquiries
→ Develop a protocol for addressing complaints , including return and exchange procedures
→ Document customer feedback to inform product improvements and marketing strategies
In
5.) Operations
Objective: Ensure efficient management of logistics and supply chain
→ Establish process for monitoring inventory and restocking supplies
→ Implement quality checks during production
→ Develop protocols for coordinating with manufacturers and distributors for timely delivers

6.) Financial
Objective: Maintain financial integrity and support strategic decision-making
→ Create annual budgets
→ Implement a system for tracking expenses
→ Schedule regular financial reviews and prepare reports for stakeholders
 7.) Human Resources
Objective: Ensure efficient management of logistics and supply chain
→ Attract and retain individuals that align with the company’s goals and vision
→ Develop a structured interview process
→ Develop a program to integrate new hires easily

● Supply Chain:

Supplier selection by identifying and partnering with reliable suppliers for game production and
components through supplier evaluation and requesting for proposals from suppliers to compare
capabilities and costs. Then creating a detailed production schedule that aligns with marketing launch
dates, which they could then establish relationships with logistic providers to ensure delivery schedules
with retailers are at a timely manner.
 6.)Financial Forecasts
Cost Forecast
Business Need Startup Cost Ongoing Cost Source/Supplier

Business Organization $50000 $14000 Deacons/ManpowerGro

(LLC) up/HKGCC

Permits/Certifications $20000 $7500 Companies

registry/Hong Kong
Customs/Intellectual
Property Department

Retail or mobile POS $20000 $3000 Shopify POS

System

E-commerce Website $45000 $7000 Shopify

Store/Facility Cost $100,000 $35000 Centaline Property

Utilities Cost $1600 $4000 HKBN/China

Mobile/CLP/Hong
Kong Water Supplies

Mobile Sales, Market and $32,000 $10000 HKTDC/EventBrite

Fair booths

Production/Office $250,000 $12000 Ikea/ Dell/Coding

Equipment Program

Cost of goods (projected) $150000 $40000 Alibaba

Packaging, bags, and $25000 $6300 Alibaba

shipping supplies

Business cards and print $20000 $6000 Alibaba

marketing

Online and social media $50000 $15000 Fiverr/Google

advertising Ads/Facebook
Ads/Canva

Business bank account $20000 $1500 HSBC/BOC/SCB/CitiB

ank

Gross Profit Projections

Product or Service Retail Price (Cost) Gross Profit

Boardgame $200 ($80) 120

 Expansion Packs $100 ($50) 50

Collectable Minifigure $60 ($30) 30