CCG/RPG publishing for small publishers

[DevP]

I'm posting and idea I had to encourage folks to consider independent CCGs or, as has cropped up at times, CCG-based RPGs. I propose:

A Free CCG Program!

What?!? I'll explain.

We will have a standard database format (XML, MySQL, more acronyms) for people to describe the content - flavor text, instruction test, picture URL, background URL, card costs, whatever; and significantly, keep information about the commonness/rarity of these cards. Maybe some of these databases are open and free, and maybe some of them aren't (i.e. you pay for them like proprietary software).

Then, create a GPL program that can read from the database, do PDF formatting, and print out sheets of cards as per a random distribution (as if you were buying a sealed deck in the store, pretty much). If you have the resources, print the sheets on cardstock at Kinko's instead of on paper.

Simple idea, no? I'd even think it's easily programmable; if I knew more how to use LaTeX for intensive graphical layout, it would be quite easy. (If anyone has links to good resources, or better GPL tools for textual PDF creation, suggestions are welcome.)

So while pushing CCGs as such is hard for a very small operation like, say, just me, we could market card-databases and rulesets that are compatible with this generic Card Creator program.

Thoughts?

[Umberhulk]

I'm working on a custom card game right now.  This would be neat because people could package the cards how they want, by selecting cards, quantities, and format.  The output could be to pdf for ink jet / medium card stock printing or it would be cool if somewhere there is a service that would print to real cards (like you can order coffee mugs with .jpg pictures printed on them, but with sturdy playing cards).  If we get some requirements together we could probably solicit programmers from the open source community on sourceforge.net.

This program could also be used to collect fan-based card sets and ideas.

Oh, I use PDFCreator.  Its an open source post script distiller.

[madelf]

Just a thought that ocurred to me while considering printing issues for a card game...

How about formatting the cards to business card size rather than standard playing card size? That way people could print them on those break-apart business card sheets that are available & it would save all the troubles of trying to get them cut out straight and such.

[Umberhulk]

I considered that myself, but ended up using medium weight 8.5 x 11 paper card stock with 12 cards per sheet (2" x 3 3/8" for each card, 2" x 3.5" makes it just so my ink jet can't print the bottom 1/8" of cards).  Heavy weight paper card stock would be better, but doesn't work with inkjets well.  My experience with those business cards is that they are too flimsy even as business cards, but your experience may vary.  Plus, they are on the smaller size for real estate.

[quozl]

This might be a good resource:

http://www.plaincards.com/

[Marhault]

This might be a good resource:

http://www.plaincards.com/

Thank you so much, Jonathan!  I've been trying to find something like this for about 2 years!

[Valamir]

The only down side to Plain Cards, is that right now their card stock only comes with standard playing card backs in 2 colors....which makes their utility for games slightly more difficult.

To my knowledge they do not at this time carry plain backed cards that could then be printed with a custom back.  Although if enough people inquire, perhaps they could.

[quozl]

The only down side to Plain Cards, is that right now their card stock only comes with standard playing card backs in 2 colors....which makes their utility for games slightly more difficult.

To my knowledge they do not at this time carry plain backed cards that could then be printed with a custom back.  Although if enough people inquire, perhaps they could.

Yes, please let him know that we'd like to see custom backs.  His email is: ken@plaincards.com

[madelf]

According to the ad on the back of my "Sketch" magazine, Blue Line Pro Graphix is now doing POD trading cards.
Their web address is www.bluelinepro.com