Behind the Scenes of “Relative Race” Season 13: Crafting Game Pieces for a Unique TV Experience

If you’ve watched BYU TV’s popular show Relative Race, you know it’s much more than your typical reality TV series.  Combining elements of a family reunion with a high-stakes race, this show gives contestants the opportunity to connect with unknown relatives while competing in an intense, cross-country challenge.  Each episode is packed with unexpected discoveries, heartwarming reunions, and a thrilling competition that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

For Season 13, Episode 9 of Relative Race, the show needed something more than its usual dramatic flair. Enter:  the game pieces.  While they might seem like simple props at first glance, these custom-made pieces play a key role in enhancing the experience for both the contestants and the audience.  They aren’t just tokens in a game—they’re symbols of the challenges, triumphs, and teamwork that define Relative Race.

In this blog, we’re going to pull back the curtain on how these game pieces were designed and built.  From concept to creation, including how metal letters were integrated into the design, we’ll explore the artistry, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that went into making these seemingly “simple” objects shine on screen.

The Concept: Designing Game Pieces That Tell a Story

The beauty of Relative Race lies in its ability to merge entertainment with deeply personal, emotional stories.  As such, the game pieces for this show needed to reflect the heart of the competition—family and discovery—while also being functional for the race.  When the creators approached us to develop the game pieces, we were given two objectives:  they had to be visually appealing yet simple enough to integrate seamlessly into the show, and they had to embody the spirit of the race.

The creative process began with brainstorming sessions to identify the symbolism we wanted the game pieces to carry.  The race is about connecting with family, so we knew we wanted the pieces to be representative of that journey, while still aligning with the sleek, modern aesthetic of the show.

Our initial design sketches included concepts of small tokens shaped like arrows to represent direction and discovery, as well as pieces that could symbolize family ties or the act of racing itself.  After considering a few iterations, we settled on a design that integrated geometric shapes—simple enough to make an impact visually but meaningful in the context of the show’s themes.

Bringing the Concept to Life: The Art of Precision and Simplicity

Once the concept was finalized, the real challenge began:  turning a visual idea into a tangible product.  As with any project that involves creating game pieces or props, precision was key.  These pieces had to withstand the rigors of filming, traveling, and constant handling by the contestants, all while looking pristine on camera.

We decided to use 3D printing for the initial prototypes.  This allowed us to experiment with different sizes, shapes, and materials before moving on to the final product.  3D printing offered the flexibility to tweak designs quickly, which was especially important for a show like Relative Race, where production schedules are tight and deadlines loom large.

After testing several prototypes, we settled on a design that was both durable and visually striking.  The final game pieces were made from a high-quality polymer that could handle repeated use, but still had the sleek, professional look the show needed.

One of the defining features of these pieces was their minimalist aesthetic.  In designing for TV, less is often more.  The game pieces didn’t need to be overly complex—they just had to be functional, visually appealing, and symbolic of the show’s deeper themes.

The Challenges of Making Game Pieces for TV

While the game pieces may look straightforward, creating props for television comes with its own set of challenges.  Every detail matters when it comes to on-screen appearances—small flaws that might go unnoticed in other contexts are magnified under the lens of a high-definition camera.

One of the first hurdles we encountered was ensuring that the game pieces would look good from multiple angles.  TV cameras are rarely static, and the action on Relative Race often moves quickly.  This meant that the game pieces needed to look great from any direction, even in fast-moving shots.  We spent considerable time ensuring that the shapes were symmetrical and that the finishes were consistent, knowing that any imperfections would be caught by the camera.

Another challenge was making sure the pieces were durable enough for the show’s physically demanding environment.  Relative Race isn’t a show where contestants sit around a table rolling dice—it’s a fast-paced race across the country.  Contestants are constantly moving, handling the game pieces during both calm and stressful moments, often with little care for delicacy.

The solution was to create game pieces that could take a beating.  The polymer we used was tested for impact resistance, ensuring that the pieces wouldn’t chip, crack, or break during filming.  The metal letters were securely fastened to withstand the rigors of travel and handling.

Additionally, the game pieces needed to be lightweight enough to be easily transported, both by the contestants and the production crew, who move from location to location throughout the race.  We focused on finding the perfect balance between durability and portability, ensuring the pieces felt substantial but weren’t overly heavy.

Making an Impact: The Role of Game Pieces in Storytelling

While game pieces are often overlooked in television production, they play a critical role in storytelling.  In Relative Race, the game pieces are more than just objects—they’re symbols of progress, connection, and the stakes of the competition.  Every time a contestant touches a game piece, it marks a step forward in their journey toward discovering new family members.

The simplicity of the design allowed the focus to remain on the emotional and physical journey of the contestants.  The game pieces provided a tactile element to the show, something contestants could hold in their hands as they navigated challenges, solved puzzles, and raced toward their next destination.  They became physical representations of the contestants’ progress in the race and their connection to the overarching goal of finding family.

In Season 13, Episode 9, the game pieces were introduced around the 13-minute mark, and they fit seamlessly into the flow of the episode.  They weren’t flashy or ostentatious, but they served their purpose perfectly—adding a sense of structure to the game while symbolizing the personal stakes each contestant faced.

The Final Product: Simple Yet Impactful

In the end, the game pieces we created for Relative Race Season 13 were a perfect example of how something seemingly simple can have a big impact.  By focusing on quality, precision, and symbolism, we were able to craft pieces that fit naturally into the show’s narrative while adding a layer of sophistication with the custom metal letters.

These pieces weren’t just props—they were part of the storytelling fabric of Relative Race.  They represented the contestants’ journey, the challenges they faced, and the ultimate goal of connecting with family.  They were both functional and meaningful, perfectly embodying the spirit of the show.

Conclusion: Crafting Pieces That Enhance the Experience

Creating game pieces for a show like Relative Race requires a balance between practicality and artistry.  The pieces need to be durable enough to survive the physical demands of the competition, while also being visually appealing and symbolic of the show’s deeper themes.

By combining 3D printing technology with CNC-machined foam, we were able to produce game pieces that were simple yet impactful.  Every detail, from the choice of materials to the finishing processes, was carefully considered to ensure the final product met the high standards of both the production team and the show’s audience.

In the end, the game pieces became an integral part of the episode, contributing to the overall narrative while enhancing the visual experience for viewers.  It’s a reminder that even the smallest details in a television production can have a big impact on how the story is told and how it resonates with audiences

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