4 High-Budget Strategies For Kickstarter Promotion

September 27, 2023 by Jack Yang

If you find yourself with surplus funds, it’s worth contemplating the high-budget approach that many campaigns employ to initiate audience development. Paid advertising stands as an effective method to generate enthusiastic leads for your endeavor, particularly if you lack an existing follower base.

Among the platforms available, Facebook, Instagram, and Google reign supreme when it comes to assisting entrepreneurs in cultivating email leads and constructing remarketing lists.

Here, we’ll outline four frequently employed high-budget strategies for Kickstarter promotion.

Budget Your Ad Spend

Before you officially kick off your campaign, it’s strongly advised to meticulously plan your advertising budget.

Setting your objective at reaching “100% of the total amount” is not necessary; all you need to target is achieving 30% of your total funding goal on the campaign’s first day. This recommendation draws from Kickstarter’s extensive experience with numerous successful projects.

Moreover, hitting the 30% mark on day one comes with several advantages:

Attaining 30% on the initial day serves as a signal to the crowdfunding platform team that your campaign deserves their attention. This could potentially lead to additional promotional support from the platform, such as being featured in newsletters or earning coveted Project We Love badges.

Campaigns that secure 30% funding immediately are more likely to entice new backers. This phenomenon taps into the collective psychology, as individuals are inclined to be part of something fresh and promising that seems destined for success. They want to be among the first to support it.

Meeting this goal can also help alleviate reporters’ reservations about covering your campaign. Every time a journalist publishes an article, their reputation is at stake.

Having immediate access to at least 30% of your funding target and a substantial supporter base instills confidence in reporters, making them more likely to cover your campaign without doubts about its ability to reach its funding goal. This, in turn, simplifies your personal PR efforts significantly.

After establishing your advertising objectives, you can employ the following formula to determine the number of leads your ads should generate on the first day of your campaign launch:

Number of leads needed at launch = (30% of your total funding goal) / Price point of the primary bonus tier * Email list conversion rate (which may vary from 0.05% to 5%, depending on your email list quality).

Subsequently, you can begin budgeting for the necessary advertising expenditure to attain these leads. Initially, aim for an average CPL (cost per lead) of around $2 for your advertisements. Going below this figure might lead you into unproductive territory with non-converting email lists, while exceeding this cost indicates that your audience targeting might not be precise enough and may not justify the expense of expanding your audience further.

Hence, the budget required to acquire sufficient leads through advertising can be calculated as follows:

Budget to generate leads through advertising = Number of leads required at launch (calculated above) * $2

4 High-Budget Kickstarter Promotion

1. Create Your Audience On Facebook

For novice entrepreneurs, Facebook and Instagram should be your top choices, boasting cost-effective options, intricate targeting capabilities, and an extensive outreach potential.

To create an ad on Facebook, begin by visiting the Ads Manager. However, before crafting your ads, it’s crucial to ensure you have a relevant audience to target. The key to effective lead generation here lies in addressing customer psychographics rather than demographics.

As you construct your audience within the platform, focus on factors such as interests, occupations, favorite TV shows, popular music bands, and shopping behavior, rather than solely relying on age or gender. Facebook provides a wealth of options for targeting—virtually anything that users can “like” or become “fans” of on the platform is fair game.

When honing in on your Facebook audience, aim for an ideal audience size of approximately 2 million people. A larger audience might generate more clicks but could yield fewer conversions, while a smaller one may lead to higher per-click expenses.

Furthermore, you can tailor your audience to specific regions, countries, or even international locations. If you’re planning a global product launch, consider including the top five countries with a strong interest in crowdfunding, which, as of 2022, are the USA, U.K., Canada, Australia, and Germany. And the five countries most interested in buying cards are (as of 2022): USA, U.K., Canada, Australia, and Singapore.

Ultimately, the most effective audience will resemble those who have already opted into your email list. Facebook’s algorithms can identify characteristics shared by past interested individuals and predict future prospects. Once you’ve amassed at least 100 email addresses, start creating “lookalike audiences.” Upload your email list to the Facebook platform, and their algorithms will take care of the rest, helping you reach a highly targeted audience.

2. Place Ads On Forums And Related Websites

If you still have some budget allocated for promotion, consider experimenting with advertising on card forums or other websites dedicated to card enthusiasts. You can often find opportunities for business collaboration by visiting the contact pages of these forums.

Visitors to these platforms are already pre-qualified as passionate card players. They engage in discussions about cards and seek recommendations for new ones. By enhancing your presence in these spaces, you may discover individuals who are inclined to support your project.

If you intend to pursue this strategy, here’s a valuable tip: commence your advertising efforts once your campaign has achieved full funding. This timing enhances the impact of your ad campaigns as it enables you to boast about your campaign’s achievements, such as “100% funded on Kickstarter” or “funded on Kickstarter in just 10 minutes.”

Furthermore, when people click through to your project and see that it’s already fully funded, they are more likely to have confidence in the project and its ability to deliver the cards they’re interested in.

3. Rewards And Giveaways

Running a viral giveaway presents an excellent opportunity to rapidly expand your contact list. The key to a successful Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign lies in offering rewards that genuinely resonate with your target audience.

In the realm of cards, consider enticing incentives such as unique packaging, exclusive collection cards, game-themed stickers, eye-catching posters, badges, and related accessories.

These offerings not only attract potential backers but also serve as tangible expressions of appreciation for their support. Crafting rewards that align with your audience’s desires can significantly boost engagement and bolster the success of your crowdfunding endeavor.

4. Establish A Recommendation System

Referral programs stand out as one of the most potent marketing strategies, with data indicating their peak effectiveness when implemented either one month into the campaign or when 60% of the total funding goal is attained.

Crafting recommended campaigns allows for ample customization, and the more inventive your approach, the greater the impact on your audience.

Your referral structure can be as simple as a single level or include multiple tiers based on the number of referrals your backers secure. For instance, consider tiered rewards like offering a unique add-on product or service for 2 successful referrals, free regular shipping for 4 referrals, or fast shipping for 8 referrals, and so forth.

Before diving in, it’s crucial to meticulously review the specific rules of the crowdfunding platform you’re using, as these regulations are subject to change. A well-thought-out referral program is essential to prevent any campaign disruptions or potential bans due to non-compliance with platform guidelines.

In conclusion, regardless of the size of your Kickstarter budget, it’s advisable to blend both low-budget and high-budget strategies when promoting your project and nurturing a grassroots community from the ground up.

5 Low-Budget Strategies For Kickstarter Promotion

September 26, 2023 by Jack Yang

The initial misconception surrounding crowdfunding is the belief that upon launching a crowdfunding campaign, a flood of participants will immediately flock to your cause, resulting in hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars pouring in. However, this notion is purely a fallacy.

In reality, crowdfunding platforms serve as amplifiers; they thrive on the foundation you lay and the community you cultivate. It’s unreasonable to anticipate that a crowdfunding platform will deliver an instant audience. Instead, it’s imperative to lay the groundwork for your crowdfunding initiative independently.

This might necessitate a substantial budget. Nonetheless, we recognize that not everyone possesses substantial initial funds. That’s precisely why we’re presenting five cost-effective strategies for your Kickstarter promotion. We’ll guide you on leveraging your time and effort to maximize free publicity.

Before starting, we strongly advise the creation of a dedicated landing page for your project, a topic elaborated on in the “Landing Pages” section. Once your landing page is established, you can formally transition to the promotional phase, where you’ll undertake two critical tasks:

Assemble a committed crowd list of individuals prepared to support your project upon launch.

Filter your information, keep what is useful and delete what is useless.

5 Low-Budget Kickstarter Promotion

1. People Around You

Creating a comprehensive list of individuals you’ve encountered or have some connection to is an excellent initial step in this process. It will enable you to establish an audience for effective communication. These contacts can be categorized into three layers:

Level 1: These are people you have a strong familiarity with and have engaged with in the past two years. When you reach out to them, they will readily recognize you.

Level 2: This layer comprises acquaintances, individuals you’ve met at some point in your life but do not maintain regular contact with. This category may include business colleagues, individuals you know through mutual friends, or those you’ve encountered only occasionally.

Level 3: These are individuals you have not met in person yet but have connected with through networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, etc.

The reason for segmenting your contacts into these categories is that your communication approach will vary depending on your relationship with them.

Once you have compiled all your contacts and their information into a comprehensive list, you can begin the process of eliminating those you do not wish to involve in your project. The remaining contacts can then be manually organized into the various layers, allowing you to tailor your communication approach accordingly for your project outreach.

2. On Ground Marketing

Broaden your outreach by dedicating time to grassroots engagement. This may involve distributing flyers to pedestrians, engaging in face-to-face discussions while seeking advice from residents, organizing gatherings at potential customers’ residences, participating in industry-specific events and competitions, and more. Invest the effort to seek out, converse with, and cultivate relationships with individuals. This approach is essential for showcasing your ideas, projects, and brand.

Interacting with these individuals is most effectively achieved through one-on-one channels such as phone calls, direct emails, in-person discussions, or even Facebook Messenger chats.

This method holds immense value as it enables you to gather customer feedback and insights even before launching your crowdfunding campaign. It empowers you to address any uncertainties and even discover answers to questions you hadn’t previously considered.

3. Other Similar Projects

Kickstarter boasts a plethora of card projects. When you delve into the top 15 most generously funded Kickstarter projects (judged by both dollars raised and the number of backers), you’ll notice a common thread: most of these card creators actively support fellow projects.

In the grand scheme of things, lending your support to other creators’ endeavors grants you direct access to their Kickstarter inboxes. It opens the door to forging direct relationships with these creators, affording you the opportunity to seek guidance on card-related matters and offer your insights if they seek them.

Above all, this approach increases the likelihood of establishing a connection when you launch your own card deck, potentially leading to greater exposure for your project. If you’ve engaged with them and your online presence indicates an impending card launch, they may start following your journey and ultimately contribute to the success of your campaign.

4. Communities and Forums

1) Forum

If you’re familiar with poker, you’ve likely come across platforms like Playing Card Forum and United Cardists. If you’re into Tarot, Tarot Forum, Tarot, Tea, & Me Forum, and Cult of Tarot Forum may ring a bell. And for card game enthusiasts, the likes of Board Game Geek and others are well-known destinations.

Card players and collectors frequently turn to these forums to seek information about new card releases, read card reviews, gather strategic insights, brainstorm design concepts, and delve into accessory creation, among other discussions. Consider the potential benefits of gaining visibility within these communities.

Moreover, securing (positive) reviews for your cards on these forums serves as a means to establish credibility. You can encourage your friends, family, colleagues, gaming comrades, influencers, or anyone else to contribute their thoughts and comments. These reviews can be prominently displayed on your Kickstarter page, complete with forum badges, ratings, and select reviews quoted as citations.

2) Reddit

Reddit presents a valuable avenue to explore. Consider the potential audience reach on this platform alone: the /r/poker/ subreddit boasts over 250,000 members, the /r/tarot/ subreddit has a community of 320,000+, and the /r/boardgame subreddit reaches a staggering 4 million+ members!

Ponder the attention your project could attract in these spaces, and remember that these are just a handful of the numerous card-related subreddits available for engagement.

While Reddit’s user base is extensive, advertising is a challenging endeavor. The platform generally disapproves of overt advertising, and blatant self-promotion risks being swiftly removed, downvoted, or even leading to an outright ban.

To harness Reddit’s potential, your first step should be to accumulate “Karma” points by actively participating and contributing to the platform. By sharing relevant and engaging content, you can earn these “Karma” points.

This approach allows you to seamlessly introduce campaign-related information when the time comes, integrating it into the ongoing conversation rather than being perceived as someone solely interested in self-promotion.

5. Medias & Tests

1) Influencer

Numerous professional video channels on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok provide valuable insights into card usage and qualities. These channels boast substantial followings, with devoted viewers eagerly seeking recommendations from these influencers when it comes to new cards.

Similarly, these influencers consistently seek top-notch content to produce their videos, so most are happy to accept project pitches. You can explore options like reaching out to them, providing complimentary samples and project introductions, or even offering a promotional fee or commission to collaborate with them.

Should you manage to enlist influencers to test your cards and create review videos, remember to extract compelling quotes from these videos to feature on your crowdfunding page. Incorporate the videos into your updates and distribute them widely to enhance your project’s exposure!

2) Bloggers, Editors, & Reporters

Bloggers and journalists are inundated with promotional emails daily, but the majority of these emails end up in the trash folder. To increase your chances of getting featured, it’s crucial to provide them with all the necessary information upfront in a concise and engaging format, eliminating the need for back-and-forth communication that can create friction.

In essence, the less effort the blogger has to put into researching your project, the better. By offering well-prepared publicity materials and organized information, you make it more convenient for them to decide to cover your project. Keep your outreach concise, appealing, and personalized. Instead of sending generic emails, take the time to craft each message specifically for the person or blog you intend to contact.

Your email should encompass the following elements:

Links to folders containing professional assets (such as images, text, videos, etc.).

Project name and launch date, along with a link to the preview page or landing page.

The aforementioned methods represent five recommended cost-effective promotional strategies for Kickstarter. Nonetheless, if your project is substantial and you have a sufficient budget, you may want to explore “High Budget Strategies for KS Promotion” for more efficient and robust promotional tactics.

Unveiling WJPC: Authentic Insights from Poker Enthusiasts

September 22, 2023September 18, 2023 by Jack Yang

Poker is a subject that never seems to lose its appeal, with discussions echoing throughout various platforms. But rather than just absorbing our own chatter, it’s essential to lend an ear to the poker enthusiasts within our user community.

In an effort to provide a genuine insight, we’ve meticulously curated feedback from passionate poker enthusiasts across Reddit’s PlayingCards and UnitedCardists. These diverse comments encapsulate the reality of WJPC, presenting a multifaceted perspective that transcends mere conversation.

By doing so, we try to offer you an unfiltered and comprehensive understanding of our product, drawn directly from those who know it best.

Authentic Insights from Poker Enthusiasts

1. Affordable Alternative To USPCC/Cartamundi/LPCC/EPCC

The surge in prices since Cartamundi’s acquisition of USPCC has been a noticeable shift, requiring bulk orders (usually 1000 decks) to access their affordable services. However, within this changing landscape, WJPC has carved a unique niche by offering a compelling blend of quality, affordability, and innovative features, catering to both creators and collectors.

WJPC’s reliability as a backup option for Cartamundi during production transitions further underscores their appeal to creators. They excel in terms of speed and cost-efficiency for standard projects, prioritizing budget-friendly pricing.

Unlike Cartamundi’s requirement for full upfront payment, WJPC offers flexibility, with a modest 30% initial payment, easing financial strain for creators while maintaining quality and consistency. This combination of attributes positions WJPC as an attractive and dependable choice in the competitive playing card printing landscape.

Notably, Stockholm17’s collaboration with WJPC has demonstrated the impressive caliber of their cards, effectively competing with long-established brands. The lauded 300gsm German paper tray employed by WJPC has garnered recognition on card enthusiast forums, often favorably compared to the quality of USPCC’s offerings.

2. Continuously Improving Quality And Solutions

WJPC’s remarkable journey of improvement spans several years, marked by their unwavering commitment to seeking optimal solutions and embracing innovative concepts. As creators, the quest for fresh ideas and techniques without compromising on quality is paramount.

While some may express preferences for USPCC or Cartamundi due to processing variations, rarely does anyone fault WJPC’s print quality recently; it’s more a matter of personal taste than any inherent inferiority.

The rise in popularity of WJPC decks attests to their growing acceptance and satisfaction among users. Initial quality concerns have given way to resounding positivity, especially with decks employing the impressive 300gsm German stock, showcasing China’s substantial advancements in card production.

WJPC’s consistency and appeal make them a preferred choice for many designers, offering attractive pricing without sacrificing aesthetics. Their ongoing quality enhancements position them favorably in comparison to industry giants like USPCC and Cartamundi, steadily earning trust among creators.

3. The Choice Of More And More Well-Known Designers

WJPC has emerged as a preferred choice for a growing number of designers and producers in the playing card industry. This trend is indicative of WJPC’s continuous commitment to enhancing their quality and services, making them a noteworthy player in the custom luxury playing card market.

Prominent names such as Kings Wild, Daniel Schneider, Stockholm17, Ondrej, Wondercraft, and TWI have recognized the value of partnering with WJPC. These collaborations have resulted in the creation of visually stunning and high-quality playing card decks that have captivated enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Kings Wild, known for its Sterling, Marines, and more, has found a reliable partner in WJPC to bring their creative visions to life. Likewise, Daniel Schneider (known for its Black Roses), a respected figure in the playing card community, has chosen WJPC to produce decks that meet his exacting standards, ensuring that every detail is finely executed.

Stockholm17, renowned for its 17th Kingdom Avant Garde, The Notorious Gambling Frog, and more, has also turned to WJPC, appreciating their dedication to delivering fast and affordable products. Ondrej, known for its Butterfly, has benefited from WJPC’s commitment to magic cards, resulting in decks that perform exceptionally well for card manipulations.

Wondercraft and TWI, both known for their distinctive designs and concepts, have joined the ranks of satisfied collaborators with WJPC. These partnerships highlight WJPC’s versatility in accommodating various creative styles and preferences, offering a platform for designers to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of playing card design.

What sets WJPC apart is their willingness to adapt and evolve. They continuously improve their production processes, materials, and quality control measures, striving to meet the ever-increasing demands of the playing card market. This commitment to excellence has positioned WJPC as a trusted and competitive player in an industry dominated by giants like USPCC and Cartamundi.

As more creators and designers discover the benefits of working with WJPC, it’s evident that WJPC is not just a printer but a creative partner that values innovation, quality, and collaboration. With each project, they further solidify their reputation as a printing company that creators can rely on to bring their visions to life.

At last, we wish you to know that your voice matters, and it propels us forward on our journey of innovation and quality. We actively encourage genuine voices within our community to share your experiences and insights, so that can together shape the future of playing card production, ensuring that our offerings align with the evolving needs and aspirations of our diverse community of creators and collectors.

How Much Does Printing Game Cost?

September 22, 2023September 13, 2023 by Jack Yang

The pricing of printing games can fluctuate due to numerous factors, encompassing raw material expenses, printing costs, finishing touches, packaging, and more. When combined, these elements contribute to the overall expenditure.

We have outlined the printing procedure and associated expenses for card games below. If you require further assistance in estimating the cost of printing your game cards, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

The Basics Of Card Printing Game Costs

Generally, the cost of the printed materials that constitute your Card Game comprises:

1. Raw Materials Costs

The size and quantity of raw paper sheets are significant cost factors. Utilizing larger sizes or more raw paper will inevitably result in increased costs.

Within the paper industry, there are several standard sizes, with the most frequently employed ones by custom card printers being:

740x470mm blue core paper
740x510mm art paper
510x660mm black core paper
740x510mm white paper

Each of these dimensions can accommodate the printing of 55 poker-sized game cards (63x88mm) and can be efficiently printed using the Heidelberg 4mo machine, making it one of the most budget-friendly combinations.

If your cards are smaller or larger, rest assured that we will diligently seek the most cost-effective solution for your needs.

For substantially large order quantities, you have the option to request a custom size from our raw material supplier. However, many customers are often constrained by the standard paper sizes.

Therefore, your aim should be to minimize paper wastage by considering designs that align with conventional card sizes. Utilizing excess paper not only has environmental implications but also escalates the costs for your game card printing.

Additionally, please remember to incorporate a 3mm bleed on all sides of your artwork. Be sure to factor this bleed requirement into your paper size selection, using millimeters (mm) as the unit of measurement, rather than inches.

2. Card Game Printing Costs

In general, it’s important to note that the setup fee tends to increase with larger printing formats. Startup costs primarily stem from expenses associated with creating plates, fine-tuning the press, and compensating operators during the printing process.

While many creators and industry experts might assume that the cost of a print is solely based on the price per print, this isn’t entirely accurate. Instead, a significant portion of the cost comprises fixed expenses related to plate creation and machine calibration.

Furthermore, it’s essential to take into account the wastage experienced by each machine, typically ranging from 15% to 30%, depending on the complexity of the printing job. This wastage is inevitable as machines undergo debugging and quality control processes.

As a result, you’ll observe that the per-unit cost of printing for a small print run is considerably higher than that for larger card game print runs spanning thousands of units. In fact, the total cost of printing 500 game sets may not differ significantly from the cost of printing 100 sets, as both require a similar amount of time and entail similar setup expenses.

We often utilize three types of printing presses along with their respective printing formats:

Heidelberg Speedmaster 2mo machine: 1020×705 mm
Heidelberg Speedmaster 4mo machine: 740×585 mm
Heidelberg Versafire digital printer: 740×510 mm

3. Coating And Card Linen Finish

The cost of coating is influenced by the thickness and quality of the materials applied during this stage. Typically, lamination is more expensive than varnishing and is priced per square millimeter.

On the other hand, decorative coatings like hot stamping, spot UV, and others are priced based on the number of printed sheets. Similar to printing, most of these processes entail a setup fee.

4. Cutting And Gluing

The cutting process primarily involves the precision cutting of cards and cardboard for boxes. As long as the card size falls within a reasonable range (for example, not too small, such as 25x100mm or 41x63mm), the machine can automatically handle the cutting process. Please note that this process incurs mold fees.

Currently, we offer over 300 card molds of various sizes, which can accommodate a wide range of design requirements. However, if your card size falls outside these standard molds, it means you’ll require a custom mold, which will involve an additional customization fee.

When it comes to the gluing of cardboard boxes, our machinery handles most of the gluing automatically. However, if your box design is exceptionally intricate, manual gluing may be necessary, significantly increasing the cost.

5. Assembly and packaging

This phase encompasses the meticulous organization of all cards and components, shrink-wrapping, placement into game card boxes, and the subsequent sealing of these boxes. Much of this process relies on manual labor, and the cost can vary significantly depending on the number of components involved.

Additionally, this stage involves the careful placement of the card games into shipping boxes. It’s essential that these shipping cartons consist of at least five layers of thickness to ensure the protection of the merchandise.

This is a crucial precaution since many games are susceptible to damage during shipping. And shipping insurance typically only covers damage when the carton is of higher quality.

In addition to comprehending production costs, selecting the right card game printing manufacturer is equally vital. Essentially, there are two types of manufacturers to consider: print-on-demand (POD) manufacturers and mass manufacturers.

What Is Print On Demand (POD) Manufacturer?

Print-on-demand (POD) manufacturers specialize in producing small game batches, often starting as low as just one deck of cards. They serve as an excellent choice for game designers aiming to create a limited-edition game before launching a crowdfunding campaign.

POD manufacturers employ digital printing technology, CNC cutting, and manual bonding and coating processes to craft games on a per-order basis. This approach eliminates the need for maintaining large inventories and specialized machinery.

However, one drawback of using a POD manufacturer is that you’re responsible for handling the artwork setup yourself. This can pose a challenge for designers who aren’t well-versed in the technical intricacies of print production.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that the dimensions used in POD paper sheets are fixed and cannot be customized to accommodate larger or smaller game components. This limitation arises from the considerable expense involved in creating molds for the manufacturing process, and it’s not feasible for low-volume products produced by POD manufacturers.

What Is Mass Manufacturer?

Mass manufacturers specialize in the production of high volumes of games. They employ large-scale manufacturing techniques like offset printing to create game components, granting greater flexibility for customization, including the capacity to craft both larger and smaller gaming elements.

Leading card game manufacturers, such as WJPC, frequently maintain in-house graphic design teams capable of assisting with artwork setup and providing expert printing guidance for your game.

One of the primary advantages of partnering with large-scale manufacturers lies in their ability to manufacture games at a reduced unit cost. This cost efficiency is achieved through economies of scale, as they produce playing cards in substantial quantities.

Additionally, these manufacturers often cultivate enduring relationships with raw material suppliers and couriers, effectively curbing material and transportation expenses.

Furthermore, opting for mass manufacturers can yield benefits such as financing options and discounts.

For instance, WJPC may offer a payment scheme involving a 30% deposit upon booking and the remaining 70% upon order completion. Collaborating with us on Kickstarter projects may also qualify you for a 6% factory discount.

If you want to know more details about card manufacturing, please check out Our Process.

11 Card Game Design Blogs And Websites You Should Bookmark

September 22, 2023August 28, 2023 by Jack Yang

Navigating the realm of card game design can prove challenging for newcomers to the field. Even self-proclaimed game creation experts can find value in continuously expanding their understanding of game design.

The subsequent blogs and websites present an exclusive avenue to delve into the nuances of card game design, catering to all experience levels.

Through personal anecdotes, triumphs, and setbacks, these platforms offer an engaging and genuine means to enhance one’s comprehension of the card game design process.

You can embrace these resources, which promise an enjoyable and authentic approach to cultivating expertise in the realm of card game design.

11 Card Game Design Blogs And Websites

The League of Gamemakers

The League of Gamemakers stands as a collaborative haven for ingenious minds in the realm of game creation. Comprising visionary game designers, adept publishers, and skilled artists, this collective has united with a common goal: to forge an unparalleled game blog that emanates creativity.

With remarkable dedication, they unveil fresh and insightful posts thrice weekly, solidifying their status as a prolific source of gaming wisdom.

Within the virtual confines of their digital domain, an array of subjects come to life through their words.

From the intricacies of design philosophy to the labyrinthine pathways of publishing intricacies, and from the fine-tuning of mechanics to the contemplative musings that shape the very essence of the gaming world, their posts encompass a captivating spectrum.

The League’s synergy fosters an environment where discourse and exchange flourish, nurturing both novices and veterans in their pursuit of excellence.

In the ceaseless march of time, The League of Gamemakers remains a beacon of inspiration and a cornerstone of the gaming community. Its rhythmic cadence of knowledge dissemination enriches minds, empowers creativity, and perpetuates the legacy of game design innovation.

Cardboard Edison

Cardboard Edison stands as a vanguard, tirelessly assembling a treasure trove of resources tailored to the needs of aspiring and seasoned board game designers alike.

With an unwavering commitment, they curate an invaluable collection that encompasses an array of indispensable tools and insights. This platform serves as a guiding light, illuminating the intricate path of board game creation.

At its heart, Cardboard Edison is a wellspring of knowledge, offering an assortment of board game design tips that range from the fundamental to the esoteric, providing designers with the compass to navigate the uncharted waters of creativity.

Their meticulously crafted infographics and reports serve as visual waypoints, distilling complex concepts into easily digestible forms that ignite innovative sparks.

Perhaps most notably, Cardboard Edison’s board game publisher directory is a testament to their dedication. This curated repository of industry contacts empowers designers to bridge the gap between creation and publication, offering a bridge to turn dreams into tangible game boxes.

Cardboard Edison

Games Precipice stands as a remarkable testament to the power of collaboration, an intimate two-person endeavor that delves unfailingly into the intricate labyrinth of tabletop game design.

Conceived by the dynamic duo of Alex Harkey and Matt Pavlovich, this venture embarked on its journey in 2013, sparking a beacon of enlightenment for game design enthusiasts across the world.

The origins of Games Precipice trace back to a shared passion for game design that Alex and Matt cultivated while navigating the halls of academia. Gradually, their individual pursuits coalesced into a shared vision, leading to the inception of a platform dedicated to dissecting the very essence of game creation.

What distinguishes Games Precipice is its unwavering commitment to depth. With every topic they explore, they excavate the layers that constitute the bedrock of tabletop games. Their posts act as immersive workshops, where readers are invited to introspect the nuances of mechanics, narratives, and player dynamics.

Stonemaier Games

Stonemaier Games’s mission encompasses crafting games and fostering communities that embrace seasoned players, newcomers, those who enjoy solitary play, couples, larger gatherings, and people from all walks of life – regardless of ethnicity, gender, beliefs, culture, nationality, sexual orientation, abilities, or age.

Beyond traditional board games, it enhances the creative landscape by sharing its entrepreneurial victories, blunders, insights, and its passion for a wide array of games.

Mechanics & Meeples

Mechanics & Meeples stands as a vibrant hub celebrating the multifaceted world of board games, with a special penchant for Eurogames.

This platform, a haven for enthusiasts, delves into the intricate realm of game mechanics, fostering an understanding of the inner workings that drive the joy of play.

With a spotlight on Eurogames, it unravels the artistry behind strategic gameplay, immersing readers in the nuances of these engaging creations.

Whether exploring the mechanics of worker placement or the elegance of resource management, Mechanics & Meeples offers an intellectual journey through the heart of board gaming.

Board Game Designers Forum

The Board Game Designers Forum stands as a beacon of knowledge and camaraderie for creators and aficionados of tabletop board and card games.

This invaluable resource encompasses a wide spectrum of design intricacies, ranging from the conception and refinement of game mechanics to the nitty-gritty of prototyping, playtesting, and the labyrinthine journey to publishing success.

One of its core strengths lies in its expansive coverage of topics. Aspiring designers and seasoned creators alike can feast upon a banquet of insights encompassing every facet of the creative process.

Whether unraveling the tapestry of engaging game design principles, fine-tuning the delicate art of prototyping, or deciphering the invaluable feedback obtained through rigorous playtesting, the forum offers a treasure trove of wisdom.

Beyond its educational prowess, the forum fosters a sense of community that unites like-minded individuals sharing a passion for game design.

It serves as a nexus where beginners find guidance from experienced mentors, where ideas germinate and grow through collaborative discourse, and where the journey from concept to a fully-fledged, polished game becomes not just achievable, but also rewarding.

Make Them Play

Make Them Play unfolds as a strategic guide for crafting board games tailored for both commercial success and personal enjoyment. The platform propounds a concise sequence of steps that resonate with wisdom:

Immerse oneself in gameplay experiences, fostering an innate understanding of mechanics and dynamics, and engage in brainstorming sessions to spark ingenious ideas.

By advocating active participation in gaming culture and nurturing the imaginative process, Make Them Play empowers aspiring designers to transform abstract concepts into tangible, engaging board game experiences, effectively bridging the gap between vision and reality.

WJPC Blog

WJPC stands as a seasoned card game manufacturer, offering a wealth of expertise in not only crafting exceptional card games but also in generously sharing their professional insights.

Our commitment extends beyond production to encompass an altruistic sharing of knowledge concerning card design, printing intricacies, effective sales strategies, and more.

This dedication to education fosters a supportive community, where aspiring designers and industry enthusiasts alike can tap into the reservoir of wisdom cultivated by WJPC.

Our willingness to impart their experience solidifies them not just as a manufacturer but as a guiding light for those navigating the multifaceted landscape of card game creation and distribution.

Some Lists Of Articles From Personal Designers To Watch

Greg's Design Blog

Greg’s Design Blog stands as a rich repository, a testament to the profound insights and expertise of game designer Gregory Carslaw.

This compilation encapsulates a treasure trove of his illuminating game design articles, spanning a vast spectrum of topics. With a diverse array of entries numbering in the hundreds, the blog becomes a comprehensive index that navigates through the intricacies of game creation.

Whether delving into mechanics, narratives, or the nuances of player engagement, Greg’s Design Blog is an invaluable compass for both fledgling designers and seasoned creators seeking to enrich their understanding of the art and science of game design.

Jeff's World of Game Design Blog

Jeff’s World of Game Design blog is the eloquent musings of the mind behind BGG’s 7600th top game flow like precious nickels from a wellspring of creativity. Delve into a realm where insights about game design and its nuances are intricately woven with words.

Jeff’s perspective shines a light on the art of crafting experiences that resonate. Each post is a gem, offering readers a treasure trove of thoughts from a unique vantage point.

Join it on this intellectual journey as it explores the realms of design, unleashing innovation in every syllable, and savoring the riches of game creation.

Adam in Wales Blog

Immerse yourself in a captivating video series from Adam in Wales Blog, that not only explores the exhilarating world of playing boardgames, card games, and dice games but also delves into the captivating realm of creating them.

With the picturesque backdrop of Wales, Adam guides you through the intricate dynamics of gameplay while offering a behind-the-scenes peek into the art of game crafting.

From riveting strategies to the nitty-gritty of design, this blog is your passport to a dual adventure of enjoyment and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of tabletop gaming.

5 Steps To Manage Your Game Card Printing Design

September 22, 2023August 23, 2023 by Jack Yang

Game card printing design represents the final phase of crafting your artwork, marking the juncture where meticulous setup is essential for optimal printing results.

While card game creators may possess a grasp of design and artistic formulation, they often lack comprehensive insights into the intricacies of the printing process. This absence of knowledge regarding printing techniques and best practices can inadvertently compromise the excellence of their visual content.

At WJPC, we’ve developed an extensive series elucidating the nuances of game card printing design.

Within this article, we will expound upon the fundamental principles, ensuring the attainment of superlative outcomes.

Game Card Printing Design vs. Game Card Web Design

Digital graphic design markedly diverges from its print counterpart. This distinction hinges on the fact that digital graphic design intended for online consumption can be effortlessly converted into formats such as JPEG or PNG. The audience viewing this digital image experiences it precisely as visualized.

Conversely, in the realm of printing, meticulous supervision by the print engineer is indispensable. This supervision encompasses the regulation of color rendition within the printing apparatus, as well as the precision alignment of printing zones, both of which collectively ensure the emergence of a splendid final product.

Consequently, the approach to graphic design for print diverges significantly from its digital variant; meticulous handling and adept control are prerequisites to success.

Ensuring Optimal Quality For Your Game Card Printing Design

Aiming for impeccable print results in your graphic design entails careful consideration of four pivotal aspects. Paying meticulous attention to these areas is paramount:

Precise File Specifications
Flawless Color Management
Text Precision and Clarity
Prudent File Handling

It’s crucial to acknowledge that this comprehensive checklist is indispensable for attaining flawlessness in your artwork and game production.

While the majority of manufacturers, publishers, and players may not readily discern these nuances, our primary objective is to ensure your contentment with the final result.

It remains within your purview to diverge from this list, yet it must be underscored that deviating from these guidelines may preclude us from guaranteeing the print quality in such instances.

1. Defining Your File Specifications

Ensure that the dimensions of your file match those of the final printed version. This prevents potential issues such as pix elation or distortion when preparing the file for printing. To generate precise files with bleed, you can utilize our Custom Art Templates.

Incorporate bleed and margins into your files to prevent any crucial content from being trimmed off during printing. For accurate alignment, it’s advisable to employ grid lines. Please note that we are unable to correct misaligned elements.

For optimal results, Adobe Illustrator is recommended due to its utilization of vector graphics, which maintain quality regardless of scaling. In situations where pixel graphics are necessary, ensure a minimum DPI of 300 for standard artwork and consider using 450 DPI for text-intensive designs.

2. Achieving Precise Color Setting

Starting from the artwork creation phase, it’s essential to work exclusively with CMYK color mode, avoiding the use of RGB.

Implement swatches in your file to maintain consistent colors across all elements. This ensures uniformity in your components.

For optimal color results on extensive surfaces, exercise restraint in color blending. Utilize a maximum of two colors from the CMYK color palette, with the option to incorporate black if necessary.

For instance, consider combinations like C+Y+K, C+M+K, or M+Y+K, avoiding the use of all four colors in a single mixture.

Maintain vigilance to ensure that the cumulative color percentage on large surfaces remains below 180%. Exceeding this threshold can result in the ink becoming muddled.

When dealing with gradients, it’s advisable to create them in PSD format and subsequently flatten them into PNG files.

3. Ensuring Crisp Text Appearance

Text predominantly consists of delicate ink strokes, making it susceptible to registration errors, which involve the misalignment of overlaid patterns in color printing. To mitigate this risk, observe the following three guidelines:

Isolate all text on a separate layer, enabling the addition of an extra protective layer against registration errors.
Black text should be entirely composed of 100% K (black), or if using a different color, limit it to a combination of only two colors (such as C+Y, M+Y, M+K, etc.).
Consider converting text to outlines for added security against unexpected issues.

4. Outputting Your Files

When incorporating assets from diverse software, convert them into smart objects to prevent pix elation when resizing is necessary.

Maintain the files in their dynamic, unflattened state to retain control over colors and assets if adjustments are required.

For optimal color adjustment and printing effects, structure file assets across three or four layers: Background, Images & Icons, Text, and any cutting line templates.

Submitting files in Adobe Illustrator format is preferred. However, editable PDF or PSD files are also suitable. Use PNG/JPEG/flattened files only when you are fully confident in the flawlessness of your artwork.

5. Uploading Your Files To WJPC

To submit your files, please utilize our Contact Page. Organize your submission by creating distinct folders for each file type, such as Cards, Box, Booklet, etc.

In the event that your cards feature varying back designs, establish a separate folder for each distinct back design. This arrangement allows us to identify that all cards within a specific folder share the same back design.

If all your cards use the same back designs, please upload the back side of the cards just once, placing them in the appropriate matching folder. There’s no necessity to upload the same card back multiple times.

In instances where certain cards are intended to appear multiple times within the game, kindly replicate these cards as needed and label them sequentially. For instance: game card1, game card2, game card3.

If you want to maximize the printing effect of your design, you also need to choose the suitable finish and process, which you can check 9 Game Card Finishes to learn more.
Also, our team of skilled sales designers is readily available to provide you with comprehensive support and answers!

Enhancing Your Print Projects: Choosing From 9 Game Card Finishes

September 22, 2023August 21, 2023 by Jack Yang

Every printed element requires a proper finish, particularly game card components. The presence of a game card finish is essential to prevent ink smudging and excessive stickiness in the printed materials. Nevertheless, numerous creators lack the knowledge of the optimal and most fitting card finishes for their games.

This article aims to address the concepts of the most suitable 9 Game Card Finishes, offering you a comprehensive elucidation of each option.

Choose The Most Suitable For You Among 9 Game Card Finishes

Required Game Card Finish

When deciding between oil varnish and lamination, the primary factors to consider are the intended usage of the components and the demographics of the players engaging with the game.

Lamination involves a plastic-based finish that is notably robust and thick. It proves particularly advantageous for games aimed at children, who often handle objects with a certain degree of roughness.

Lamination effectively safeguards the cards from tearing, ensuring their structural integrity even when bent over extended periods.

In contrast, the function of an oil finish primarily revolves around safeguarding the ink without notably reinforcing the inherent durability of the cards.

However, lamination does present certain drawbacks. Due to its plastic composition, it does not align with eco-friendly principles. And it impedes the ease and speed of shuffling.

The lamination layer’s static friction occasionally leads to cards adhering to one another, hindering seamless shuffling. In contrast, oil varnish serves to smoothen cards, reducing friction and thereby improving shuffling capabilities.

Another aspect to contemplate is the desired level of glossiness or matte appearance. While lamination offers the choice between matte and glossy finishes, oil varnish resides in an intermediate realm. Often referred to as a Semi-Glossy finish, oil varnish straddles the two options.

When considering packaging such as board game or card game boxes, opting for lamination is consistently recommended. These boxes demand heightened protection, even for the most meticulous card game enthusiasts who handle them delicately during storage and retrieval.

Moreover, the most irksome scenario is the splitting open of a box corner, a predicament that lamination effectively averts.

Opt for Varnish When	Opt for Lamination When
Game components are handled with care by players.	The target audience includes children.
Shuffling plays a crucial role in the game.	Cards are intended for frequent and consistent use, remaining readily accessible.
The choice between matte and glossy finishes is challenging.	Card shuffling is not a dominant aspect of gameplay.
A lighter-weight game box is preferred, with a semi-glossy appearance being important.	The game box falls within the medium to heavy weight range.
Prioritizing eco-friendly production is a key consideration.

Linen Game Card Finish

The process of achieving a linen finish on cards involves employing a press machine equipped with steel plates featuring a specific pattern. During this process, the paper is fed through the machine and compressed to replicate the pattern on the surface.

Linen finishes are applied to cards for two primary reasons: to facilitate smoother shuffling or to impart an appealing visual texture. However, it’s important to note that the linen finish can slightly reduce the thickness of the paper.

To counter this effect, we advise using a card stock of at least 350gsm and adjusting the press pressure for the linen finish to prevent any potential damage to your cards.

The application of a linen finish is an independent process and can be utilized with various surface treatments. Whether your cards possess lamination, oil varnish, or an aqua-based finish, the linen finish can be seamlessly integrated.

Decorative Game Card Finishes

Incorporating decorative finishes can significantly elevate the visual appeal of your cards. By synergizing various treatments, you have the opportunity to craft truly remarkable and captivating card designs.

1) Metallic Inks

Metallic ink is formulated by incorporating metallic particles into the ink composition.

These particles reflect light, resulting in a distinctive metallic appearance for your cards. It’s categorized as a spot color, which signifies it’s a pre-mixed ink utilizing a single printing plate, as opposed to the four plates utilized for traditional CMYK colors.

Spot colors, also known as the Pantone Matching System (PMS), allow for printing colors beyond the standard CMYK spectrum. This is particularly effective for highlights or metallic effects.

Metallic Ink vs. Foil Stamping

While metallic ink is blended and applied similar to CMYK inks, foil stamping involves applying metallic foil to printed paper stock using heat and pressure. Both techniques yield unique visual appeal, but specific projects are better suited for one method over the other.

Metallic ink offers a subtler outcome because it’s applied early in the printing process and subsequently covered with a finish (lamination or varnish). Conversely, foil stamping produces a more vivid impact and an exceptionally realistic metallic sheen, applied after the printing process.

Delicate, intricate designs are better suited for metallic ink as it’s applied during the printing press operation. Foil stamping involves cutting the design out of foil stock. If the design is small and intricate, metallic ink is likely the more suitable choice.

For designs predominantly intricate and metallic, opt for metallic ink over foil for a softer shine. Designers sometimes find excessive foil use can create an overly flashy appearance, hence favoring metallic ink for such applications.

Metallic ink offers a wide array of color possibilities as it combines the ink color of choice with gold or silver metal particles. Even holographic foil options are available for a truly impressive effect.

If your project involves additional specialty printing techniques like embossing or debossing, foil stamping is more compatible. Metallic ink contains real metal fragments, which could potentially lead to cracking during embossing or debossing.

Foil stamping tends to surpass metallic ink in terms of durability. Over time, the ink’s metal particles might result in cracking.

From a cost perspective, metallic ink is generally more budget-friendly compared to foil stamping.

2) Foil Film

A frequently used form of foiling involves applying a foil film as an extra layer across the entirety of a card’s surface.

This imparts a luxurious holographic sensation to the card. However, depending on the specific finish and application method, certain disadvantages can arise, notably including the potential for card warping.

Gold, silver, and holographic foil cards (also referred to as hologram cards, holofoil cards, or simply foil cards) are a popular variety often seen in TCG trading cards or sports cards. These cards essentially feature an ultra-thin layer of rainbow foil meticulously applied onto the card prior to undergoing the printing process.

3) Cold Foil Stamping

The card passes beneath a foil roller, which binds the foil to the designated area. Afterward, the card undergoes curing, typically using UV light, followed by the application of a finishing layer.

One of the most notable distinctions between hot foil stamping and cold foil techniques becomes evident in their terminology.

The term ‘hot’ alludes to the requirement for heat and pressure in the former process, while cold foil relies on ultraviolet light instead of elevated temperature.

Whether employed in sheet-fed lithographic or flexographic printing, cold foil application can be seamlessly integrated inline.

The foil is dispensed from an inline roll and placed over the substrate, where a UV adhesive has been printed in the desired pattern. A pressure roller secures the foil onto the sheet before the adhesive is cured by exposure to a UV lamp, effectively locking the design in position.

The versatility of foils extends to customization, allowing for the application of CMYK or PMS colors onto traditional silver or gold foils.

4) Hot Foil Stamping

The application of a hot foil stamp involves imprinting the card with the foil, creating an embossed effect.

This imparts a certain level of texture to the card. The pivotal tool in the process of hot foil stamping is the hot foil stamping machine, requiring manual operation by a skilled operator.

Remarkably, the same machinery can facilitate both foil stamping and embossing (or debossing), making it possible to combine embossing with foil stamp printing for an even more captivating printed outcome.

Hot Foil Stamping Vs Cold Foil Stamping

Hot foil stamping works great for precise applications, defined patterns in small areas. Cold foil, on the other hand, is the preferred technique for large areas, such as moderate or full coverage of folding cartons.

Then there are customization considerations: Hot foil stamping allows for debossing or embossing in a single pass; cold foil gives you control over color.

5) Gilding

Once the card sheet has been trimmed, the cards are arranged in a stack, followed by the application of either foil or ink to the card edges.

This imparts a colored or metallic edge to the cards. For certain uses, the edges undergo beveling before being adorned with gilding.

Elevate your custom game cards with gilded card technology, infusing a touch of opulence to their edges. Our impeccably finished gilt edges are bound to captivate anyone who beholds them, providing your cards with the awe-inspiring flair they truly deserve.

6) Spot Varnish

A supplementary layer of high gloss varnish is meticulously added to targeted sections of the card, introducing contrast and expertly accentuating specific elements on the card’s surface.

This strategic application of gloss not only enhances the visual allure but also contributes to a heightened tactile experience, further elevating the overall quality and sophistication of the cards.

The interplay between the glossy and matte textures lends an engaging dynamic to the design, ensuring that every aspect of the card exudes a captivating and refined presence, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who engages with them.

Which Game Card Finish Suits Your Needs Best?

Reach out to WJPC today to discover how we can empower your products to stand out prominently on store shelves and instantly capture the attention of discerning customers.

Card Game Ideas: 5 Types Of Card Game Genres

September 22, 2023July 24, 2023 by Jack Yang

Prior to getting started on creating a card game, let’s take a moment to explore a few genres of card games to collect some card game ideas. This exercise will provide you with a plethora of card game ideas and familiarize you with different types of card games and their underlying concepts.

For aspiring card game designers, this will serve as a starting point. It’s worth noting that the card game mentioned here does not refer to traditional games played with playing cards, but to a table game or board game with richer elements that uses cards as one of the main subjects of the game.

Card Game Ideas To Create

1. Classic Card Games or Family Card Games

Classic card games or family card games are fantastic starting points when brainstorming ideas for a new card game. These games typically revolve around players racing around a board or following a designated path to achieve their goal.

In some instances, a points system may also come into play, adding an element of competition to the mix. What sets these games apart from more modern board games is their heavy reliance on luck, which makes them accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.

In contrast to strategy-focused card games, classic card games prioritize the overall experience of playing together as a group. They foster a sense of camaraderie and fun, where social interaction takes precedence over intricate gameplay mechanics. This makes them perfect for family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, or casual gaming sessions with friends.

The simplicity of these games is another appealing aspect. Most of them have straightforward rules and mechanics, making them easy to learn and quick to start playing. This accessibility ensures that players can jump right in, regardless of their gaming experience or age.

One charming characteristic of classic card games is their often whimsical themes. These themes, while simple or even absurd, contribute to the overall charm of the game. Whether it’s moving through a candy-filled world in Candyland board game, sliding down slippery snakes in Snakes and Ladders board game, or apologizing in Sorry board game, the themes add a layer of delight to the gaming experience without significantly impacting the gameplay itself.

Furthermore, the nostalgia factor associated with classic card games cannot be underestimated. Many players, both young and old, have fond memories of playing these games during their childhood. Revisiting these classics can evoke warm feelings of nostalgia and create a delightful atmosphere for all players involved.

Card Game Ideas From Classic Or Family Card Games

Simplicity of Rules:

Classic card games are known for their straightforward rules, making them accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Consider designing a card game with easy-to-understand rules that can be quickly grasped by newcomers. This simplicity encourages more players to join and enjoy the game.

Social Interaction:

Family card games often prioritize the experience of playing together as a group, fostering social interaction and creating fun memories. Integrate elements that encourage players to interact, cooperate, or compete in a lighthearted and friendly manner. Games that promote laughter, conversation, and friendly banter can leave a lasting positive impression.

Quick and Engaging Gameplay:

Classic card games typically have a short playtime, allowing for quick rounds and multiple walkthroughs. Consider designing a card game with fast-paced gameplay that keeps players engaged and entertained without becoming overly time-consuming.

Emotional Appeal:

Classic card games often evoke nostalgia or fond memories for players. Consider how your card game can elicit emotions, whether it’s laughter, excitement, or a sense of accomplishment.

2. Euro-Style Card Games

Euro-style card games offer a captivating and strategic gaming experience centered around the pursuit of victory points. Unlike classic card games, these Euro-style games introduce more complex and immersive gameplay, often with a strong thematic backdrop that influences the overall design.

Victory points act as a critical resource, serving as the key to success in these games. Players strive to accumulate victory points through strategic decision-making and resource management.

Typically, Euro-style card games are played over a predetermined number of turns or until a player reaches a specific victory point threshold. This adds an element of anticipation and planning as players strategize to optimize their moves and actions within the limited time frame. The finite nature of these games contributes to a sense of urgency and keeps players engaged throughout the entire session.

One distinguishing feature of Euro-style games is the presence of resource management. Players must tactically allocate and utilize their resources to gain an advantage over their opponents. The careful allocation of resources becomes a vital aspect of gameplay, requiring players to think critically and adapt their strategies based on the available resources and their opponents’ actions.

Additionally, Euro-style card games often involve a degree of negotiation and interaction between players, creating a “political” dimension to the gameplay. Players engage in trades, negotiations, or deals to acquire the resources they need or to form alliances for mutual benefit. This dynamic player interaction adds an exciting layer to the game, fostering a sense of competition and camaraderie among participants.

Unlike classic card games that heavily rely on luck, Euro-style card games minimize chance elements and emphasize skill and strategy. While there may still be some random elements, the impact of luck can often be mitigated through shrewd decision-making and forward planning. This aspect makes the games intellectually stimulating and rewards players for their ingenuity and tactical prowess.

Some of the most celebrated Euro-style card games, such as Settlers of Catan board game, Power Grid board game, Carcassonne board game, and Lancaster board game, have garnered wide acclaim for their intricate mechanics and engaging gameplay. They have become favorites among both casual and hardcore gamers due to their strategic depth, replayability, and captivating themes.

Card Game Ideas From Euro-Style Card Games

Victory Points and Objectives:

Euro-style card games often revolve around the accumulation of victory points as a primary win condition. Consider incorporating a clear and well-defined objective for players to strive for. Victory points can serve as a tangible measure of progress and success within the game.

Resource Management: Euro-style games frequently involve resource management mechanics. Think about introducing resources or currencies in your card game that players must carefully allocate and utilize to make strategic decisions. Resource scarcity can create meaningful choices and elevate the game’s complexity.

Strategic Decision-Making:

Euro-style card games are known for requiring strategic thinking and planning. Design your game to challenge players with meaningful choices at every turn, where their decisions have lasting consequences for their progress and chances of winning.

Shared Card Pool:

In Euro-style games, players usually draw from the same pool of cards available to everyone. Consider incorporating a shared card pool mechanic where all players have access to a central set of cards and their choices impact the availability of cards for others.

Limited Actions or Turns:

Euro-style games often impose limits on players’ actions or turns, creating tension and forcing players to prioritize their moves. Introduce a mechanism that restricts the number of actions players can take per turn, encouraging thoughtful and efficient gameplay.

3. Deck-Building Card Games

Deck-Building Games (DBGs) have emerged as a captivating and unique genre that combines elements of Trading Card Games (TCGs) with a distinctive twist. In DBGs, each player possesses a personalized deck of cards, but unlike TCGs, all players draw from the same collection of cards. The intriguing aspect of these games lies in the deck-building process itself, which occurs dynamically throughout gameplay.

Typically, Deck-Building Card Games offer a diverse array of 15-20 different card types, but only a subset of around ten cards is used in any given game. This variety ensures that each playthrough brings new challenges and opportunities, granting the games an exceptional level of replayability.

Players embark on a journey of strategic decision-making as they craft their deck over time, carefully selecting cards that align with their unique playstyle and long-term objectives.

During the game, players have the opportunity to purchase cards from the shared pool, gradually expanding and refining their decks. As the deck grows in strength, players gain access to more powerful abilities and combinations, providing a sense of progression and fulfillment. This aspect of DBGs adds an exciting layer of strategy, as players must weigh their options, balance their resources, and anticipate their opponents’ moves.

The end condition of DBGs varies from game to game. Some games conclude when a certain number of card types are depleted from the shared pool, while others might have specific win conditions that trigger the end of the game. This variability ensures that each playthrough remains dynamic and keeps players on their toes, strategizing to secure victory within the game’s unique context.

Examples of DBGs such as Dominion board game, Thunderstone board game, Nightfall board game, and Quarriors board game have garnered praise for their innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay. These games have captivated players with their blend of strategy, deck customization, and the ever-changing dynamics of the shared card pool.

One of the most significant advantages of DBGs is their accessibility. Unlike TCGs, which often require significant investment in buying booster packs or individual cards, DBGs offer a complete and self-contained experience with the purchase of a single game box. This makes DBGs more approachable for players of all levels, as everyone begins on equal footing and success relies on skillful deck-building and strategic gameplay.

Card Game Ideas From Deck-Building Card Games

Deck-Building Mechanic:

Embrace the core deck-building mechanic itself, where players start with a basic deck and gradually enhance it by adding new cards during the game. This progression allows players to experience a sense of growth and development as they tailor their decks to suit their strategies.

Card Types and Abilities:

Explore a diverse range of card types with unique abilities that players can acquire and incorporate into their decks. Offer a variety of strategies for players to pursue, encouraging experimentation and adaptability.

Card Acquisition:

Design a card acquisition system that allows players to acquire new cards during the game. This can be done by purchasing from a central market, earning cards as rewards, or exploring different methods to gain cards.

Card Culling or Trashing:

Incorporate a mechanism for players to cull or remove undesirable cards from their decks, streamlining their options and optimizing the synergy between their cards.

4. Card-Based Strategy Games

Card-based strategy games form an intriguing genre that places cards at the forefront of the gameplay. These games encompass a wide range of mechanics, but a common thread often involves drafting or using cards for character or base building, empowering players with abilities and bonuses.

While the gameplay mechanics vary, card-based strategy games generally incorporate an element of luck or randomness, adding excitement and unpredictability to each match.

One captivating aspect of these games is the diverse array of goals players can pursue. Victory points, completing specific sets of cards, or eliminating target players are just a few examples of the objectives that might shape the gameplay.

This multiplicity of goals ensures that each game offers a unique and challenging experience, inviting players to devise different strategies and adapt their approach accordingly.

Card-based strategy games often revolve around the creation and utilization of customized decks, emphasizing strategic thinking and planning. Players must carefully choose which cards to include in their decks to optimize their chances of success.

The draft mechanic adds an additional layer of strategy as players select cards from a limited pool, requiring them to assess their options and anticipate their opponents’ choices.

The element of luck or randomness contributes to the excitement and unpredictability of these games. While strategic planning plays a crucial role, the outcome is also influenced by chance, making each game session distinct and full of surprises. This balance between skill and luck keeps players engaged and eager to explore new possibilities.

Unlike traditional card games like Poker card game, Spit card game, or Egyptian Rat Screw card game, card-based strategy games boast central themes that drive the gameplay. They go beyond a standard deck of cards, immersing players in unique worlds and stories. This thematic depth enhances the gaming experience, making it more immersive and appealing to those seeking a rich narrative alongside strategic challenges.

Some well-known examples of card-based strategy games include Munchkin board game, where players take on the roles of fantasy adventurers; Bang board game, a wild west-themed game of hidden roles and deception; 7 Wonders board game, where players compete to build ancient civilizations; and Chrononauts board game, an intriguing time-traveling adventure.

Card Game Ideas From Card-Based Strategy Games

Victory Conditions:

Card-based strategy games often have diverse victory conditions, such as achieving specific objectives, eliminating opponents, or accumulating victory points. Explore different win conditions to add variety and depth to your game.

Card Abilities and Bonuses:

Introduce cards with various abilities and bonuses that players can use strategically to gain an advantage. Consider designing cards that interact with each other, creating synergies and combos for players to discover.

Resource Management:

Implement a resource management aspect where players must carefully allocate resources to play cards or execute actions. Balancing resource usage adds another layer of strategy to the game.

Player Interaction:

Foster player interaction through mechanics like trading, alliances, negotiation, or direct conflict. Meaningful player interaction can create dynamic gameplay and forge alliances and rivalries throughout the game.

5. Strategy Card Games

Strategy card games represent a grander and more immersive iteration of Euro-style games. These captivating games often feature a prominent game board and a compelling narrative that drives the progression of the gameplay. Strategy games strike a fine balance between cooperative and competitive play, prompting players to forge and dissolve alliances as they navigate the intricacies of the game.

At the heart of strategy games lies the art of decision-making, where players engage not only with the game mechanics but also in higher-level mind games with one another. As players strive to gain an advantage, they must carefully strategize, form alliances, and astutely discern their opponents’ motives.

This interplay of cunning and tactical prowess creates a rich and dynamic gaming experience that challenges players’ abilities both in the game and in their interactions with fellow players.

One of the defining characteristics of strategy card games is their considerable duration, often spanning six hours or more in a single session. These epic-length gaming experiences allow players to fully immerse themselves in the game’s world and mechanics, fostering deep engagement and emotional investment.

Passionate players often form deep connections with the game and their fellow participants, which is why these games have earned the playful moniker “friendship-ending games.”

Risk, a classic and widely recognized game, serves as an iconic example of the strategy game genre. In Risk board game, players engage in intense battles for global dominance, employing strategic maneuvers and diplomatic negotiations to gain supremacy. The thrill of Risk lies not only in territorial expansion but also in the unpredictable outcomes of battles, which keep players on the edge of their seats.

Other prominent strategy games like Twilight Imperium board game, Arkham Horror board game, and Battlestar Galactica board game transport players into richly themed and immersive settings.

These games often have intricate narratives that unfold as players progress, adding depth and flavor to the gameplay. The combination of captivating storytelling, intricate mechanics, and the intense interplay of cooperation and competition elevates strategy games to unforgettable and highly cherished gaming experiences.

Card Game Ideas From Strategy Card Games

Clear Objectives:

Define clear and achievable objectives for players to strive towards. These objectives can be based on victory points, accomplishing specific tasks, or fulfilling unique conditions.

Strategic Decision-Making: Design your card game to offer multiple paths and strategic choices. Each decision should have a meaningful impact on the game’s outcome, encouraging players to think critically and plan their moves carefully.

Card Diversity and Synergy:

Include a diverse set of cards with unique abilities, creating opportunities for players to discover and utilize powerful card combinations and synergies.

Risk Assessment: Implement elements of risk assessment and mitigation. Players should be required to weigh the potential risks and rewards of their actions and make informed decisions accordingly.

Hidden Information:

Introduce hidden information through secret objectives, hidden cards, or concealed strategies. Hidden information can add excitement and surprise elements to the gameplay.

Trick-taking card games are types of games where players take turns playing cards from their hands, and the person who plays the “winning” card for that round collects the “trick,” with the objective often being to win or avoid winning certain tricks or cards.

Both Hearts and Spades are popular trick-taking games that can be played online, offering features like multiplayer options, AI opponents, and various levels of difficulty. Playing these games online offers a more convenient game experience such as automatic scoring, and you can enjoy them anywhere.

How To Make A Card Game To Sell? The Ultimate Guideline (2023)

September 22, 2023July 21, 2023 by Jack Yang

How to make a card game to sell as an indie card game developer?

Obviously, you’ve heard about card games like Magic, YuGiOh, and Pokémon releasing unique sets quarterly and distributing those sets via collectible boosters. These are what most people would call trading card games. Their success is due to a large number of product designs and non-stop pack launches. But for small-scale operations, that’s a distant dream.

As a leading game card printing company that has helped numerous creators realize their card game dreams, WJPC will use this article to walk you through how to go from a card game concept to a prototype to turning it into a finished project.

How To Make A Card Game To Sell?

1. Thinking And Ideas - Designing A Card Game

A. Generate Creative Game Ideas

The initial phase of any project involves conceiving a compelling card game idea. There are various approaches to sparking inspiration and developing innovative concepts for your game. One method is to take an existing game you adore and modify its major gameplay elements. By doing so, you’ll gain fresh perspectives on the game and critically analyze its components. Removing elements can help you understand the essence and purpose of different game mechanics.

Alternatively, you can start with a theme or system from the real world that fascinates you and build your game around it. This approach provides a clear direction for the type of game you want to create and how players will interact within it.

Examples of the creative process abound in the gaming industry. For instance, the critically acclaimed game “Undertale” gained inspiration from classic role-playing games (RPGs) but incorporated unique mechanics, such as allowing players to choose non-violent options for encounters with enemies, leading to different outcomes and story paths.

Another success story is “Minecraft,” which originated from the idea of combining elements of sandbox play with survival mechanics, allowing players to explore, create, and thrive in an open-world environment.

Drawing inspiration from various real-world themes can also enrich your game’s elements. For example, if your game involves characters in space, you can look to books, movies, and other space-related media for creative ideas.

Additionally, the film industry serves as an excellent source of inspiration due to its competitive nature and well-defined components. Elements such as scripts, directors, actors, genres, and release dates can be quantified and integrated into your game design. As most people have some understanding of how the film industry operates, the concepts in your game will likely be easily comprehensible to players.

You can use this design method called Collaborative Sketching to come up with how to make a card game:

Grab five people.
Give each person a unique marker color and a piece of blank paper.
Each person will take 15 minutes to draw three different ideas on their paper.
When the time is up, pass your paper to the next person.
Take 5 minutes to build upon the previous person’s ideas.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 by passing the paper clockwise until you get your own.
Review and synthesize the ideas.

P.S. Everyone should remain silent from steps 1 to 6, try to sketch, and refrain from using too much text.

In summary, creativity in game design can emerge from diverse sources: adapting existing games, drawing inspiration from real-world themes, aligning themes with rules, and experimenting with different ideas to refine the gameplay experience. By following these steps and seeking inspiration from various examples, game designers can create engaging and captivating experiences for players.

B. Know Your Users And Goals

If you do the research, you’ll be surprised to find that almost all users play classic card games like poker, regardless of age and gender. Some other very popular card games are trading card games such as Pokemon, which are very popular among children and young adults.

In addition to the user’s age and gender, you also need to understand the user’s behavior and interests. Try to understand what your target audience needs in a game and what their preferences are.

Generally speaking, most card game players play these games just to pass the boring time, which is why they are classified in the category of casual gamers. Additionally, such users enjoy playing simple games that are easy to navigate and understand.

By identifying the interests and behaviors of your target market, you can easily improve your game and gain more users in a short period of time.

Five Types Of Card Gamers:

Heavy card gamers: These customers are usually experienced players who like to play board games that are highly strategic and require a lot of time to play. They tend to prefer games with complex rules, complex game mechanics, and a high level of player interaction. Games that appeal to serious board gamers include Twilight Imperium, Terra Mystica, and Through the Ages.
Light card gamers: These customers are usually more casual gamers who prefer to play card games that are easier to learn and play. They tend to prefer games that have a quick setup and can be played in one to two hours. Games that appeal to light gamers include Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, and Settlers of Catan.
Educational card gamers: These customers are usually teachers or parents who want to use games as a tool to teach a certain topic to others or younger generations. They tend to prefer games that help with skill building, critical thinking, and overall education. Examples of games that appeal to educational gamers include Monopoly, Chess, and Scrabble.
Role-playing game (RPG) fans: These are a diverse and passionate group of gamers with a deep appreciation for role-playing games. When applied to card games, players take on the role of fictional characters in a narrative-driven world. These games typically allow players to make choices that affect the story, character development, and game outcome, providing a high level of immersion and personalization. For example, popular RPG series like The Elder Scrolls, Final Fantasy, The Witcher, and Mass Effect have huge and loyal fans around the world.
Families with children: These clients are usually parents who want to spend quality time with their children while playing fun and easy-to-understand games. They tend to prefer games that are age-appropriate, have simple rules, and can be played in a relatively short amount of time. Games that appeal to families with children include Codename, Sushi Go, and Dixit. (Some families will also enjoy Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, and Hi Ho! Cherry-O.)
Adults who want to party: These customers are usually young adults who like to play social games and fun games with friends while drinking or hanging out. They tend to prefer humor, parties, and games that don’t require much strategy or deep thought. Games that appeal to adults who want to party include Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme?, and Joking Hazard.

2. Creating A Card Game - Determine Rules And Player Strategy

Once you have settled on your theme, the next step is to define the core elements of your game and its mechanics. Begin by jotting down every idea that comes to mind, ensuring you capture every thought on paper.

Your initial concept may be rough, and if you were to explain it quickly to ten different people, they would likely interpret it in ten different ways. The key now is to delve into this concept as much as possible, exploring every aspect that piques your interest. Your aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of what your game should be and how it should be played.

At this stage, it is beneficial to jot down not only the main ideas but also the intention behind each idea. Additionally, consider exploring alternative concepts or variations of the original idea. Having multiple potential approaches to achieve the same result will prevent roadblocks when critical systems need to be redesigned.

Furthermore, it is crucial to delve into the working mechanics of the game. As you develop it, keep asking yourself questions to avoid overlooking finer details and to continuously analyze your design direction.

When you are creating a card game, consider asking yourself questions like:

How many players will participate in the game?
What should be the ideal duration of the gameplay?
What decisions will players make, and when will they make them?
How will players make these choices?
How will one player’s decisions impact others?
What form of interaction will players have with each other?
Are there exclusive choices for some players?
What is the progression of the game? Is it strictly turn-based or staged turn-based?
What actions can players take?
How will the outcomes of these actions be determined?
What are the players’ ultimate goals?
How can players achieve victory?

Even if you don’t have all the answers yet, keeping these questions in mind while working will likely lead you to the solutions you seek. The answers to these questions are essential for conducting successful playtests and building prototypes. Once your documentation clearly conveys what the game is and how it works, you will know you are ready to move forward, even if it is not yet perfect.

Budget Your Ad Spend

4 High-Budget Kickstarter Promotion

1. Create Your Audience On Facebook

2. Place Ads On Forums And Related Websites

3. Rewards And Giveaways

4. Establish A Recommendation System

5 Low-Budget Kickstarter Promotion

1. People Around You

2. On Ground Marketing

3. Other Similar Projects

4. Communities and Forums

1) Forum

2) Reddit

5. Medias & Tests

1) Influencer

2) Bloggers, Editors, & Reporters

Authentic Insights from Poker Enthusiasts

1. Affordable Alternative To USPCC/Cartamundi/LPCC/EPCC

2. Continuously Improving Quality And Solutions

3. The Choice Of More And More Well-Known Designers

The Basics Of Card Printing Game Costs

1. Raw Materials Costs

2. Card Game Printing Costs

3. Coating And Card Linen Finish

4. Cutting And Gluing

5. Assembly and packaging

What Is Print On Demand (POD) Manufacturer?

What Is Mass Manufacturer?

11 Card Game Design Blogs And Websites

The League of Gamemakers

Cardboard Edison

Cardboard Edison

Stonemaier Games

Mechanics & Meeples

Make Them Play

Some Lists Of Articles From Personal Designers To Watch

Greg's Design Blog

Jeff's World of Game Design Blog

Adam in Wales Blog

Game Card Printing Design vs. Game Card Web Design

Ensuring Optimal Quality For Your Game Card Printing Design

1. Defining Your File Specifications

2. Achieving Precise Color Setting

3. Ensuring Crisp Text Appearance

4. Outputting Your Files

5. Uploading Your Files To WJPC

Choose The Most Suitable For You Among 9 Game Card Finishes

Linen Game Card Finish

1) Metallic Inks

2) Foil Film

3) Cold Foil Stamping

4) Hot Foil Stamping

5) Gilding

6) Spot Varnish

Which Game Card Finish Suits Your Needs Best?

Card Game Ideas To Create

1. Classic Card Games or Family Card Games

Card Game Ideas From Classic Or Family Card Games

2. Euro-Style Card Games

Card Game Ideas From Euro-Style Card Games

3. Deck-Building Card Games

Card Game Ideas From Deck-Building Card Games

4. Card-Based Strategy Games

Card Game Ideas From Card-Based Strategy Games

5. Strategy Card Games

Card Game Ideas From Strategy Card Games

How To Make A Card Game To Sell?

1. Thinking And Ideas - Designing A Card Game

A. Generate Creative Game Ideas

B. Know Your Users And Goals

2. Creating A Card Game - Determine Rules And Player Strategy

3. Card Game Development - Craft And Streamline Content