Card games have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. From classic tabletop games to innovative indie creations, people of all ages are captivated by imaginative gameplay facilitated by custom game card designs. If you have a great idea for a new card game, finding a quality print shop to manufacture your card decks is an essential step.
The printing industry has come a long way when it comes to printing technology and techniques that enable stunning custom game card printing. But not all printers offer the same services and production quality. When you tap into the expertise of the right print provider, you set your card game up for success from the start.
Key Factors In A Print Shop for Custom Game Cards
When evaluating print shops that specialize in game card printing, there are a few key factors to look for:
A Focus on Short-Run Printing
Most independent game designers don’t require print runs in the tens of thousands right off the bat. An ideal print shop for Kickstarter game projects accommodates short run or print-on-demand production. This allows you to test the game mechanics and polish design elements before investing in mass production.
Offset Printing Capabilities
There’s no getting around it — offset printing produces the highest print quality. By transferring inked images from plates to rubber blankets and finally onto the printing surface, offset printing creates sharp imagery and vibrant colors printed directly onto the card stock. This surpasses the quality achievable through digital printing methods.
Experience With Prototyping and Iteration
Refining a card game through multiple iterations of testing is key prior to finalizing designs for production. Choose a printer that provides guidance and quality assurance throughout prototyping. Their expertise will prove invaluable for identifying any integrity or functionality concerns in your deck designs before full-scale manufacturing.
Card Stock Knowledge
A card game lives or dies by the quality and durability of the card stock used. Don’t leave this crucial decision solely up to the printer. Do your homework on paper weights, coating options, and texture finishes. Then find a print provider ready to educate and collaborate on choosing ideal textured card stocks befitting your game.
Exceptional Craftsmanship and Precision
Mass manufacturing leaves little margin for error so intricate details on custom game cards need to be handled with care. This requires a seasoned printing team skilled at cutting, collating, laminating and packaging card orders with precision. Don’t be afraid to ask about the staff’s credentials and years of industry experience.
Key Printing Services for Superb Card Quality
On top of stellar project management guidance and quality assurance procedures, the ideal full-service print shop for game card production will offer:
Specialty Finishing Options
From matte, gloss, or soft-touch aqueous coating to foil stamping and spot UV highlights, specialty finishes create visual intrigue and satisfy the card-handling expectations of players. Explore all the options for making your card imagery pop.
Comprehensive Box and Packaging Solutions
The box, inserts or tuck packaging for game card decks significantly impacts perceived value for backers and customers. An experienced print shop provides guidance for durable packaging that aligns with your brand identity and intended audience. On-site die cutting, gluing and folding equipment produces packaging in the same facility.
The best print shops enable seamless integration of design expertise, printing quality and finishing skills tailored for the custom game card niche. This results in polished card and packaging production that brings your innovative indie game concept to market just as you envisioned. Partnering with the experts expedites manufacturing so you can start engaging fans and building buzz around the gameplay adventure made possible by your custom deck designs.
Ready to Print Your Custom Card Decks?
By gaining clarity on key printing services and vetting printer specializations essential for game cards, you can confidently choose a partner equipped to elevate your card game creations. Don’t leave production quality to chance. Discover why GoBookPrinting is the preferred print shop for card game printing based on our commitment to stellar results from concept to final card decks. Request a quote for custom game card printing tailored to your project needs.