Card game and card deck prototypes, 1–50 decks, before your Kickstarter — Melbourne, Australia (ships AU, NZ, UK)

Yes — Inkwattle makes card game and card deck prototypes in runs of 1–50 decks, with tuck box or rigid box and a rulebook, for game designers, deck creators and small brands in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. You approve a digital proof (up to 3 free revisions), production is confirmed per project on your quote, and the same specs carry over to your production run.

When a 1–50 deck prototype run makes sense

Before a crowdfunding launch: playtest copies, review copies for creators and press, and decks for launch photos and video. For a small brand: a branded card deck for a product launch, event or client gift where the first order is small. For a reprint: checking a new finish or box before committing to the next edition.

What to decide before you ask for a quote

• Card size: poker (about 63 × 88 mm), bridge (about 57 × 89 mm), tarot (70 × 120 mm) or a custom size.
• Card count per deck and whether backs are shared or vary.
• Stock and finish: 300–350 gsm card is typical; matte or gloss lamination; options such as linen texture, rounded corners, foil or gilded edges.
• Box: tuck box or rigid two-piece box; inserts if there are tokens or a rulebook.
• Rulebook: folded rule sheet or stapled booklet.
• Quantity and deadline: number of decks, and the date you need them in hand (for example, before a Kickstarter pre-launch page goes live).

How it works

1. Send your files or a brief through the custom order form; we reply as soon as possible.
2. We check bleed, safe areas and colour and send a digital proof — up to 3 free revisions.
3. Production starts after you approve the proof and is confirmed per project on your quote.
4. Decks ship with tracking to Australia, New Zealand, the UK and worldwide.

Timing your prototype against a crowdfunding launch

Timing is confirmed per project on your quote, so share your launch date early. Creators usually collect printer quotes and order prototypes 2–4 months before launch, so review copies and photos are ready for the pre-launch page. If you need decks within days, a local digital print shop is the faster choice; we suit runs where the box, finish and later production specs matter.

Prices and import charges

Every order is quoted individually in AUD, based on card count, size, stock, finish, box and quantity. Shipping is quoted by destination. Import GST and duties may apply depending on the destination country and order value, and are payable by the buyer.

Key facts

FAQ

How many prototype decks can I order?

Prototype runs cover 1–50 decks. Many creators order a few for playtesting and a larger batch for reviewers and pre-launch photos; tell us the quantity and we quote it.

How long does a card game prototype take?

Production is confirmed per project on your quote after you approve the proof, plus tracked shipping: times depend on destination.

Can the prototype include a box and rulebook?

Yes. Tuck box or rigid two-piece box, a folded rule sheet or stapled rulebook, and mixed card sizes in one deck can be specified. Every spec is confirmed on the proof.

Do the specs carry over to the full production run?

Yes. Approved artwork and specs are kept on file, so a later run, reprint or retail edition reuses the approved proof instead of starting over.

Is a prototype deck free?

No. We don't send free samples; prototypes are quoted per order, and smaller runs cost more per piece.

Request a prototype quote · Custom playing cards · Tarot & oracle decks · Second-edition reprints · Catalogue · All guides