Have you created a board game and are looking for somewhere to print your prototype? You don’t need to order several hundred copies just to test your game.
Press Start Print prints your board game prototypes from as little as one copy, with customised cards made in France at our workshop in the Loir-et-Cher.
Where can you get a board game prototype printed?
There are several options for printing a board game prototype: printing it yourself at home, using an online printer, or commissioning a manufacturer specialising in board games.
The choice depends mainly on the number of copies, the level of finish required and the type of components needed.
For an initial prototype, the aim is generally to be able to test the following quickly:
- the rules of the game;
- the game’s balance;
- the readability of the cards;
- the size of the cards;
- the number of components;
- the gameplay experience;
- the artwork and layout.
It is therefore generally not necessary to commission industrial production at this initial stage.
For a small-batch board game prototype
Press Start Print is designed for creators who wish to produce a prototype or a small batch with no minimum order quantity.
You can have the following printed, amongst other things:
- playing cards;
- character cards;
- action cards;
- resource cards;
- event cards;
- rules cards;
- reference cards;
- TCG cards;
- Tarot or Oracle cards.
Printing can be carried out from a single copy and tailored to the prototype’s requirements.
How much does it cost to print a board game prototype?
The price depends mainly on the number of cards, their size, the paper chosen and the finishes.
To find out the exact price of your prototype, you can use our online configurator.
Simply specify:
- the number of cards;
- the desired format;
- the type of printing;
- the paper weight;
- the finish;
- the number of copies.
The price is calculated automatically before you place your order.
Why print just a few copies?
A prototype allows you to test the game before investing in a larger production run.
For example, you could start with:
1 copy → first prototype
5 copies → playtesting with several groups of players
10 to 50 copies → advanced playtests
100 copies or more → small run, presentation to publishers
This allows you to gradually improve the game before launching a larger production run.
Should you print your prototype at home or at a print shop?
Printing it yourself can be a good way to quickly produce an initial paper prototype. However, it becomes more difficult to maintain quality and consistency as the number of cards increases.
Professional printing ensures, in particular:
- consistent dimensions;
- precise double-sided printing;
- paper suitable for cards;
- a consistent finish;
- rounded corners, depending on the chosen design;
- greater durability when handled.
- Credibility with testers or publishers
For a few cards intended for an initial test, a home printer may therefore suffice. When presenting the prototype to testers, a publisher or partners, professional printing can produce a result much closer to the final product.
What size should you choose for a board game prototype?
The format depends on the type of game and how the cards will be used.
The Poker format, measuring approximately 63 × 88 mm, is particularly well-suited to board game cards and ‘TCG’ style cards.
Other formats may be used for specific purposes:
- Poker: playing cards, ‘TCG’ and board games;
- Bridge: narrower cards;
- Tarot: larger cards;
- Oracle: sizes suitable for divination decks;
- Mini: compact cards;
- Square: for certain games and graphic design projects.
If you’re unsure which size to choose, it’s best to select the one that matches the final product so that gameplay testing is representative.
Which paper should you choose for a prototype?
The choice of paper depends on the level of finish required.
For a budget prototype, a standard paper weight may be sufficient.
To achieve a look and feel closer to that of a commercial game, you can use thicker paper with a suitable finish.
The main criteria to consider are:
Paper weight: this affects the thickness and stiffness of the card.
Finish: matt or glossy; this affects the visual appearance and feel.
Lamination: this can improve resistance to repeated handling and splashes of water.
Rounded corners: these give the cards a more polished, finished look and reduce the risk of damage to the corners.
However, for a prototype intended solely for gameplay, it is not always necessary to choose the most expensive finish.
How should you prepare the files for your prototype?
Before printing, your files must be prepared in the correct format.
For a card intended to be die-cut, you must in particular specify:
- the final size of the card;
- the bleed;
- a safety margin;
- the graphic elements on the front;
- the graphic elements on the reverse;
- sufficient resolution for printing.
For full-bleed cards, any illustrations and colours that are intended to extend to the edge must extend beyond the final trim size.
Example for a poker card
Final size:
63 × 88 mm
The file must be prepared with the bleed required for printing.
Text, logos and important elements must be positioned far enough from the edge to prevent them from being cut off.
How many cards should be printed to test a set?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
For an initial prototype, a single copy may be sufficient to check the layout, dimensions and materials.
For a playtest, several copies may be needed to allow multiple groups of players to test the game.
The most important thing is not to invest in a large quantity before you have finalised the key elements of the game.
Paper prototype, printed prototype or professional prototype?
Not all prototypes serve the same purpose.
Paper prototype
A paper prototype is quick and inexpensive. It is particularly well-suited to the early stages of game development.
Printed prototype
A printed prototype allows you to test the game using cards that closely resemble the final product.
In particular, it enables you to assess:
- readability;
- card size;
- texture;
- ease of handling;
- durability;
- the quality of the illustrations.
- Overall legibility in real-world conditions
Prototype intended for a publisher
When the game is to be presented to a publisher, at a trade fair or to partners, a more professional finish may be appropriate.
The aim is then no longer simply to test the rules, but also to present the game in conditions as close as possible to the final product.
Why have your prototype printed in France?
Having your prototype manufactured in France can simplify communication and reduce delays associated with international shipping.
Press Start Print carries out the printing in its workshop in the Loir-et-Cher.
This means you can prepare your prototype, send your files and receive your cards without having to launch industrial production.
Printing a board game prototype with no minimum order
One of the main advantages of a prototyping service is being able to start with a very small quantity.
You don’t need to order several hundred copies just to check whether your game works.
With Press Start Print, you can start with a small number of cards, test your game, amend your files and then order a new version.
This approach allows you to work in iterations:
Create → print → test → modify → reprint.
It’s particularly well-suited to board game prototypes, TCG and card games currently in development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I print a board game prototype?
You can print a prototype at home, at a general print shop or at a service specialising in small runs of cards. Press Start Print, for example, allows you to print playing cards from as little as a single copy.
Can you print just one copy of a board game?
Yes. For a prototype consisting mainly of cards, it is possible to start with just one copy in order to test the layout and gameplay.
How much does a board game prototype cost?
The price depends on the number of cards, the format, the paper and the finishes. Press Start Print offers a configurator that allows you to get a quote straight away based on the project’s specifications.
What size should I use for board game cards?
The Poker format (63.5 × 88.9 mm) is a common size for playing cards. However, the format should be chosen based on the gameplay, the amount of text and the intended final product.
Can I have a prototype printed by TCG?
Yes. A prototype of ‘TCG’ can be produced using customised cards featuring, amongst other things, illustrations, statistics, effects, costs and game information.
Can you modify your prototype after printing?
Yes. The main benefit of prototyping is precisely to be able to test a version, identify the necessary changes and then print a new version.
Do you have to print all the cards for the very first prototype?
No. It may be better to start with a small batch to check the essential elements of the game before producing a larger run.
Have you already created your prototype?
Don’t order several hundred cards before you’ve tested your game.
Start with the quantity you actually need, test your prototype and then refine it as you play.
Press Start Print allows you to print your game cards from as little as a single copy.