Kickstarter card game prototypes, review copies and small first runs — Designed in Melbourne (ships AU, NZ, UK)
Published 29 October 2026Yes — Inkwattle makes 1–50 prototype decks, reviewer and influencer copies and small first runs for crowdfunding card games and tabletop creators in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, made to the same proofed specs as your production run. Every order is quoted individually and timing is confirmed per project.
Our catalogue has two parts: Part 1 · Ready product range (tapes, stickers and packaging we put under your brand) and Part 2 · Custom to your brief (planners, journals, books, card decks, tabs, bookmarks and gift boxes made from your own artwork). View or download the catalogue.
Who this guide is for
Card game and tabletop designers, deck creators and small publishers in Australia, New Zealand and the UK preparing a Kickstarter, Gamefound or BackerKit campaign who need 1–50 prototype decks, review copies for reviewers and content creators, decks for campaign photos and video, or a small first run after funding.
Part 1 or Part 2: which applies to a card game?
Card games almost always sit in Part 2 · Custom to your brief: every card face, back, box and rulebook is made from your own artwork. Part 1 · Ready product range is useful around the game: branded stickers, seal tape, sleeves and packaging for backer rewards and add-ons. See both in the catalogue.
When do you need prototypes and review copies?
Typical uses before and during a campaign:
- Blind playtesting once rules are stable (keep early iteration on home-printed or sleeved cards).
- Review copies for reviewers, YouTubers and podcasters before the pre-launch page goes live.
- Photos and video for the campaign page and ads.
- Conventions and publisher pitches.
- Quality check of stock, finish and box before you commit to the production run.
Share your planned pre-launch and launch dates when you ask for a quote; timing is confirmed per project.
Prototype vs production: what should match?
Keep card size, stock, finish and box style identical between review copies and production, so what reviewers show is what backers get. Content can still change: label prototype copies clearly if rules or art are not final.
Card stock and finish options
- Size: poker (about 63 × 88 mm), bridge (about 57 × 89 mm), tarot (70 × 120 mm), mini or custom.
- Stock: around 300–350 gsm card; confirmed on your quote.
- Finish: matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination; linen texture.
- Details: rounded corners, foil, gilded or coloured edges.
Tuck box vs rigid box
Tuck box: light, compact, suits one deck and keeps backer shipping down. Rigid two-piece or magnetic box: premium shelf presence, stronger protection, room for a rulebook, tokens or insert. Many creators use a tuck box for the core game and a rigid box for a deluxe pledge level.
Proofing
Before anything prints you receive a digital proof of card faces, backs and box panels; we check bleed, safe area and resolution. Up to 3 revisions are free. Production starts only after you approve.
Shipping to reviewers and backers in AU, NZ and the UK
We ship tracked to you or directly to reviewers in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and worldwide. Shipping is quoted by destination; import GST and duties may apply and are payable by the recipient. Plan backer shipping costs (box weight and size matter) before you set pledge levels.
How to brief us
Send: card count and size, number of unique backs, stock and finish, box style, rulebook format, quantity, destinations, and your campaign dates. Print-ready PDFs with bleed are ideal; if you only have art or a spreadsheet, we can help with layout. Start at the custom order form.
How to order prototype or review decks
- Tell us the game: card count, card size, box style, rulebook and how many decks you need (1–50 prototypes or review copies, or a small first run).
- Send print-ready files (with bleed) or a brief through the custom order form; we can also design or tidy up card backs, box and rulebook layout.
- We confirm specs and quantity and send an individual quote, with timing confirmed per project against your launch plan.
- You approve a digital proof of every card face, back and box panel, with up to 3 free revisions.
- Production starts only after approval; decks ship with tracking to you, your reviewers or backers in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and worldwide.
- Approved specs stay on file, so your crowdfunding production run or reprint matches the prototype.
Key facts
| Catalogue section | Part 2 · Custom to your brief (card decks); add-ons from Part 1 |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 1–50 prototype or review decks, and small first runs; quoted per order |
| Proof | Digital proof, up to 3 free revisions |
| Samples | No free physical samples; prototypes quoted, and the sample fee is fully credited against your first order |
| Timing | Confirmed per project on your quote |
| Ships to | Australia, New Zealand, UK and worldwide, tracked |
FAQ
Can I print just one prototype deck or a handful of review copies?
Yes. Runs start from a single deck, and 1–50 deck prototype or review-copy runs are what this service is for. Smaller runs cost more per deck; every order is quoted individually.
Should review copies for influencers and reviewers look like the final game?
As close as you can make them. Reviewers photograph and film what they receive, so use the card stock, finish and box you plan to deliver to backers, and a clean rulebook. Mark copies as prototypes if components may still change.
What is the difference between a prototype and a production run?
A prototype run is a small number of decks to playtest, review, photograph and check physical quality. A production run fulfils backers and retail. With us both are made to the same proofed specs, so the prototype is a true preview of production.
Which card stock and finish should I choose?
Most card games use around 300–350 gsm card with matte or gloss lamination; linen texture helps shuffling and feel. Options include rounded corners, foil details and gilded or coloured edges. We confirm the exact stock on your quote.
Tuck box or rigid box?
A tuck box is light and suits a single deck and cheaper backer shipping. A rigid two-piece or magnetic box feels premium, protects better and fits a rulebook, tokens or an insert, but adds weight and size to shipping.
Do you ship to backers in Australia, New Zealand and the UK?
Yes. Orders ship with tracking to Australia, New Zealand, the UK and worldwide, either to you or to individual reviewers. Import GST and duties may apply depending on destination and are payable by the recipient. Timing depends on destination and is confirmed per project.
Do you send free samples?
No. Digital design proofs are free (up to 3 revisions); physical prototypes and samples are quoted per order, and the sample fee is fully credited against your first order.
How long will it take?
Timing depends on card count, finish, box, quantity and destination, so it is confirmed per project on your quote rather than promised in advance. Tell us your pre-launch and campaign dates when you enquire.
Where is Inkwattle based?
Inkwattle is designed in Melbourne, Australia, with our own production, and ships with tracking worldwide.
Request a prototype quote · Card game prototypes, 1–50 decks · Small-batch tarot and oracle decks · Catalogue · All guides
— Inkwattle