Nightmare Productions

About this board game

Nightmare Productions is an auction game for 2–5 players, playable in about 60 minutes, in which players compete to produce horror films across four rounds.

Each round, players bid on production chips representing creatures, locations, directors, musical conductors, cameos, and contractors. These elements are placed on personal film-strips, with each film requiring its own combination of production components. Complete a film, record its point value, and take another film-strip to continue building your portfolio.

The auction uses a straightforward rising-bid system. Players raise the offer or pass until only one winning bid remains, then pay into a shared pot with money. On each turn, the other players share that pot, creating a closed economy where timing matters: spend too early, and you may lack the money to secure a crucial component later.

• Four rounds of competitive film production
• Rising auctions for creatures, locations, directors, conductors, cameos, and contractors
• Two horror cons each round, offering choices without payment
• Bonus points for first completed films, the best films, the best creatures, and even the worst film

The two horror cons provide additional opportunities each round, allowing players to choose from available offers without paying. These moments can help shape a production plan while the auctions create pressure over scarce money and desirable components.

In Nightmare Productions, success comes from balancing immediate needs with the value of future bids. Finish films efficiently, judge when to compete for standout elements, and pursue the bonuses that can separate the winning production from the rest.